DEAR ABBY: I'm a pediatric RN at a large hospital. Sadly, I have seen too many young children die. I have learned to keep a professional distance, so that I can take care of the children and their families. I never give out my phone number, social media or email address, and I try not to let the parents ever see my struggle. But every once and a while, I can't help caring beyond "professional."
We just lost a beautiful little one who had spent a year and a half receiving care off and on in the hospital, and I'm heartbroken. The family has asked for nurses and doctors to attend the funeral, and I really want to. But how do I explain why I go to some funerals and not others? -- HEARTBROKEN ONCE AGAIN
DEAR HEARTBROKEN: You don't have to explain. I can't imagine anyone actually counting the number of funerals/memorials you attend and asking a question like that. However, if anyone should, say that you can't attend them all because the loss of these little angels takes such a heavy toll on your heart. It's the truth.