This story, "Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs", depicts the relationship of a child, Tommy, with his grandmother and great-grandmother. This story speaks of death and the understanding of a child about death. It revolved around Tommy's special relationship with his great-grandmother who was bedridden. The author describes of their special bond as seen in the scenes where Tommy would visit his great-grandmother and they would both be tied up in their own chairs so they could have their talk. He had fond memories of both his grandmothers.
             The death of his great-grandmother was explained bluntly but it covered what a four-year old could possibly absorb about death. The author did not choose to use symbolisms such as heaven or angels to depict death. Instead, Tommy's mother, when asked by the four-year old what death was, she simply explained of the undeniable reality of his great grandmother's demise by saying "she won't be here anymore," she said. This described the inevitable permanence of death. When asked if his great grandmother will ever return, the mother answered, "except in your memory." This implied that the presence of a loved one will remain in the child's memory, in spite of death. The "falling star" was used to symbolize the continuing existence of a loved one who had died. To pertain to the falling star as a kiss from his great grandmother, his mother reminded Tommy that even if his great grandmother were dead, his great grandmother's love did not cease to exist. After a few years, his grandmother also died. He later saw a falling star and appreciated its symbolism: his grandmother's continuous love even after death. This story explained the realities of death as better understood by a child. It shows how important it is to ensure a child of a loved one's enduring affection even after death. The devastation from death would be lessened if the...