How Sad

So my first occasion of a student asking me a question that makes me sad for them happened. I was sharing some pictures of our Europe trip, and showed them one of the mummy in the Vatican museum. I was explaining that the lady had died over three thousand years ago, when one young man raised his hand and asked how someone could have died before the Earth was even born. He was obviously confused that today is only 2009...how could something be 3000 years old. I carefully explained, trying not to make him feel bad about himself, always a delicate balance. Luckily the other students were kind, and no one made fun or laughed. It always amazed me what some of my students don't know.