I’m having a serious family emergency. Do I look like an idiot for asking to makeup an assignment?

I’m currently facing a serious family emergency, and I’m feeling anxious about asking to make up an assignment.

Two days ago, I had to rush my mom to the ER because she was experiencing severe chest pain, coughing up blood, and struggling to breathe. The doctors discovered she’s dealing with fluid buildup in her lungs, potentially caused by pneumonia. Unfortunately, they had so much fluid that they couldn’t determine the cause through the x-ray or CT scan. She was given medication, but we have to return in 48 hours to see a specialist and get the fluid drained, which couldn’t be done in the ER. The fluid will also need to be tested for pneumonia or lung cancer, and the uncertainty is really weighing on us.

I have no control over when the procedure is scheduled. Right now, my mom is in bed, trying to stay comfortable while waiting for this urgent intervention. The appointment is at a time that conflicts with my in-person class tomorrow, where I have a major assignment due based on student presentations. Since the appointment is 30 minutes into the class, I won’t be able to attend. I’ve already emailed my instructor to explain the situation, emphasizing the urgency and my lack of control over these circumstances. My mom can’t drive and needs someone with her due to hospital policy. Unfortunately, I’m the only person available to help her right now. I also want to support her during the procedure because we are both really scared.

I offered to provide proof of the appointment or a doctor’s note if needed, in hopes of being able to make up the assignment or complete an alternative one, rather than receiving a zero, which is worth 20% of my grade.

I’ve never had to ask for an excuse like this before, and it was a difficult decision. I sincere apologized in my email for the last-minute notice, but I conveyed that I had exhausted all other options and was willing to make up for it however possible.

I understand that some instructors don’t allow for makeups due to past experiences with students who fabricate excuses, which can be frustrating for those of us facing genuine emergencies. As of now, I haven’t heard back from my instructor and I’m feeling a mix of anxiety and helplessness. I can’t let my mom go another day in her current state, but receiving a zero would be devastating for my academic standing—I might even have to drop the course or fail. But honestly, the thought of my mom not making it through this is much more distressing.

Update: My instructor didn’t reply to my email in time and hasn’t responded at all. I honestly don’t have a positive view of her. From the beginning, I’ve felt that she has been unapproachable and unfriendly towards students. I wasn’t expecting much of a response, but I would have appreciated even a simple acknowledgment expressing sympathy for my situation. Thankfully, our neighbor offered a ride to the hospital, and a friend was able to meet her there and help her home. Now we just have to wait for the results, and I’m praying for a positive outcome.