Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

bmichaelh

(1,212 posts)
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 08:54 AM 5 hrs ago

Should I or should I not go?

My mother recently passed away and am trying to decide whether or not to attend the funeral.

Growing up, she was physically and emotionally abusive.

I was forced to go to a school where I was bullied for 11 years.

Sympathy she showed me was later in life when I was diagnosed with Chron's and later lymphoma.

She was MAGA to the core; a racist and hatred of LGBTQ people.

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Should I or should I not go? (Original Post) bmichaelh 5 hrs ago OP
This is a personal decision you must make. werdna 5 hrs ago #1
Stay home Freddie 5 hrs ago #2
It's your ultimate decision... littlemissmartypants 5 hrs ago #3
It is your choice UpInArms 5 hrs ago #4
I thought about that, when my cousins didn't attend my mom's funeral. Omnipresent 5 hrs ago #5
I did attend the funeral of my abuser. I am glad I did. It was a way to shut the door on it and a Scrivener7 5 hrs ago #6
Did you get to say ALL justaprogressive 4 hrs ago #7
Please go snowybirdie 4 hrs ago #8
I went to my abusive mother's funeral. murielm99 3 hrs ago #9
I didn't go to my abusive mother's funeral. And I do not feel bad about my decision. Clouds Passing 3 hrs ago #10
Leaning toward not going bmichaelh 1 hr ago #11

werdna

(1,241 posts)
1. This is a personal decision you must make.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:07 AM
5 hrs ago

In my opinion funerals/memorials are for the living to celebrate the deceased's life and/or aid in the mourning process. Do you want or need either or both?

UpInArms

(55,060 posts)
4. It is your choice
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:16 AM
5 hrs ago

The only thing that I can add to your thought process is that, in my life, the only things that I regret are the things I did not do, as generally, they were opportunities missed.

Omnipresent

(7,480 posts)
5. I thought about that, when my cousins didn't attend my mom's funeral.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:16 AM
5 hrs ago

They didn’t care for my mom, but by not attending, i felt they were somehow punishing me and my siblings for something or somethings she did. We had no control over her behavior.
I believe funerals are not only about honoring the dead, but showing compassion and love for family and friends that are still alive.

Scrivener7

(59,753 posts)
6. I did attend the funeral of my abuser. I am glad I did. It was a way to shut the door on it and a
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:42 AM
5 hrs ago

threshold from which to move forward.

But every situation is different. What do you want to do?

justaprogressive

(6,976 posts)
7. Did you get to say ALL
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 10:01 AM
4 hrs ago

the things you needed to tell her?:

Telling your abuser to her face is recommended for closure.

murielm99

(33,015 posts)
9. I went to my abusive mother's funeral.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 10:56 AM
3 hrs ago

My only living brother did not attend. None of her seven grandchildren attended. Only one aunt and uncle attended.

The largest group represented were people from her church.

I don't have to be hateful just because she was.

bmichaelh

(1,212 posts)
11. Leaning toward not going
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 01:10 PM
1 hr ago

It will probably be a day of decision.

If I go, there will be a lot of hypocrisy going on, especially the religious kind.

I am not in the best of health.

Although, I am in complete remission of lymphoma, when it returned in 2019, it returned near my spinal column.
And it may have created long term back problems.

OT: If I had the money i would emigrate to Germany or Europe or Canada.
There is some promising back treatment developed by a German pharmaceutical company.


Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Bereavement»Should I or should I not ...