Dear Annie: My sister-in-law asked me to wipe her PC’s hard drive so she could donate it. In the process, I discovered an old suicide note she had written. It dates back five years, which was a time when I
Dear Annie: My sister-in-law asked me to wipe her PC’s hard drive so she could donate it. In the process, I discovered an old suicide note she had written. It dates back five years, which was a time when I know she felt overwhelmed caring for a disabled friend. In the note, it says she felt terribly burdened by this unwanted responsibility.
My sister-in-law recently moved back home to take care of her father, who is aging but is otherwise in good health. I’m afraid she may get overwhelmed again. What should I do? — Help for My Brother’s Wife
Dear Wife: Any caregiver can feel overwhelmed, and you would not be breaking any confidences to offer assistance and support. Ask whether you could shop for groceries or pick up a prescription. If Dad is healthy enough to be left alone, take your sister-in-law out for coffee and conversation. If not, tell her you’ll sit with Dad for an hour so she can have a break. Talk to her often. And make sure she has the contact information for resources such as the Eldercare Locator (eldercare.gov) at (800) 677-1116 and the National Family Caregivers Association (nfcacares.org).
Dear Annie: “A Disappointed 15-Year-Old Girl” was offended by your comment to “Upstate New York Dad” that it’s not unusual for teenagers to show poor judgment. She interpreted that as a slap in the face to all responsible teenagers.
I could be equally offended by her statement that the irresponsible babysitter was raised by a parent who has no dignity or honesty. I could choose to interpret that as a slap in the face to all parents who raised their children with dignity and honesty, only to see those same children make bad decisions. So, honey, be careful with your criticism, and don’t be so anxious to take offense. — Realistic Michigan Mom
Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Email questions to anniesmailbox*comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit creators.com.
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