Dear Abby: My family accused me of stealing the jewelry that was buried with my mother

Dear ABBY: Recently my sister was in the hospital. Due to the swelling in her hands, it became necessary to remove her wedding band. This ring was our late father’s wedding band. If we didn’t succeed in removing him, they would have to wait for him. I asked her if she wanted me to take her home with me, and she nodded yes. I gave it back to him when he came home.

Now I am being accused by my family of stealing the ring! My sister only wears this ring, no others. But my family insists she was wearing two of our mother’s rings. No. Mom was buried with her original wedding ring set and her anniversary ring. (Our parents had been married for over 50 years when Dad died. Mom followed five years later.)

I love my family, but right now I prefer not to talk to them for a while. Should I forget the accusation made against me, or keep a distance for my own benefit? – CHARGED IN MISSOURI

DEAR ACCUSED: You didn’t mention who, exactly, is accusing you of stealing the ring. is it your sister She knows how many rings she was wearing when she went to the hospital and should be able to direct these relatives. If she can’t or won’t, for the sake of your mental well-being, it may be best to avoid your accusers until this is resolved.

Dear ABBY: I am related to a man, “Gerald”, who is an only child and has a difficult relationship with his mother. We bought his mother’s house two years ago because she couldn’t afford it on her own. She was separated from her husband, who is not Gerald’s father.

Initially, his mother was going to stay with us, but she was reunited with her husband. The point is, she has not removed her personal belongings from our home. She is a bit of a hoarder. Our garage is full of her stuff and every room in our house has her furniture and personal items.

I have packed too many of them and can no longer deal with the anxiety of the unknown waiting and wondering when she plans to move them. Gerald’s strained relationship with his mother does not help the situation. I had him write to his stepfather asking when the items would be picked up.

According to Gerald, his mother has control issues and it’s all part of her game. I need advice because I’m desperate. I feel Gerald is at fault for not setting an expectation when we first bought the house. – BOXED IN TEXAS

IN LOVE WITH BOX UP: Call Gerald’s mother. Tell her you want her things out of your house and set a date after which you will arrange for a moving company to deliver them to her and her husband. Be sure to give her plenty of notice—one month—so she can plan to put the items she doesn’t need into storage (at her expense). Will you like her for this? Heck, no. But you will be free.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.