DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law died in January. It is now mid-May, and my husband has not yet sent thank-you cards to the family and many friends who offered their condolences and support. I say it is not too late -- he says it is. What say you, Abby? -- STILL GRIEVING IN WASHINGTON STATE
DEAR STILL GRIEVING: Your husband has my sympathy. Perhaps he is procrastinating because he feels it's the last tie he has to his mother. When the task is finished, his mother really WILL be gone. It would be a kindness if you would offer to write the thank-you notes with him. Not only will it give him a sense of closeness and support, it will bring closure.