<p>Each family is different and there is some good advice on here. One thing no one has mentioned is what will happen after the father passes away. Yes, some have mentioned possible regrets of time spent away from Dad, but perhaps there should be some consideration of what happens six weeks after the funeral. If the OP puts his life completely on hold, what will he have to go back to or to anchor himself to once the crowds thin and his Mom and Brother go back to work, etc? Could being at home with no job and no school become a bit depressing at that point in time? Sometimes, it’s good to have a bit of a life outside the family tragedy… it can be a relief for a day or a few hours to be around people who are not connected to the trauma. I think the OP should follow his heart. Take the class and see what happens. There is not a professor in the world who would not give him an Incomplete if he needs to drop out later in the quarter. To borrow a popular slogan: take everything one day at a time. If you have access to a therapist, either through school or family insurance, it might be good to drop in for a couple of one hour sessions as you go through this sad experience. You might find it a relief to confide in someone who is not close to your family and will not be devastated by seeing your grief. So sorry for you and your family.</p>