Explaining stroke to kids without making them sad

[emma]

I know we've discussed this previously in this forum (see viewtopic.php?f=87&t=875&hilit=explaining+to+kids) but I wonder others' thoughts about this.

Today, a little boy asked me "What happened?" & "Why do you need that [my walking frame]?". I'm used to answering these queries by know and it's great that kids can ask & be educated. However, after attempting to explain to him his lip curled, he frowned and holding back the tears he said, "Will you be ok?". I was shocked, normally I've found that kid's stand a distance, aske the question or stare and run away and continue playing. But he just stepped closer and seemed really concerned and sad. I said I was fine, improving everyday and his mum also reassured him.

In my stroke recovery I've never experienced explaining my situation to a child with so much empathy. He was sad. How can you convince or explain to a child better without making them sad?

[emma]

I noticed on facebook on the NSF site, Karen Bayly wrote, “For anyone wanting to explain stroke to children, the best book I came
>across is 'My Mum had a stroke' Jenny Tunstall & Andrea Quinn,
>published by Griffith University. Totally excellent book. If it's a
>grand parent involved the book Grandpa's had a Stroke is pretty good
>too. Details of both on the NSF website .My 4yr old went through a very
>obvious grieving process when I had my stroke and I'd be happy to
>answer any questions from people managing young children's responses to
>stroke. NSF have my contact information. “ –

I think I'll invest in reading this book to make sure I do educate kids properly about stroke. I think now that my nieces and nephews are growing up & my friends having kids that it's even more important. Have others read this?