Mom gives blessing to kids attending church with grandma

DEAR ABBY: I am an atheist. My parents, although raised Presbyterian, never to my knowledge participated in organized religion, so it was not part of my upbringing.

Last year my mom started going to church again, and my kids have been going with her. I’ve always said they can make their own choices and I’d support them.

Mom is about to go south for the rest of the winter and there’s

no obvious church member the kids can go with, but they’d like to keep attending. Would it be wrong for me to go with them on Sundays, even though I don’t believe in the church doctrine and won’t be otherwise involved in the organization?

I’m sure I could be unobtrusive, but I’m not sure what to say if someone asks why I’m there – especially since I’ll stop going once my mother returns to town.

The kids are tweens and not old enough to go alone. What do you think? – WHAT’S APPROPRIATE? DEAR ABBY: Is it appropriate to stay in contact with my former mother-in-law? Her son and I divorced after three years. She was the best thing to come out of the whole fiasco.

I don’t want to cause friction, but I would like to continue to send birthday and holiday cards. – DIVORCED WITH NO REGRETS DEAR DIVORCED WITH NO REGRETS: I can’t see how a holiday card relationship with your former mother-in-law would cause friction. However, because you are concerned, the person to ask would be the lady herself. If she would welcome the attention from you, then send them.

dear abby is written by abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. contact dear abby at www.dearabby.com or P.o. Box 69440, los angeles, calif., 90069.