how to turn someone down

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Hi all!

Have a bit of a serious post. I have been waiting for five months for a breast papilloma surgery.... day procedure. It is coming at a horrible time for work, but after five months of waiting it is not likely I will turn it down. I have told my manager, and we are not happy, but it needs doing as my mom has breast cancer. Thing is, I am in a unionized environment, and i supervise two people. One has offered to drive me to town. I think it is kind but i do not, as her supervisor, feel i can accept. Driving to town is no small matter, as it is two and a half hours away (212 kilometers) to get to that city hospital.

My thoughts are, i feel uncomfortable about imposing, but worry about hurting her if i turn her down.

Do you think this person would take it OK if you simply said "Thanks, I really appreciate the offer, but, as your supervisor, I don't think it would be appropriate," or something to that effect? Unless I'm missing something, I don't think that turning down her offer would be that hurtful, as long as you're polite in doing so.

I don't think it's particularly inappropriate if she offered to drive you. If you can find someone else to drive you there then I'm sure she would understand if you decline her offer so either way there is no problem. If you cannot find someone to drive you, then why not accept?

I wouldn't go into detail about why. I would be vauge and just say, "Oh, how kind of you, I've already got it figured out. Thanks."

I don't know her personally, but if she's kind enough to offer to drive you out of town I'm sure she's kind enough to take a polite no thanks.

I agree with ava777, just keep it brief. A simple thank you, but you've made other arrangements.