DEAR ABBY: I have lived an amazing life surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. My parents and maternal grandparents are still active in my daily life. Because I am so close to all of them I'm scared, worried and sometimes downright depressed at the thought of losing any of them.
I know in the circle of life, death should be accepted as the next great adventure, but I don't know if I can handle that. I'm asking for advice on how to handle these events now. I do not have family near me but an amazing circle of friends for support. I just know that I'm going to slip into a world of sadness that I'm afraid I won't come out of. My problems may seem minor in light of today's issues, but I do need guidance. -- SELFISH IN LAS VEGAS
DEAR SELFISH: The concerns you are feeling are not "selfish." They are normal, if somewhat premature.
You are fortunate to have your parents and grandparents in your life -- if only through phone calls and e-mails. You are also lucky to have supportive friends nearby.
The hardest part of grieving the loss of a loved one is regret about words that were never said. So tell your parents and grandparents often how much you love and appreciate them. See them when you can. And continue to be the kind of person of whom they can be proud, because when they are gone, you will be their legacy.