Heartbroken Man Misses Grandmother's Funeral - His Coworkers Go on a Secret Mission (2024)

FAQs

Is it bad to miss a grandparents funeral? ›

Is it wrong to skip a funeral? The funeral is a chance to pay your last respects to a person before they are buried or cremated. But the funeral isn't really for the deceased, it's for the living. It would only be wrong to skip a funeral if someone else is relying on you to be there.

Funerals are emotional events and if there is family conflict, estranged relationships, or other reasons that can make the occasion uncomfortable, then the better personal choice may be to not attend. Funerals are a way for friends and family to say their goodbyes, reminisce, or grieve, and ultimately find closure.

If your co-worker, friend, or family member loses someone they love, be sure to attend at least one of the funeral events, whether it's a visitation, wake, or funeral service. Funerals are for the living, not the deceased, and your presence at the funeral is more important than you know.

Offer to help in any way you can, or make a donation to a charity that's important to the family and the person who passed away. It's important to acknowledge your absence but still keep the focus on the family and their loss. No matter how guilty you might be feeling, remember that this isn't about you.

It is certainly not a given that everyone can attend a funeral service and it is not disrespectful if you cannot be there in person. It must also be your decision; it is completely up to you. There are many reasons why you may not be able to do so, and it is not always straightforward.

Loss of a grandparent in later life

If you were particularly close and leant on them for emotional, social or other support, then the loss is likely to be acutely painful. It can even cause the loss of relational identity, loss of a support network and other secondary losses.

If you did not know the deceased but are close to the grieving family, then it is a way for you to show your support to them. If you feel your presence will make the family of the deceased uncomfortable or if it is a private event, do not attend the funeral.

For example, if you don't believe in the afterlife then a traditional funeral might not feel right for you, as this is a focus of religious ceremonies. Some people dislike the somber nature of funerals and prefer the idea of a joyful event that celebrates the life they've led.

As a general rule, if you feel like you want to attend the service and you've been invited, then you should attend. If you didn't know the person who died but you have a relationship with the bereaved—even if only a casual relationship—your attendance can help to make the bereaved feel cared for and supported.

Even if you didn't know the person who died, if the funeral will be local and especially if the person who died was a member of your co-worker's immediate family, it is very appropriate for you to attend the funeral.

Is it okay to just go to visitation and not funeral? ›

It's typically considered more important to attend the funeral service. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable only attending the funeral; however, you might like the chance to speak to the family in a more relaxed setting at the visitation. As long as you're kind and respectful, the choice is yours.

In some instances, honesty is the most effective method. If a family member who has been at odds with others contacts you, explain that you would love to have them attend, but that you are concerned that doing so would create tension at the service.

An Unattended Funeral also referred to as a direct or unattended cremation, is ideal for those who would prefer a simpler funeral. An Unattended Funeral is different to a traditional funeral as there is no funeral service beforehand and no mourners present at the cremation.

Give yourself time to feel sad, but try to do something daily to bring yourself joy. Contact other friends and ask them to check in on you or consider talking to a therapist. Losing someone can be overwhelming, and a therapist can help you work through it and be able to function in your daily life.

If you feel uncomfortable or think that others might be upset by your presence, it is perfectly acceptable to not show up. If you really want to attend but don't feel comfortable, you can say goodbye on your own terms instead of attending the service. You can also have your own private memorial.

This decision holds immense emotional significance, as it involves the possibility of regret. Whether you decide to visit or not is a deeply personal choice, influenced by cultural beliefs, personal values, and the complexity of familial relationships.

The death of a grandparent may be one of the earliest bereavements we experience. Whether the loss of your grandfather or grandmother was expected or sudden, grief can be overwhelming and is a natural response to losing someone you care about. Here are some real stories from people grieving a grandparent.

Funerals are not required by law, but when someone dies, their body must be buried or cremated. The family doesn't have to hold a funeral or memorial service if they would not like to. There are several reasons people consider avoiding a funeral: Cost.