Eppie Lederer, the author of Ann Landers who died June 22, left behind columns to be published through July 27. Here is one:
Dear Ann Landers: Years ago, you printed a contract for teenage drivers. My granddaughter is expecting her parents to give her a car when she turns 16 on her next birthday. She will not be responsible for its upkeep, including gas and insurance. I’d like her and her parents to see this contract. Would you please print it again? — Concerned Grandmother in Texas
Dear Grandmother: Several readers have asked me to reprint that contract. It was written by John Violette of Nederland, Texas. I urge all parents whose children are now driving, or will be soon, to clip this column, discuss it with their teens and get a signature. Here it is: Contract for Drivers
It is understood and agreed that having a driver’s license and driving a car are privileges. Any privilege has to be earned, and it must be earned on a continuing basis. This means that driving privileges may be revoked due to an infraction of the following rules:
1. Breaking the driving laws or abusing a motor vehicle can result in the loss of driving privileges, even if we learn about it from a source other than the police. You never know who may be observing you.
2. You will strive to maintain the grades, conduct and attitude at the same high level as when we first granted your driving privileges.
3. No one else should be allowed to drive a vehicle entrusted to you. This means you may not lend your vehicle to friends.
4. If you are ever in a condition that might render you less than 100 percent competent behind the wheel of a car, phone us. We will come get you. This will not result in the loss of your driving privileges.
5. You are never to be a passenger in a car in which the driver should not be driving. A call to come get you will not result in the loss of driving privileges. If you cannot reach us, call a taxi. We will pay for it, and there will be no punishment. Signed this ———- day of ———, 20—- Dad —————————————- Mom ————————————— Newly Licensed Driver ———————-
Dear Ann Landers: I am a 41-year-old professional woman who recently had braces put on my teeth. Every day, people ask me the same tired questions: “How long do you have to wear them?” “Why did you get braces?” “Do you think it’s worth it?” “Why didn’t you get them when you were younger?” “How do you brush your teeth?” “Can you take them off?”
May I answer, please? I have to wear the braces for two to three years. I am hoping they will make my smile prettier. I’m not fond of having a lot of metal in my mouth, but of course it’s worth it for the end result. I didn’t get braces when I was younger because my parents could not afford them. I brush my teeth carefully and with extra effort. The braces can’t come off until the orthodontist removes them.
I realize people are curious, but it is not uncommon these days to see adults with braces. We don’t want to discuss them constantly. We would prefer to talk about other things, just like everyone else. Please, folks, if you think about itfor one second, you will see that the answers are obvious. — Metal Mouth in Maryland
Dear Maryland: Adult braces are more popular now that people realize they can finally afford to have the smile they’ve always wanted. Thanks for writing.
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