Should I go?

Question

A kid from my grade in my school died the other day. I nevr really met him nor talked to him, but I knew who he was. Should I go to the funeral?

Oh yea...well I go to a private school and they closed school tomrrow because the whole faculty is going....

Answer 1

The funeral is not for the dead, but for the survivors. It will help the family even more to know someone cares.

Answer 2

Sweetie, I commend you for having the thought to be respectful enough to want to know, but considering how you stated you don't know the little boy or even talked to him, it could be that by you not attending, you are being more respectful. Don't attend just to conform with others (meaning just because everybody else does), the school is closed....enjoy that day living for you, and say a small prayer for his family, but think about...if the whole school is closed and say everyone attends his funeral, that is a bit overwhelming for that family. Especially when they don't know anyone...yes, it's kind and sweet, but that is truly overwhelming and it causes the funeral to last hours instead of the normal time, depending on his family's religion. So, talk this over with your parents and see what they say....It's okay to have compassion for someone from a distance...send the family a bereavement card if you are that touched by the event, but seeing someone without seeing someone can cause a indirect guilt and emotional state of someone you don't even now...it's quite hard participating is such an event. Take care...(smiles)

Answer 3

If your school is closing for the services, I would at least make an appearance, sign the reception book, or send flowers.

I would say yes-- go.

This may be your first experience with a funeral service and you are not all that comfortable going. Think of this as a dress rehearsal. Since you didn't know the kid, you won't be hurting like those who did.

Your presense, is for the living, for the family.
The family will appreciate it, they will know that their son was cared about very much.

What would you gain by not going?
What would you lose if you didn't go?

think about it, and I would say since the school is closing, GO!

Answer 4

Since the school is closing for the funeral, you might as well go pay your respects like every one else.

Answer 5

I think his family would appreciate your presence there, even if you did not know him. And funerals are more about comforting the living than anything else... the dead don't really care if you respect them or not.

Answer 6

I don't know about going, but why don't you talk to some folks in your situation to see if maybe you all want to send a card or flowers or make a donation in his name or something all together. that way, you're not disregarding his death, but i think funerals are kinda personal. just IMO

Answer 7

Yes, your obviously affected by what has happened as you are thinking about the kid, it will probably make you feel better, and it will be nice for his family to see that you are thinking of them as this is a really tough time for them.

Answer 8

Well in this world, we're all a family. I go to school, and even if I dont know that person alot, i would help them, or at least be there for them if they need help. I would say, you should go.

Answer 9

Yes...if you were invited you should go so the parents know that you actually care for their son/daughter go...Would you want no one to go to your funeral

Answer 10

Well..It depends if it is a public or personal funeral.I would go.I thought that was a tragic thing.