Funeral invitations, just like any event, can be declined. Not everyone asked to attend a service at Laredo, TX funeral homes show up. Depending on your relationship with the deceased’s family, you might feel bad about missing such an important event, even when you have a good reason. 

It will probably sting, especially if the invitee was counting on you being at the funeral. However, you can reduce your odds of causing great offense to the person with these tips. 

Send a note. Preferably a handwritten one, but a text might do just fine when the situation doesn’t allow it. You want to convey your regrets about not making it to the event. You can enclose the message in a sympathy card. Keep in mind that the family will likely receive many cards, so try to keep your message brief. Express your condolences and support to let them know they are on your mind without going into too much detail. 

Add a specific offer of help. If you are writing a note to the mourning party, think of another way they would appreciate your support and include offering it in the message. It doesn’t have to be grand or overly serious. It might be something along the lines of showing up later to help with an errand or a donation you’d love to make in the deceased’s memory. This may not be the same as your presence at the funeral, but it makes it more believable that you really are thinking about them. 

Proximity makes it easier to help the grieving family at such a trying time. Suppose you cannot offer physical help due to location or other reasons. In that case, you can liaise with a friend or other family members. The point is to see what you can do to make things easier for the family, if only a little bit. 

Send a sympathy gift. Most funeral homes offer sympathy merchandise suitable for before and after funeral services. You can call to see what meaningful gift they can help deliver directly along with your note to the mourning party. Be sure to make the gift out to be in honor of the deceased or in support of the family. This can be made easier if the family has indicated items they would like to receive or direct somewhere. In many cases, desired items are specified in the obituary ahead of the service, and they can be in the form of memorabilia, donations, or flowers. 

Call or visit the family. If your reason for missing the funeral is temporary, such as a tight schedule, you can give the family a call and then plan to visit later on. Unfortunately, when a loved one dies, the funeral is hardly the end of their mourning. If anything, the subsequent days after the ceremony will likely be harder to bear because everyone gradually returns to their routine. 

You can show up and have them lean on you at this time, bring a memorial gift with you, or visit the deceased’s final resting place together. You can also explain your reasons for missing the funeral in person. A close second if you are still unable to go to them is to call intermittently to check in and see what they need. Don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased or listen when they do. At the same time, don’t push it if the grieving party doesn’t want to go there. For the most part, being there for someone in mourning and offering a listening ear can mean a great deal. 

Whether you want to arrange a service or support a friend in mourning, call our funeral home in Laredo, TX, today for immediate assistance.