Quitting marijuana opens mother’s eyes

DEAR ABBY: After smoking marijuana for 20 years, I quit two days ago. My head is starting to clear, and things are coming into focus.

How many times did I say no to my kids because I was lazy? How many times have I yelled at them for just asking a question? My 6-year-old would have this frightened look because he wanted something and I yelled because he interrupted me from doing nothing.

I was at my in-laws’ on Father’s Day and started yelling at my husband for getting mad at me because I told his father, “Heck, you’re not my dad, so what do I care?” My father-in-law didn’t even come out of his bedroom, and I’m sure my husband won’t forget it.

Although I’m not the nicest to him at times, he loves me. I can be downright disrespectful, and my kids see this. It’s the reason I quit smoking. Almost daily, I hear my 13-year-old say, “Why are you yelling, Mom?” I have so many regrets.

Can I make up for them? — Smoke is Clearing

DEAR SMOKE: You have already taken the first step in making it up to your family by admitting your smoking was hurting them and quitting. The next step will be to apologize to each of your family members for your behavior and let them know you know it was wrong and hurtful and won’t continue.

Resolve not to lapse back into the old patterns, do whatever is necessary to prevent it and join a support group if necessary.

DEAR ABBY: My brother and sister-in-law adopted their child at birth. It was something I assumed the baby would grow up knowing. Unfortunately, it has never been revealed to the child, and the “child” is now practically an adult. I know it isn’t my place to say anything, but the truth hangs over me like a dark cloud, and I feel complicit in the lie.

My children, who are younger, don’t know, and I worry that if they ever discover it, they will think my partner and I are liars.

Is there anything to be done at this point? — Guilty by Association

DEAR GUILTY: Although I agree that children who are adopted should be told at an early age, the decision to reveal or withhold that information resides with the parents, not you. Please resist the urge to venture further into this minefield.

TO MY READERS: As the sun sets tonight, Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, begins. As we begin this time of solemn introspection, let me wish you all, “L’shana tova tikatevu” — may you be inscribed in the Book of Life and have a good year. — Love, Abby