Nurse does not have to explain why she does not attend patient funerals

Dear Abby: I’m a pediatric RN at a large hospital. Sadly, I have seen too many young children die.

I have learned to keep a professional distance, so that I can take care of the children and their families.

I never give out my phone number, social media or email address, and I try not to let the parents ever see my struggle. But every once and a while, I can’t help caring beyond “professional.”

We just lost a beautiful little one who had spent a year and a half receiving care off and on in the hospital, and I’m heartbroken.

The family has asked for nurses and doctors to attend the funeral, and I really want to. But how do

Dear Heartbroken: You don’t have to explain. I can’t imagine anyone actually counting the number of funerals/memorials you attend and asking a question like that. However, if anyone should, say that you can’t attend them all because the loss of these little angels takes such a heavy toll on your heart. It’s the truth.

Dear Abby: My late wife passed away two years ago. We always had a dog in our house. He died a year ago.

I now have a new lady love in my life, but she doesn’t want a pet in her house. I’m dying to have another dog, and I don’t know what to do. Please advise. — Petless In Texas

Dear Petless: Eligible widowers are a prized commodity. If your idea of happiness is having a house dog, find yourself a lady who loves animals as you do. It shouldn’t be difficult.