Dear Abby: Parents can help limit grave disturbances

DEAR ABBY: Please use your wide reach to educate well-meaning parents about how their children should behave when visiting cemeteries. I'm a funeral professional who takes pride in helping families honor their heritage and transition from grief to recovery. I especially enjoy helping to allay children's fears about death and cemeteries.

Often parents allow their children to roam the cemetery as if it were a playground or public park. I have seen kids pull up expensive flowers on other graves and "take them to Mommy." I have seen kids deface grave markers, entertain themselves by bouncing rocks off headstones or open up brass and bronze cameos, exposing the photos to the elements.

Parents, please teach your children that their natural curiosity and playfulness should find their outlet in more appropriate settings.

- The Last Person to Let You Down

DEAR LAST PERSON:

Folks, if your children are too young to understand when you tell them the cemetery isn't a playground, that they must remain quiet, respectful and not touch other people's property, then they should not be present at the burial.

DEAR ABBY: When I married, I moved away to another state and made some great new friends where I live now. My family visits every few months, and I recently started including some of my friends in my family gatherings and bringing some of them home with me when my husband and I go to visit.

I recently found out that my family has been inviting my friends for weekend getaways and camping trips. They even invited my friends to spend the last long holiday weekend with them - without inviting me!

I was hurt and offended when I found out. Am I overreacting?

- Excluded in Rochester, N.Y.

DEAR EXCLUDED: Perhaps. Not knowing your friends or family members, I can only guess that they may have found some interest in common that you don't necessarily share. Don't waste time on hurt feelings or pouting.