I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this difficult time.


At two years old, I believe she is far too young to comprehend precisely what a death entails. She may assume "Daddy is sleeping". She may be more intrigued by the flowers and just having fun.

The problem is not so much with viewing the body and the funeral. It is that she may become stressed should she see adults crying and distraught. She is too young to become frightened and have nightmares because as I mentioned, she is far too young to understand that Daddy is never coming back, or that he is dead.

I recently attended the funeral of my 27 yr, old nephew that committed suicide. There was an open casket. We have a large family and some of the members brought their small children. The adults took turns with them in the lobby area. Honestly, they were bored to tears, became rowdy, cranky and distruptive.

My advice is that you can take her, but don't expect her to understand. She won't understand if you say Daddy is with the Angels or something similar. She most likely would understand "bye bye", but then she might assume he is coming back.

This is a personal decision. You could take her in, hold her in your arms and let her look, but my personal opinion is to leave her with a babysitter, or with an adult in the lobby waiting room.

I called my friend who's husband is a school psychologist. He said no harm would be doneto take her, but he feels it is best she stays home. He agreed she is far to young to comprehend. He said to make a scrap book and as she gets older show her pictures and teach her about her Dad. This is the best gift to give her and will help her understand at the appropriate age when she begins to ask about her Dad.

Let me know if you have any further questions





Edited by Two_Westies on May 16 2006 at 12:45 AM

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