Viewing the body

I agree, do whatever feels right Mishap I felt guilty that I didn't go and see my Mum but haven't regretted not going. It's such a personal decision. Maybe if your last memory when your Dad was alive wasn't good then seeing him 'at peace' might help. to you.

I was glad I went to visit my sister after she died because she had been so very poorly and had aged significantly in the last few weeks. When I saw her in the chapel of rest, she was a young woman again, completely at peace. It's very much your choice, mishap. It might be right for you, but only you can decide.

Oh Mishap that's tough one. I did see Jack (on Christmas Eve) and was glad I did. I slipped a note into the coffin. My exdh's then partner tried everything she could to "persuade" me not to, painting all sorts of pictures but I spoke to the funeral directors and they were able to reassure me.

It hasn't clouded the memories of him at all, I still can bring images to mind of him at various ages, doing various things.

Give some thought to it, but remember if you don't go, you won't get another chance, but ultimately the decision must be yours.

I was with my DH when he died and I sat with him for several hours before the funeral directors collected him. I also went to see him in the funeral parlour, it didn't feel like it was him. I wish now my last memory of him was at home in my arms. His brother and sister couldn't bring themselves to go to see him.

However I know people who didn't go to see a loved one who had died and always regretted it. Do you have someone to go with you, who wasn't as close to your Dad and who can support you?

I was with my Dad when he died in hospital - I can remember being very surprised at how within a minute or so he sort of changed. I chose not to go to the funeral home. I was not with my mother when she died but still did not go. My sister who was a nurse could not understand me not wanting to go and I think she went to see both.
It is whatever you feel is right for you.

I did with my Dad but frankly I wished I hadn't and I didn't go and see my Mum. I now always have that image of my Dad when I think of him but with my Mum I see her smiley face. Everyone is different in how they react if you really don't want to then don't.

I didn't go and see my Dad at the funeral parlour, Mishap. I was with him when he died and didn't want to see him in any other way than when I'd last been with him.