Friends Funeral?

Question

my best friend from high school pastaway this weekend in a racing accident (expected) we dont really see each other much, he would stop by every now and again when he would see me visiting my parents...i havent really talked to anyone in my old town except for him. His viewing is wednesday night, but i have prior engagements that i cannot cancel, is it wrong for friends to go to a funeral???

Answer 1

First of all let me say I am sorry for your loss and I hope that in time you will heal accordingly. Loss of life is never an easy thing to deal with and when it is a friend it makes it that much worse.

I went through the exact same thing a few years back. My best friend from High School passed away at 17y/o in a car accident and I had been in Uni for 3 years and did not see him all that often, just when I went home those few times a year or when I occasionally talked on the phone with him.

The viewing was a difficult decision for me as I lived far away and had other commitments that day as well... I dwelled on this and then looked into my heart to make a decision that would make me most happy...

In the end I took one week off work/Uni and made the 8 hour drive home to see the funeral. I spent a lot of timw with his family and other friends from childhood and I am glad I did it in the end.

Do what you believe is best hun, if your commitments can not be broke then do what in your heart feels right... Be better and I hope the time of grieving goes well.

PoIsOn MuNkEy

Answer 2

Usually friends would go to a funeral but if you have prior engagements then you obviously cannot go. A card of condolence to your friends spouse or parents or children would be appropriate too. Some people just don't go to funerals and most people would understand and not feel slighted if everyone that the decedent knew didn't show up.

Answer 3

Funerals are at least as much for the living as the dead. People usually go because they want to go. They feel a need. If you and your friend had grown apart and you are not feeling the need, there is nothing that says you HAVE to go. It's entirely up to you.

Answer 4

You should go to your friends viewing. You don't have to stay the whole time, just for a few minutes. Stop past on your way to the other engagement just to pay your respects to your friend and his family.

Answer 5

If you engagement is really important and not attending will cause you trouble well, do not go to his funeral I think he can understand your situation beside going to his funeral wont make him alive. Just dont forget to send him prayers or offer mass for him.

Answer 6

Do you mean ....is it wrong for friends to NOT go? It isn't wrong but you should at least send a note of sympathy to the family and explain briefly that you had a conflict that prevented you from being there. Could you send flowers or a plant?

Answer 7

Sorry for your loss.
It is OK to miss the viewing, and the funeral if needed.
It doesn't change that fact that he was your friend, and that you will miss him.
Do what you want.
Funerals are for friends and family to say good bye, and to remember the good times in the departed ones life.
Good luck to you, God bless.

Answer 8

No, how can u say it is wrong.......it is your duty as a friend to be there.....well i bet the people whom u r supposed to be with on his viewing will understand when u tell them that ur friend died....part of friendship means being there for one another....that doesn't exclude funeral....

Answer 9

You should go to the funeral no matter who is with you this guy only dies once. You should pay your last respects to him thats all.

Answer 10

Really just think about how it is going to affect you. Do you need to go to close the relationship? Then do whatever you can to get there. If you can be ok without going, then don't worry about it.