[david_Valesi]

Basically, my father died last week from a sudden heart attack and his funeral is on Friday, and my mother, my eldest brother, and my aunts and uncles will all be attending. My older brother already told me where the funeral will be at, what time, etc. But the problem is, I was invited to a dinner party on Friday by my old good friend who had a daughter who recently gave birth, celebritying his becoming of a grandparent with all his family and friends. The funeral is in Chicago (where my father was born) and I live a good 8 hours away, so if I would attend the funeral, I can't go to my friend's party and I'll let him down. Which event should I go to? I need help?

[QueenAngie]

Welcome to the board!

So very sorry for the sudden loss of your father.

Guess you have some very tough decisions to make for Friday's events.

You need to make a list of the goods and bads.

Would think that this good friend will have many more
special occasions with which to celebrate with you and
others for his grandchild's birth and future birthdays.

Did your father and mother teach you honor and respect?

Out of respect for your father,
and as loving son,
I would consider that supporting
your mother & brother through this difficult time
would be foremost in your mind.

A funeral gives closure and since this was unexpected,
would be helpful to all in your family.

Perhaps another friend can give you further insight into your
dilemma.

[Magic_Mikki]

I assume today is the big Friday you're talking about? I really hope you chose to attend yoour father's funeral. I think you would regret not going to the funeral. You can always visit your friend's daughter and new baby anytime, and shower them with gifts. Perhaps you could even invite them over to your house in an upcoming weekend for a small version of a dinner party. Please don't miss out on your father's funeral for a dinner party! In the long run, I promise you will see this dinner party as incredibly insignificant to the funeral.

[DK615617]

I hope you decided to attend the funeral.
Friends come and go, even good friends......you only get one father. And wouldn't your family be hurt if you went to a dinner party instead? I understand that it was a hard decision, but, won't your friend understand that this is a funeral?? It isn't like you blew him off for a movie or something......
I hope that you are happy with whatever decision you made.
And I am sorry about the loss of your father.