DEAR ABBY: Our parents have been dead for 25 years. Along the way, we have also lost sisters, nieces and cousins. Every year when we gather for a family reunion, part of it is a candle lighting and spoken remembrance of those loved ones we have lost. Some in my family get teary-eyed or cry.
My husband refuses to attend my family reunions because of this. He says my relatives have issues and need to see a mental health professional. He makes fun of us and the way we are together. I have a large family with many offspring. Do you agree we are "crazy" for the remembrance and the tears? -- LOVES MY FAMILY IN GEORGIA
DEAR LOVES: No, I do not. During a ceremony such as you have described, tears can be a healthy display of emotion. However, I do think your husband's comments are insensitive and judgmental, and he's doing the right thing for everyone by staying away. Feeling as he does, far away is where he belongs.