Dear Judy,
My uncle who had diabetes died last month. My aunt is devastated and, I am told, depressed. The problem is: he married her two years ago, and we haven’t really gotten to know each other very well.
My uncle was a blood relative and we were close. But to be honest, I had avoided the aunt, due to a lack of interest. I would like to try and console her, but I am not sure. Am I the right person to console her, or should it be someone closer to her in her life?
Jeff in San Francisco
Dear Jeff,
I’m not too sure what you mean when you write that you avoided the woman your uncle married “due to a lack of interest.” I’m guessing you weren’t all that impressed with her. Nonetheless — you’re right — this lady is undoubtedly grieving over the loss of a person you both loved. And since you two have at least that much in common, I’d say you are in a good position to console her.
You don’t have to be with her every day, obviously. But it would be only kind and thoughtful right now to express how much your uncle meant to you, and also to ask her if there’s anything you can do for her.
I’m pretty sure she will be grateful. And that your uncle would approve.
Thank you for writing
Judy
