Quote Originally Posted by TsPoet View Post
wow, thanks to everyone. And thanks for the quick answers.
I will definitely go. In fact, I've arranged to carpool with someone else from work who is going - so I can't forget or come up with an excuse.
based on your input I have a different attitude and if it's possible to "happily" go to a funeral, that's what I'll be doing. It doesn't seem like a chore anymore, but rather something positive to do with my day tomorrow.

thank you.
I'm so happy you changed your mind. I admire people who can do that so gracefully.

The others have said how important it is for the family that people come. My experience has been similar.

My husband's bookkeeper died after a long battle with cancer, leaving her husband and 9 yo son. We had only known her for 3-4 years, while all the rest of the employees had known her much longer. However, she greatly admired my husband, which he didn't really know. When we arrived at the funeral home for visitation, through the large crowd, her sisters and her mother were falling over themselves to greet him, and tell hm how much he meant to her, and to thank him for treating her so well in her last years. He was stunned, and one of the only times I've seen him tearful in front of others. He had no idea that she talked about him so much.

So, you never know what impact you have on others, and it's good for everyone involved to find out once in a while. It would be really nice if you could connect with at least one member of her family, and tell that story.

Karen