Should I attend the funeral?

The purpose of a funeral is not always to honor the dead - sometimes it's to honor those left behind and show support.

If there's any way you can go (without losing your job or something), I would absolutely go. It seems that there's a close bond between your s/m and your kids at least, and I believe it would be wrong not to go if you're able.

It's never a bad thing to do more than what's "expected."

Can you afford the trip? Can you get the time off work? If I couldn't make the trip, I would definitely send a card but I would also call her and tell her how sorry you are and send flowers to the funeral home. If the two of you have a good relationship, she will understand how difficult it would be for you to come back so soon after just being there.

I would go if I could...financially,etc. but if you can't I think a sincere sympathy card and a phone card will be ok. Only you can decide which will make you feel better. The funeral is a chance to say a lst goodbye and is for the living really.

This is a hard one....I think if you can make it work, go back to Indiana....but I think your step-mom would understand if you couldn't make it. If you decide not to go, I would definitely send an arrangement, card, and call her....it sounds like she knows how much you and your family love her, and truthfully she'll be surrounded by so many people and so busy making arrangements, it may be even more stressful for her......I'm sorry for your family's loss.

If you were close to him or not is not the question. A funeral is more so for the living people to show support for them. I think you should go. If your step mother is so close to you guys you owe it to here to be there to support her in this. Good Luck in your decision.

Can you afford to go back up there?

Do the children want to go ?

Have you spoken to ther on the phone?

I feel the card is not enough. You could call and check on her and explain that you just got back to Texas and then ask if she NEEDS you to come back up.

I think you should just send flowers. I am sure you step-mother can appreciate the distance & expense. I would send flowere to the funeral home & then after a week, to her personally, just to remind her you are thinking of her. This death was not unexpected.

Well if you have a good relationship with her yourself you should definitely go! She will need all of the support she can get, and seeing the children might help her to.

It sounds like you are close to your step-mom, so I would attend. I don't think funerals are for the dead, they are more for those left behind. I think that your stepmother would appreciate your presence.

Do what your intuition tells you to do. I usually follow my intuition.

A telephone call to express your feelings, and a warm Sympathy card go a long way.