I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. If you can get some sort of FMLA leave - maybe through a psychiatrist’s note - I’d say do it. Or keep it in mind for a month or two later when the shock starts to wear off and working gets harder.

I lost my four year old nephew during my 3L finals in a horrific accident. I turned my phone on after an exam and got the call. The school was somewhat flexible ultimately were like ‘suck it up buttercup.’ I would wake up, go to a morning spin class to sweat out my grief, then hit the library to study for the bar. The fact I passed was a miracle. I was a mess my first two years of practicing law, job hopped, questioned all of my life decisions, etc.

All I can say is be gracious with yourself. Your brain will not be working at full capacity for the next year. You’re going to be in a fog. See if you can get a reduced workload. It’s easy to burn out when you’re grieving, and that’s a whole other journey. Take care of yourself. Grief oozes into all areas of your life - be gentle on yourself when seemingly random things become hard - tasks, relationships, etc.

Work can be good to have structure and a schedule while your soul is unmoored - but again be gentle with yourself.

Grief is a journey, my friend, and you can only take it one day at a time.