Popular ‘Keepers’ collection covers many timeless topics

Dear Abby: I am writing about your Keepers booklet, the collection of your most popular essays, poems and letters. I would like to purchase a copy, but first, I have a question. Is there a particular favorite of yours in there? — Big Fan In Fort Wayne, Ind.

Dear Fan: My Keepers booklet contains 72 column items that readers have told me they had read and reread. This booklet was created because of the high volume of requests from my readers for a collection of these items in one easy-touse booklet. The subjects are diverse, covering a variety of topics, including parenting, children, aging, animals, forgiveness, etc. One poem in particular has always resonated with me. It is titled The Time Is Now, and I find its message both poignant and meaningful. The Time Is Now

(Author Unknown)

If you are ever going to love me,

Love me now, while I can know

The sweet and tender feelings

Which from true affection flow.

Love me now

While I am living.

Do not wait until I’m gone And then have it chiseled in marble,

Sweet words on ice-cold stone.

If you have tender thoughts of me, Please tell me now.

If you wait until I am sleeping,

Never to awaken, There will be death between us

And I won’t hear you then. So, if you love me, even a little bit,

Let me know it while I am living

So I can treasure it.

My Keepers booklet can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to Dear Abby Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married 40 years, are professionals and work together. He is cynical, sarcastic, resentful, dismissive and insulting. What should I do? — At Wit’s End In Oregon

Dear A.W.E.: You are only writing to me about this now? Having tolerated this kind of treatment for 40 years, I think the time has come to tune him out. Because your relationship may suffer from too much “togetherness,” schedule time away from him and the business. Do something pleasurable on your own whenever you can. And suggest he do the same.