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Funeral Edicate?

Posted by on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:11 AM
  • 21 Replies
OK. My Gram has ALS. Its incurable. It's progressing very fast.

My gram has come to the point of acceptance and has decided and given my mother her last rights... Basically when it comes to the point the disease hits her diaphragm and breathing becomes a task she wants her feeding tube to be closed and to be made comfy. My mother is bringing in hospice services. I know they can. Be involved for months. But the disease is just... moving to fast...

I know my older kids will behave and I know Celestyn will be fine. But would it be inappropriate to bring them? Were all very close. There will be plenty of family to help if need be. My Gram adores the kids.

I just don't know what to do. This is breaking my heart. My grandmother is my best friend. I hate this. She doesn't deserve this!
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Posted by on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:11 AM
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Turtledoves
by Platinum Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:15 AM
It depends on the type of funeral. Older children are usually allowed, especially if they were close. Most funeral ediquette says no young children or babies. It's up to you if you want to follow that with your family. Honestly my dd is like glue to me, I'd have to have her there but that comes with the added stress of "will she behave? What if she cries? Will I miss part of the service due to having to walk her outside?"

Sorry about your grandmother!
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DeirdraG.
by Bronze Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:19 AM
I don't think my family will be bothered. I think they will be more upset if I don't bring them.

I guess ill have to talk to my mom.
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Misery_Stitches
by Gold Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:23 AM
1 mom liked this
If your Gram says yes, then I would. Its her funeral so it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks.

My family have always been fine with kids
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mama_l
by Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:31 AM
There is no "funeral etiquette" when it comes to children's ages and attending a funeral. The only etiquette is to make sure any disruptive behavior is immediately tended to.
There is absolutely no reason why your children shouldn't attend your grandmother's funeral. Children can bring a smile to other's faces at a very sad time. Just make sure you have someone that can take them outside if the need arises.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. *HUGS*
Mrs.Kubalabuku
by on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Let some of the kids decide.  Often, funeral homes have special rooms kids can go in if they feel uncomfortable during the service.  Older kids can let you know if they want to go or not.

As for the baby, again, talk to teh funeral home.  The special rooms often have closed circuit TVs so you can watch the funeral while staying with baby, or enlist a friend to sit in there with baby while you sit with the older kids in person.  Don't underestimate friends!  They can easily sit in another area, or take the baby to a nearby park, during the service, but be with you before, during the luncheon, etc.  Not many people will need to see the baby during the actual service, but they might enjoy seeing her around during the other times, kwim?

And some homes even offer a "babysitter' during the service!  It's all going to take some calling around to find the resources you need.  It would be nice if she sat quiet with you, but it will be nice as well if you have options.  Talk to other parents with young kids in the family and try to get something organized.

KaelynnsMommy64
by Bronze Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:45 AM
I would take them. I took DD to my aunts funeral when she was a baby. It's their family too. I'm sorry to hear about your grandma :(
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angela.bouchard
by Angela on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:49 AM

It depends on their age. I would think older kids that can sit quietly are fine but you probably won't want them there if they are going to be running around. It's a time where people share stories and grieve for loved ones and you might be surprised as how much crying you do, or other people do. 

I had to go to my great uncles funeral a few weeks ago and I didn't bring my 18 month old. I hardly knew the man and I cried like a baby.

skhech
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Just had the best and worst weekend ever... :(
Today at 4:35 PM
by on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:51 AM

When my grandfather passed away, my children were 2 1/2 and 5 months old. During the service, DH kept the oldest in the narthex of the church, behind closed doors, and I held the baby in the pew. My dad and step-mother (it was my mother's father who had passed away) sat right behind me, and when the baby started to fuss, my step-mom took him and left the room with him. She also stayed at the church with the kids while the rest of us went to the graveside. That worked really well, and allowed everyone who needed to be in the service to stay, and more peripheral members attended to the kids when needed...

la_bella_vita
by Diamond Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 12:16 PM

 ((hugs))

Paigesmommy78
by Bronze Member on Feb. 22, 2012 at 12:52 PM

this

Quoting Misery_Stitches:

If your Gram says yes, then I would. Its her funeral so it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks.

My family have always been fine with kids


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