of an old high school friend's father, who you hadn't seen in 15 years?

A little more detail for you...

I did not know his father or most of his family well.

I've not heard a peep from him in over 15 years, though he knows when I'm in town by way of mutual friends.

We were not close, so much as we had mutual close friends.

He called me 3 hours before the wake to request that I come if at all possible. And sounded somewhat desperate on the phone...which could just as well been grief.

The man just lost his father, and so I probably would have gone, had it been possible at the time. But what does anyone make of that? I don't really know that I'd feel it were appropriate to be there...even though invited. Thoughts?

I'd go

I would go just to offer moral support JMO

I would and I have before.

if someone specifically asked me to attend a funeral, I would go

I am not sure what to make of it, unless he thought you would have comforting words for him.

I'd go anyway.

If it makes it an ounce easier on him or his family, it's well worth the time.



Then again, I go anywhere I'm invited.

When you feel down and hopelessly depressed you reach out for the people who REALLY care about you. Ok, you did not make it to the wake. But, please call your old friend and arrange to meet him/her so that they may cry, vent, etc. That is what people do when they care about one another. I am a soldier who just returned from Iraq. I wanted to committ suicide and I reached out to OLD friends. I am here now. What does that tell you?

Tiffany

At the risk of going against the majority, I would not go. I don't go to those things unless not going would make me look REALLY bad. I just hate that stuff.
When my mom died, there were all these people there that I did not know - some people find that comforting but I found it irritating.. Like, what are all these STRANGERS doing here in our private family grief?

But I am strange about these things.

I would have gone.

I had a friend in high school, who I haven't really talked to much since graduating. We still live in the same town and say hi and chat online from time to time. His son passed away earlier this year, even though I only met his son once and we haven't talked much since high school. I went to the funeral, but didn't go to the burial or to his house afterwards. Needless to say I didn't know anyone there but my friend and his step-brother, but atleast I could offer my condolences.

THIS IS FRIGGIN' AWESOME.

Thanks for sharing.

you have amazing friends and a great support group Tiffany!!!

I would just to pay my respects.

I wanted to commit suicide a couple of times too and almost did. The worst thing I did was retreat into myself. Some people just need to talk.

Hi, CB

No1s...nice to see you sugar

Hiker, my love. We know you hardly ever go against the majority. I understand you feeling. But, I'd go. Maybe the guy doesn't feel like he'd get support from his family, as they are all grieving, as well. Someone who is not emotionally involved with the family might just be the ticket.

Also, you never know what small word or deed you extend might make a huge positive difference in a person's life.

If you guys haven't talked in 15 years, and weren't really close friends to begin with, then that is kind of odd, especially how he knew how to contact you, but who knows, maybe he felt closer and more of a friendship towards you than you towards him.

I've asked him to let me take him to dinner tomorrow night, which he accepted.

Since we were not really that close, and have not seen each other in so long, I'm taking this to mean he doesn't have anyone to talk to right now. I do wish I'd been able to go...though I still think it might have felt awkward to be with his family at this time.

PUNKIN'!!!

I'm so glad someone was there for you...God knows you were there for us!!! God Bless you!!!

I know, but I HATE those things..hate'em. HATE them.

It's a personal problem. Plus, I don't have much to say to someone who has ignored me for 15 years. Not doing it. :::fingernails clutching doorway::::