Words fail woman following miscarriage
DEAR ABBY: My sisterin-law, a mother of four, just had a miscarriage at five months. I have no idea what to say. “Sorry” doesn’t seem to suffice. Her 6-year-old was ecstatic about the new baby. The family is crushed. My husband was in tears.
I have never been able to easily express my emotions. I am always at a loss for words, and I feel like it’s disconnecting me from relationships. Any advice? — Without Words
DEAR WITHOUT WORDS: When people stay silent, it can be mistaken for lack of caring, when sometimes it happens because the emotions are so overwhelming they can’t be put into words. So why not just be honest?
You don’t have to be a poet, but you do have to say something. I’m sure it would be appreciated if you simply said, “You know I have trouble expressing my emotions, but please know how sorry I am.”
DEAR ABBY: I’ve always dreamed about getting a horse, so I saved up all the money I earned as a kid and bought one a year ago. I named her “Springtime,” and I love her. But now I am ready to venture out into the world.
Do I give her to a loving home with people who have more time to spend with her, so I can go to college and move to a different state with my boyfriend, who has two years left in the Marine Corps? Or do I keep her and stayatthejobihavenow?— Kelsea in New Hampshire
DEAR KELSEA: I know it’s hard, but right now your priority must be to finish your education. Start by asking around the “horse community” if someone would be interested in buying Springtime and can give her a good home. Also put the word out at the stable where you have been boarding her. Your veterinarian may also be able to offer you helpful sugges- tions. However, if they can’t help you, contact a horse rescue group.
DEAR ABBY: My cousin’s son is 4 and a picky eater. We love to try new restaurants and cuisines. When we go out to eat, she sometimes brings along a PB&J for her child. Is this acceptable? I always feel a little awkward about it, but then I think the restaurant would rather have us come with something he can eat rather than go to a different restaurant. In her defense, she does have him try the restaurant’s food. — Awkward Diner
DEAR AWKWARD DINER: I think it’s perfectly acceptable. Which is preferable — a child with his mouth full of a PB&J sandwich he’s enjoying, or one who’s loudly complaining that the food is awful?
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, CA 90069.