DEAR ABBY: I lost my mom to cancer several months ago. She made my sister and me promise not to let her die in a hospital, but the night of her death we decided to put her in hospice. She needed care 24/7, and although we and Mom’s companion were taking turns in shifts, the stress had taken a heavy toll. Mom died three hours after we made our decision.

We also promised to bury her because she didn’t want cremation. However, we realized that we couldn’t afford the price of a funeral so we convinced Mom to be cremated. Part of it was financial, but also, neither my sister nor I plan to stay here.

Abby, Mom had two wishes at the end of her life, and I wasn’t able to fulfill either one. She had no life insurance, and the financial responsibilities my sister and I have made it impossible.

Now I’m having second thoughts. Was I wrong? Should you grant your parents their final wishes? I’m seeing a counselor about this, but would like your thoughts. I’m afraid we forced Mom into accepting cremation. Will the guilt ever go away? — GRIEVING IN LAS VEGAS

DEAR GRIEVING: Before I answer that question, let me commend you for seeking counseling. Sometimes it is simply not possible to grant a dying person’s final wishes. Because caring for your mother was taking a toll on your health, it was necessary to ensure that she received the care she needed before any of you buckled under the stress. As to your discussing the necessity for cremation with her, I’m sure she recognized that you were right or she wouldn’t have agreed.

Will the “guilt” ever go away? Yes, but only when you are finally ready to recognize that guilt can be part of the grieving process and let it go. You have done nothing wrong. Talking about this with your therapist is the surest way to work it through.

DEAR ABBY: My 69-year-old widowed mother, my younger sister, “Lia,” and her family, and my husband and I live in different states. Mom is in good health, active and has many friends. In the 25 years Lia and I have been married, Mom has come to stay with me five times. Only twice has she stayed more than two days.

Lia was recently telling me about a visit she’d had from Mom and estimated that Mom had been at their home 200 days over the past 10 years. I had never thought about the disparity before. When I said, half-jokingly, “Maybe I should be hurt,” Lia responded, “Mom likes to come here because we have kids and you don’t, and she’s more entertained.”

I have always asked Mom to stay longer than she does. I even offered to pay her plane fare or drive there to pick her up. Mom always says she’s “too busy.”

I love my mother’s company and we have never argued. We have common interests and there’s lots to do in my city. I understand her wanting to see her grandchildren. I enjoy them, too, when I visit my sister. But I’m hurt that Mom has never wanted to spend more time with me. I feel like I’m less valued as a daughter because I have no children. Am I silly for being hurt? — OVERLOOKED IN ROCHESTER, N.Y.

DEAR OVERLOOKED: Your feelings are not “silly.” Your sister’s bragging was tactless, and so was her follow-up. Tell your mother about the conversation and how it made you feel.

Not knowing your mother or her relationship with you and Lia, I can’t explain the disparity. But please allow me to point out that you are all adults — you have a good marriage and a good life, and, if necessary, concentrate on that and not how often you and your sister see your mother.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $6 (U.S. funds only) to: Dear Abby — Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in the price.)

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