Protecting Kids from the D Word

On different occasions over the years we have talked about the few people in our lives who have passed away. Our oldest, who is 5, i think at this point understands what that means and will sometimes ask questions. When my husband was recently very sick and going back and forth to the hospital this conversation came up a few times as he asked about his daddy and if he was going to be ok. We had a few private heart to hearts where we talked about how the doctors and nurses were taking great care of him and that he was going to be okay. It's hard to see my young one going through this thought process as I know he was feeling incredibly affected and concerned for his best friend. Yesterday after watching my husband change the bandages on his legs the question came up again and we had to answer him the best way we knew how: by assuring him no one was dying and reminding him that daddy is getting better, it just takes time. While we know having Crohn's does not mean dying, eventually some way or another people do pass away. For anyone with kids, have you had these conversations, and how do you field the questions they have about death?