Funerals and kids

My aunt passed away on Tuesday. She was 95. I loved her a lot. She took care of me when I was a child and my memories of her were very positive. I went to her viewimg and burial. And even though death is never a desirable experience there is a positive side to this and that is that she will never suffer again and I like to think she's in a better place now.

Here is what is bothering me though. Yesterday before attending thee viewing, I was told by two people that I should not be taking my son to the viewing or funeral. That he is too small. I 100% disagree. I don't think it's ever too early to expose a child to death. Especially a death of a family member. I think the earlier they understand death the easier it is to cope with it when they get older. A the burial, my son saw my aunt in the casket, and saw many family members mourn our loss. People cry all the time, in movies, cartoons, tv shows and even family for different reasons, why should a funeral be any different? I doubt it will traumatize my 2 1/2 yr old. And I was there the whole time explaining to him that he should say "bye tia" and he said it and he threw a rose on her casket. I think that our bond just got a lot stronger. Yes my son is probably too young to understand any of what is going on but this is the same reason I feel I should not deprive him from being at a very important family function. My son has every right to have the opportunity to be present at OUR aunts funeral. If anything we should not mourn her death but celebrate her life.

For you parents that think your kids should not be exposed to this....why the hell not? Aren't they as much family as you are? Death is a fact of life. They need to learn that no one lives forever. Why shield them from the fact of life that is death? In reality no one is ever ready for the fact of death. I saw family there crying worse than a hungry newborn. Maybe they should of got kicked out for not handling it well? If my son asked me to explain death to him I will tell him what it is. But he is too small to ask. The day I tell him stories about my aunt, I want him to know that he was there with me. I want him to know that he was there to say goodbye, that he was there to pay his respects. I know my aunt would of wanted my son to be there. It felt good to have my son be part of what took place today. He is after all, family.