DEAR ABBY: My younger sister passed away in her 40s two years ago. She was my only sibling, and even though we had grown apart as we grew older, I was devastated. We’d had our quarrels in the past. She often put me down, but I took it hard when she passed.
My niece took it upon herself to let me know that my sister never liked me. Now I’m not allowed to see my niece’s children. My mother babysits them, and I’m not allowed to see my mother if they are around. With my schedule and her babysitting, I get to see Mom only once every couple of months.
I feel so alone, like I have no family left other than my children and husband. I am also mourning the loss of my mother because I am not allowed to see her. I cannot even talk to her on the phone when my niece and her kids are around. Help, please. -- BREAKING HEART IN OHIO
DEAR BREAKING HEART: The only person who can help with this sorry situation is your mother, who is allowing herself to be controlled by your niece. If you haven’t already, tell your mother how hurtful this situation is for you and ask if she really wants her only LIVING daughter to be estranged from her because your sister disliked you, and her daughter is carrying forward the torch. It’s a sad and sorry situation, but nothing will change until she puts her foot down.
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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
