I respectfully disagree with Mr. Lessenberry re the company handbook. In certain cases, that can indeed form a contract of employment, though not in the sense of defeating an at-will employment policy. Yet I digress. The point is that your boss may be wrong as far as your company handbook/policy is concerned. Second, your state laws may provide for required days off for sickness and or bereavement. So do speak with an employment law attorney near you to be sure. Third, if you have worked long enough at that employer, you would surely be covered by the provisions of the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). So any termination due to your own sickness, or that of a close family member, or for bereavement purposes would appear to be in violation of the FMLA.