Dear Ann Landers: My in-laws, both senior citizens, are in deep trouble. We recently became aware that Mom and Dad were late paying their utility bills and never had enough money for groceries. We offered to pick up the tab for big items, such as fixing the car or buying a new lawnmower, but it was never enough. We finally decided it was time to take over their banking and bill-paying responsibilities.
The folks’ checkbook had always been off-limits to everyone, so when we took a look at it, we were horrified. Mom and Dad receive at least two or three solicitations a day from some charity or organization.
Somehow, they think these solicitations are bills and that they are supposed to pay every one of them. What grabbed me most was the church. My in-laws no longer attend services, but they do want to be buried in the church-owned cemetery, so they keep adding to their weekly “offerings.”
The total amount paid was astounding. I am not talking about nickels and dimes, Ann. I am talking thousands of dollars.
Please tell all children of senior citizens to get hold of their parents’ checkbook and find out why they have so little money to live on. With my in-laws’ small pension and Social Security, they should have had enough to pay utility bills, buy groceries, go to the movies and take a vacation once a year.
I know this letter is long, Ann, but I hope you will print it and get the word out.
— Son-in-Law Out West
Dear Son: I hope my readers are paying attention to what you have written. Please, folks, if you notice your parents are having difficulty making ends meet, offer to look into it. While most seniors manage fine, others need a helping hand.
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Dear Ann Landers: I am a junior in high school and have a lot of acquaintances, but no real friends. Yesterday, I slipped and fell in the lunchroom, in front of everybody. The mashed potatoes and gravy went all over my hair and blouse. The dessert got me right in the face. The whole school was roaring with laughter, and you can imagine how humiliated I was.
I went home to change clothes and pretended to be sick so I didn’t have to go back. I plan to be “sick” for as long as possible. I cannot go to school again, it’s too embarrassing. Should I transfer to a new school?
— Tomato Face in Texas
Dear Texas: Stay where you are. Try to see the humor in the situation, and no matter how painful, laugh it off. It will seem hilarious in a few years — something your grandchildren will enjoy. I promise.
Dear Ann Landers: My favorite nephew is getting married in six months. His older sister is helping him make the arrangements, including preparing the guest list. My nephew also has a 2-year-old boy from a previous relationship. He pays child support and tries to see his son as often as possible.
This older sister has decided to invite the little boy to the wedding. She wants him to be in the wedding photos and also says he might wonder later why he wasn’t included in his father’s wedding.
I believe this is a gross breach of etiquette and a slap in the face to the bride. She agrees with me. My nephew is out of town and hasn’t been consulted, but I hope he will put his foot down. What do you say?
— Favorite Uncle in California
Dear Uncle: Although I am not in favor of bringing young children to weddings, there should be a way to include your nephew’s son in his special day. How he does this is up to him and his bride. This is not your decision to make. Stay out of it.
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