[lenjan]

I hope somebody (or several somebodies!) can point me in the right direction here.

I'm a reporter for the weekly newspaper in a town of 22,000. Actually, I am THE reporter. The only thing I don't do is sports or photography. Government, education, police, fires -- that's all mine.

I was going through the police reports for last week this morning, and the name at the top of one of them caught my eye. The call had come in from one of the city council's aldermen. He had found his wife slumped over somewhere, not responding, so he called 911 and the cops accompanied the ambulance. His wife could not be revived. They think she had a heart attack. All of 54 years old.

Anyway. The visitation is Tuesday afternoon. There is a council meeting tomorrow night, which I assume he won't be at.

Here's my question: Would it be weird/improper of me to go to the visitation? I never met the woman, but the alderman has been very kind to me, and helpful, and I would like to pay my respects. I just don't know if that would be considered crossing the line -- I just feel bad for the guy and would like to let him know.

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks

Candy

[wanttoheal]

I think it is perfectly acceptable and a kind thing to do. It shows regard to his feelings, whether or not you knew the wife. When my neighbor's mother died, we went to the funeral. We didn't know the mother, but we went in support of the neighbor.

[bebop]

I think at a time like this the loved one left behind needs all the support he/she can get. doens't matter if you knew his wife or not. just paying your respects,