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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

The final send-off

6 replies

BrianBlessed01 · 19/01/2024 18:59

I started posting a much, much longer post, but I'll keep this brief-ish. I'm one of four kids from my Dad and my Mum, who died seven years ago (my Dad has since remarried.)
Relationships with my brother and one of my sisters have got so bad that I genuinely never want to see either of them again. They have behaved so nastily (we are all a bit damaged by our childhood) and, while we had a good relationship when our children were small, with me cooking lovely lunches, visits to the park with our kids, etc, when they came to visit, there is no bearing (genuinely) on how shitty their behaviour has been - I think it might be related to our Mum's death. My brother is genuinely really f**ked up by our childhood, and doesn't seem especially sane.
But - my brother lives in Japan, she lives in Yorkshire - they have very distant relationships with my dad, whereas I live in the same city as him, and go to see him every week without fail.
My dad is 86 but still in fairly good health for his age. I'm still quite close to the other sister. But already I've started thinking that I just don't want to attend my dad's funeral, when he eventually goes, if either of these 'problematic' siblings will be there. I'll help my sister out with arrangements, and of course my sons, who are now young adults are free to go (which they probably will) if they want to. I think that's fair enough - I'll grieve for my dad privately. AIBU?

OP posts:
FedUpMumof10YO · 19/01/2024 19:01

I think you should go. It's just a few hours. Then you need never see them again.

Chasingsquirrels · 19/01/2024 19:03

Funerals are for the living, not the dead.
When the time comes, do what you want and need to do to get through and keep your peace of mind about your own actions afterwards (ie if not having gone will prey on your mind, then you probably need to go).

Ilikewinter · 19/01/2024 19:06

You need to do whats right for you when the time comes. If you dont want to goto the funeral then dont. Maybe you could have your own memorial day, something thats special to you and your dad, spend the time reflecting / remembering.... or do nothing on the day . Its upto you.

Hankunamatata · 19/01/2024 19:07

Wouldn't u want to be there for the sister you do get on with? Not attending will probably make it all about you as people will be asking g where u are

senua · 19/01/2024 19:09

You've said yourself - "it's the final send-off". It's a big thing to miss. Maybe go to the funeral but not the wake?
But don't not-do things because of other people. Do what's right for you.

HalloumiGeller · 19/01/2024 19:21

As someone who arranges direct cremations, nope you do not need to attend if you don't want to and there's no shame in that!

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