DEAR ABBY: I am writing in response to the letter from "Loving Granddaughter" on July 2, who was asking for ways to prepare for the eventual passing of her grandparents, with whom she is very close.
A way to help her cope with her premature grief would be to take time to sit down with her grandparents and video a personal interview with them. This "Interview With a Loved One" provides an opportunity to capture her favorite stories and memories as told by her grandparents in their own words. She might even hear some surprising new stories as well!
We started doing this with my grandfather when he was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, before he started losing his memory. After he finally succumbed, going back to his interviews was a great way for our family to remember him in the way that he would have wanted to be remembered. -- JESSICA IN MISSOURI
DEAR JESSICA: That's a wonderful suggestion, one that I know will be appreciated by many of my readers. Thank you!