Man unsure over inviting late wife’s mom

DEAR ABBY: My wife passed away two years ago at age 40 after a long bout with cancer. We had three children, ages 7 to 12. I am 44 and engaged now to a wonderful woman. We are planning to have a small wedding with fewer than 50 guests.

While the kids and I are doing well, my late wife’s mother, “Karen,” is still grieving. She has a forceful personality and can be quite pushy. She lives nearby.

We have not finalized the arrangements or sent out invitations. Karen has been asking if she and my former father-in-law are invited, but we haven’t answered her yet. She says she’s hurt because she feels we don’t want her there.

Is it proper etiquette to invite the parents of a deceased spouse to a remarriage? The only people she would know aside from us would be my parents, who need to bond with my fiancee’s family who are coming from out of town. The kids seem to not care either way. If it were me, I’d feel awkward being there. Help! — Looking to the Future in Illinois

DEAR LOOKING: Although your late wife is gone, her parents are still your children’s grandparents and therefore should be treated as part of your family. While you might feel awkward if you were in their position, consider how hurt they will be if they are not included on the guest list. The decision whether to attend should be theirs to make.

DEAR ABBY: I need advice on how to deal with a friend/ neighbor’s messy, unkempt backyard. We are getting ready to put our house on the market, and I’m concerned their yard may be a deterrent to potential buyers. Their pool looks like a swamp, and various pieces of lawn furniture are strewn about the yard.

They are friends of ours, but I have no clue how to broach such a sensitive topic without upsetting them. Please help. — Living Next to a Swamp

DEAR LIVING: Because those neighbors are friends, I assume they are aware that you are selling your home. If you live in an area that is prone to any dangerous mosquito-borne viruses, you would be doing them a favor to point out that their pool equipment needs fixing.

As to the state of their yard, your real estate agent might have some suggestions about how to handle that. If you and your spouse volunteer to help your neighbors make it more attractive, they might be receptive. However, if they refuse and you live in a community with a neighborhood association that regulates how properties must look to preserve their value, consider bringing this to its attention.

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.