DEAR ABBY: My mother has dementia. My sister came to visit. The day after she left to return to Georgia, I noticed a picture was missing from the wall. When I called and asked her about it, she said it was "her inheritance" and Mom had given it to her "a long time ago." I think it was stealing. Mom has no idea it's gone. What do you think? -- THROWN IN MICHIGAN
DEAR THROWN: If it wasn't theft, your sister would have discussed it with you before she took the picture rather than "disappear" the item. However, in the interest of family harmony, it's important to carefully pick your battles.
I wish you had mentioned who will be in charge of your mother's estate after her death. Because you live closer to her, I assume it will be you. If it's a family lawyer, in the interest of a fair division of the assets, that person should be notified so the picture can be properly appraised.