Dear Abby >> I have two sisters. Our mother passed away last year after a bad fall. I was her primary caretaker and was with her every day. The other two sisters were not speaking to her at all, which hurt her deeply. She had dementia but still missed them and would talk about them often. It was all very sad.

When Mom died, my older sister wouldn’t tell her goodbye. She didn’t attend the funeral and said to everyone who would listen that she wasn’t sad. My younger sister arrived — late — for the funeral. Afterward, they attacked me — screaming, cursing, etc. They were angry over small things, like the fact that I used my older sister’s maiden name in a DRAFT of Mom’s obituary.

I cut them off and have stopped speaking to them and to the rest of the family. I want no details about my life getting back to them, giving them reason to attack me again. The problem is that my entire family is now gone. I am so sad. Not only did I lose my mother, but everyone else as well. Should I approach them?

— Worse Than Grief in Georgia

Dear Worse >> I would advise against approaching your sisters again, for the reasons you stated. If you wish to contact extended family, reach out with the understanding that anything you tell them will likely drift back to your sisters. Because your siblings are so unpleasant, it may make more sense for you to concentrate your energies on deepening the friendships you have with others.

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