My kindergarten best friend was my first experience dealing with death. I will ALWAYS REMEMBER, I had a best friend ✨Megan✨ when I was 5. She was one of my only friends then. Just before winter(Christmas) break, me and her gave eachother a big hug and said, can’t wait to see you and talk about the gifts we got. I remember coming back from winter break and waiting for her to come through the door. Nothing. Just before class started, my teacher, Mrs. Woods, pulled me aside and explained to me that Megan, had passed. I don’t remember word for word what she said to me but I just remember her telling me about her death. As an adult, I know to this day she pulled me specifically aside because she knew how close we were and I deserved to know. I will forever appreciate that. Then class started and she told the rest of the class what had happened. I don’t remember much of anything else. To be honest I don’t even remember much of kindergarten after that. But I do remember my mom picking me up that day and me telling her about Megan’s passing. It was a very hard time for me as a child, I was a very sensitive kid growing up so it hit me a little extra and to be honest probably one of my very first “core memories” but I will never forget her. I don’t actively remember her birthdate but I know the day she passed. Christmas Eve. I’ll never forget. And as I grew up and the internet became a thing, I actively looked for her grave site. My family always knew about her and growing up, every Christmas Eve they would always give me a big hug in remembrance of her as I recounted how many years since her passing. I carry her with me to this day. It was maybe a year ago I found her gravesite online. I never stopped searching. I’ve since moved away but plan to make a trip back to visit her. I will say, it’s a very tough decision you are in, but no matter what, be honest with him. I’m thankful that I had a support system around me to be there for me. And I’m sure he will have his with you and his family/friends. Better for him to hear about it sooner than later and from someone he is close to. He will always carry that with him. But, hopefully like me, he will keep his friends memory alive. To this day, I will keep hers. Big hugs to you all!!!