should I take my child out of school for one day

[justalilmummy]

My grandfather has had a sudden and unexpected heartattack
He has never met my children and I have not seen or spoke to him in several years
He is looking like he will recover but I am feeling the guilt for not keeping in contact.
He lives miles away from us so a weekend is not enough, I feel I should take the children to see him but am worried I will be refused and fined, which I really cannot afford
Basically what I am asking is are these considered the exceptional circumstances that the school will allow leave for!

[halfwayupthehill]

I don't think you shd feel obliged to tell the school everything...i would think seeing their grndfather who is v ill shd be enough.