You are like the best mom ever. I like how you are so responsive to your kids. My mom s*cked at it. Also, (Another oppinion, here..) When i comes to counseling... (My mom never told me this...) Make sure your kids see the counseler as a professional paid to do a job. Don't Gloss over the fact that they get paid to listen. Your kids know they get paid for it. (When I was a kid I resented my mom "Schlepping" me off on some stranger she paid to listen to me.) So, please make the analagy of needing some plumbing done, you call a plumber, or needing some roof work done, you call a roofer... and needing some phsycological work done, you call a phsycologist. This is just my opinion, but just make sure your child knows you are not "Schleping" his feeling off on some paid help, instead of listening... I KNOW you are not doing that, but it is amazing what kids will "fill in to blank spots"....so be sure to fill it with the truth. AGain, this is what I thought of my mom.... I was bitter for a long time, but I was a kid and I know better now... good luck!
I think it's wise that you've let them make the choice to attend the funeral or not. They know they are not being excluded because of their "age" or "immaturity" or any other reason. And also that you respect their feelings in this matter, and are not going to force them into what they perceive as a very difficult situation (heck, it IS difficult!!!). Praying you get through this day with God's peace and comfort.
You made the right choice, IMO. You allowed the boys the option and then listened to them when they made their choice. Forcing them could have been just as bad as not "allowing" them to be included in this. They know you care about what is best for them and how they feel. That is what is imortant. Now, you can be there for them when they are ready to deal with it, however they need to deal with it. Good job, mom! =)
