Dear Eric: My cousin recently passed away after a long hospitalization. We were very close. I sent a sympathy card with money to the family, but I was sent the money back. I have never heard of this happening in my life. What do you make of this?

I talked to other family members, and their money wasn’t returned to them. I’ve sent out a lot of cards with money in them. We have a large family. I never received money back before this.

Can you advise me on this? I’m having a hard time understanding this. Am I wrong to question this action?

— Returned Gift

Dear Gift: I’ve heard of people who, in the immediate aftermath of the death of a loved one, find themselves inundated with casseroles. Pyrex as far as the eye can see. It’s a kindness that sometimes stretches the limits of their appetite

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