Dear Abby: My close friend “Annie” came to my father’s funeral. She had met him only a couple of times. While I realized she was doing it to be there for me, I felt responsible for her since she knew no one there. I had her sit with me, but I was trying to deal with friends and family I hadn’t seen in a long time. I ended up unable to talk with everyone as the funeral was very emotional. I appreciated her coming, but I wished she hadn’t been there.

I prefer to avoid funerals because I become emotional. Unless it’s immediate family, I prefer to remember the deceased the way they were and keep those images as my last memories.

My dilemma: Annie’s mom is having health issues, and the time will come when she passes. I have met her a few times, but we are not close. I feel I should go to the

See Full Page