[Amysue1112]

Whoa Karen, that is a hard one....first of all, I am so sorry for your loss...as a Hospice nurse, I know that the loss of a young person is especially heart wrenching.

I don't really know how to answer your question....if it were me, I would be a little hesitant to take my young (especially adopted) children into such a grief-filled environment. Children can be very affected by this kind of environment, and it may really trigger a lot of fear about you or dh dying. Especially with the situation so fragile with Alex....

I mean if it were a close family member, well then, i would see it differently. And of course, i think when the time is right, you could/should tell them about her death. That will help them to absorb it slowly, rather than being overloaded.

Especially with kids...they do talk about it...and if one of the boys says "you mom may die too" or something like that, you children could come unglued.

I am not saying don't go, but I would really think it through in regards to the kids. Maybe they will take it just fine, but just be prepared it may shake things up a bit with your kids.

I think it is fine (and healthy) to let your kids know you are sad about it. I am sure they will have questions and you should answer them (thank goodness for our faith!) But it is probably better to deal with this one and one in a safe place (like home).

Just my 2 cents...again, soo sorry for your loss!