DEAR ABBY: My parents were married 25 years. When Dad died last year, Mom was devastated. Then she got in touch with an old flame. She told us they were just friends. A few months later, she informed us she was moving across the country with him for a "mutually beneficial situation." He gives her a place to stay, and she takes care of his house and the bills. She called recently to tell me that she has loved him since she was young and they are now getting married.
I'm worried because she has jumped into this so quickly. When they marry, Dad will have been gone not quite a year. I feel she is showing lack of respect for my father's memory and their marriage by doing this so soon. Should I be worried about her, or just happy she has found "love" again? -- DREADING THE WEDDING IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR DREADING THE WEDDING: While the man your mother is marrying is a stranger to you, he is obviously no stranger to her. They have a history that pre-dates your father. Going on with her life is not disrespectful to your father's memory. Be happy for your mother and cross your fingers that everything works out for her the way she wishes. Worrying about her will help neither of you.