DEAR ABBY: I have just returned from my mother's funeral in another state. Not only did I have to go through the trauma of my mother dying in my arms, and then the funeral, but also a terrible battle with my brother and his wife about the "things" Mother left behind.
My sister-in-law made all the decisions about who would get what. Every time I tried to say that my mother told me during many telephone conversations what she wanted me to have, I was told, "You don't know what you're talking about!" There was an old will that did not specify to whom her possessions should go.
Abby, it was a horrible experience. I will never forget or forgive. I not only lost my beautiful mother, but a brother as well.
Please, advise older people to update their wills and make clear what is to be divided among the children or grandchildren. My brother disobeyed my mother's last wishes, and he must live with that knowledge for the rest of his life. -- DIANE D., FORT PIERCE, FLA.
DEAR DIANE: This is a topic that has appeared in my column regularly. I hope it serves as a reminder to those who need it.