Mourning from Afar or time to take the plane

[jsoto]

Guys -

Could not sleep at all last night. Just found out a old friend who moved a couple states over who I lost contact with is in final stages of lung cancer. I'd like to think to myself as a young man - early 30's and the last funeral I went to was almost 10+ years ago when a distant relative died and I had no clue who this person was, other than it was family. Some of you forum members are a bit more wiser and older.

What is the difference to ~mourn~ from afar versus being at the wake/funeral. I still hold this person with the highest regard and respect in my heart. Money/travel is not the issue. I'm just not good at funerals. I don't know protocol.

I'm not the most eloquent person when it comes to words so I hope this post still comes out well intended.

HTH