A Child's perspective on those BIG Things in life

This year so far has been a tough one for me (us) with big changes and loss. I'm so grateful for little children who help me cope and see sunshine through the rain. In January, my mom, brother (Thomas), his wife and 2 kids all moved to Utah. This was a big loss to us as they were always more than family, neighbors, friends, or confidantes. They were all of this to us and more! So after they moved, when Lydia or I was having an off day, we found a lot of comfort just stopping and saying honestly "I miss my Mom!" or Lydia "I miss Leina and Anika! I want to play with them." Then we would give nice hugs and pats and sympathize and then go on with whatever needed to be done. Then in March, our long time pet, our 10 year old golden retriever, Lance, had a debilitating seizure one afternoon, and we had to put him down that very day. Lydia was there and she was sweet and gentle. She said goodbye as we left in the Suburban with Lance. Afterwards we explained to her that he died and she was ok with it, but I don't think she understood. She sometimes said "we will see him again. He will come back." A couple weeks later, we had a fabulous trip that we had been looking forward to all winter, visiting Mom and Tom's family in their new home in Layton, Utah. Eli, Lydia, Leina, and Anika played their hearts out and we tromped all over the place to museums and sites for a week.
Now the amazing ending to my discourse. Lydia capsulized all these important events and with that child-like faith, had this question and answer conversation with me last night at bedtime. The thing is she had all the questions and all the answers. I only had to affirm it.
L: Grandma and Leina and Anika will come back and visit, right.
Me: sure I hope soon.
L: They could move back to a house here someday.
Me: yeah, maybe. Although they do like their house in Utah. It fits them pretty well, doesn't it?
L: I miss Leina and Anika, and Lance. But Lance is in heaven, isn't he? And he won't come back here. Lance is Jesus' puppy now.
Me: yes
L: Him fixed Lance.
Me: yes, he did.
L: Lance likes being Jesus' dog and living in heaven now. He will stay there.
Me: yes, I think you are right.
And it is that simple! Truly it is.