DEAR ABBY: My grandmother passed away this week. For the last five years my mother was her sole caregiver. Now that Grandma is gone, I'm worried about my mother. She sacrificed her life and friendships to take care of Grandma and Great-Grandma. Now, 10 years later, she's at a total loss.
My mother is a wonderful lady. I don't want to see her hurt and isolated like this. All the relatives are still in town and a lot of us are off work, but when everyone returns to work, it's going to be hard for her. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -- SAD SURVIVOR
DEAR SAD: Your mother may need some time to get over the loss of her mother and to figure out where to go from here. Don't push her, but do keep an eye on her and encourage her to start reconnecting with friends and activities she once enjoyed.
Grieving is an individual process that can take time (or not), depending upon how prepared she was for your grandmother to go. And hold a good thought. Having done all she could for her mother and grandmother, she may have no regrets and recover faster than you think she will. If that doesn't happen, her doctor, minister or the funeral home can help her locate a grief support group.