Help my children attend their father’s funeral.

I've donated to several GoFundMe campaigns over the years and NEVER thought I'd find myself creating one. On May 25th, my family's lives completely changed. Damien was only 40 when he passed. He had a genetic heart disorder. He had 2 heart surgeries over the years and the doctor told him he was going to be okay. I remember when he woke up from the second heart surgery. The first thing he asked the doctor was if he would be able to live to see his kids grow up. This whole situation has been difficult. We didn’t think he would pass so soon. He seemed fine. The doctors said he had several years left.

We had 2 children together but we were never married. He had brought it up several times over the last year and I just didn’t think we were ready. He wanted to be cremated and wanted the kids and I to take his ashes to St. Thomas where he was born. He used to talk about this often. It was hard to talk to him about what he wanted when he passed but I always listened. His mother does not want to cremate him though. His body was flown to Florida where his mother lives and she has planned a burial. I feel completely helpless and have no legal say in anything. Knowing this is not what he wanted has made the grieving process harder. Knowing he will not only be buried but also be buried across the country has made this harder. I’m trying to accept everything and move forward without anger. I was just informed yesterday that his services will be in less than a week. I know he would be disappointed if we weren’t there for his services. I’m hoping to raise money to get myself and his children to Florida for his burial. Tickets are expensive. Hotel stays are expensive. I will need to take time off that I can’t really afford. This was unexpected and I’ve already lost a significant amount of physical, emotional and financial support without him here. Please donate or share if you are able.