Death is an unavoidable part of life, yet many believe that young children should be shielded from its harsh reality. There’s a common fear that discussing death may confuse or distress their innocent minds. However, sometimes life forces children to confront loss far earlier than expected.
Such was the case for 5-year-old Khayne Kheian Naelgas Castro from the Philippines, who tragically lost his mother during the birth of his baby brother.
Too young to grasp the permanence of death, Khayne believed his mother was simply sleeping. What followed was an incredibly heartbreaking moment—Khayne curled up beside her coffin and drifted off to sleep, waiting for her to wake up.
A Child’s Innocent Grief
According to reports from Tribun Pekanbaru, Khayne’s mother passed away due to complications while giving birth to his younger brother, Cyril Khayzer Castro. Her sudden and tragic passing left the family devastated, now left to raise two young boys without their mother.
For Khayne, however, the reality of his mother’s death hadn’t fully set in. He spent hours sitting quietly beside her coffin, gazing at her still face, waiting for her to stir. At times, he rested his head against the coffin, as if patiently waiting for her to wake up.
His grandmother, who witnessed these deeply moving moments, shared her sorrow on social media.
“Why Can’t Mommy Sleep with Me Anymore?”
In a Facebook post, she wrote, “This child asked me, ‘Why can’t mommy sleep with me anymore?’” Her words were filled with sadness and helplessness as she struggled to explain death to such a young child. All she could do was watch as Khayne carefully carried a small stool to the coffin, climbed up to look at his mother’s face, and hoped she would open her eyes. He tried to hug her, unaware that she would never wake up again.
The photographs she posted revealed the depth of Khayne’s grief. In one poignant moment, Khayne, drained from his sorrow, leaned against a chair beside his mother’s coffin. In another, he had pushed several chairs together, creating a makeshift bed so he could sleep beside her, perhaps hoping she would appear in his dreams.
An Outpouring of Sympathy
The photos spread quickly across social media, capturing the hearts of people around the world. Strangers flooded the comments with words of sympathy and encouragement, deeply moved by the little boy’s heartbreaking devotion to his mother. Many expressed their condolences, while others offered financial help to support the family during this trying time.
The grandmother, overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, responded with gratitude. “May God bless everyone,” she wrote. “Please continue to pray for Cyril, who was just born. We hope he grows up strong and healthy.”
Finding Strength in Loss
While Khayne’s story is filled with immense sorrow, it also underscores the importance of supporting grieving families—particularly young children who may not yet understand the concept of loss. Thanks to the compassion of others, Khayne and his family are receiving the support they need to navigate this heartbreaking chapter in their lives.
Our thoughts are with them as they face the pain of this profound loss.
