DEAR ABBY: I can no longer go to funeral visitations. I have buried my parents, two sisters, four brothers and nine nieces and nephews. The number of loved ones I have lost, and the visitations and funerals I have had to attend, have been overwhelming. I can't face it anymore.
How do you suggest I avoid them? I am running out of excuses, and I'm tired of being a no-show. -- HATES FUNERALS IN ILLINOIS
DEAR HATES FUNERALS: People deal with loss in different ways, and you don't have to apologize for feeling the way you do. Stop making excuses and start telling the truth.
When you are notified about a death, offer your condolences, a donation, flowers, and explain that after 17 deaths in your family, you no longer attend funerals because it has become too much for you. That way, no one will think you don't care or wonder why you didn't show up.