I don't know if I can go to Dad's funeral

Hi,

My Dad passed away a few weeks ago and I was able to spend time with him and was there when he passed. His funeral is coming up and am really torn as to what I should do. I currently feel like I want to be at home and watch it online by myself.  Since he died there has been a lot of arguments between my siblings which I have tried to stay out of. They will all be going to the funeral.

I feel if I'm at home I can just grieve quietly and remember him in my own way without any drama. However, I am worried though that it may appear disrespectful if I don't go so I am pretty torn. 

I am just interested to know if anyone has had a similar experience?

 

Thank you x

  • Hi if you don't go it'll be to late if you change your mind after. And as you said it could be thought as disrespectful to your dad, you could always go home right after and leave the others to it. 

    Billy 

  • One of my siblings didn't go to an important family funeral ... got a lot of flack initially but after a while no one was bothered and understood the need to deal with feelings alone. Several other family members don't attend any funerals or weddings at all because of health issues/social anxieties.

    In an ideal world it really shouldn't matter, I feel.

    If you are watching on-line then you are in a sense present. And for some people who are immunocomprised and can't risk a funeral this is the best way. I think in a post-Covid world with funerals being live-streamed different norms are emerging, which may be a good thing. I can't advise you what to do because I don't know your specific family dynamics. I'm just saying that personally I wouldn't judge someone by whether they did or didn't attend a funeral in person. It shouldn't be seen as disrespectful in my opinion.

    I hope you manage to work it out okay and are able to say goodbye to your Dad in a way that is best for you. Maybe ask yourself a different question, not so much what will family say as what would your Dad have said? Take care. x

  • Hi.  I remember that I almost didn't go to my Mum's funeral after she died of cancer, I honestly didn't think that I could face it, but I decided that if I didn't go, I might later regret it.  I am very glad that in the end I went, and I left almost straight afterwards.  Violet.

  • I was in a similar situation to you. Due to a family fallout, I ended up missing the funeral. I regret this decision now, as I feel I let my dad down. I think it's probably better to go, and just leave early if you feel you want to.