Man plans to bequest money to the soul mate he deserted

Dear Abby: Many years ago, I had a romance with a girl in a faraway town. Thinking I could do better, I moved on. With the benefit of hindsight, I realize she stood head and shoulders above all the others, and I had tragically discarded my soul mate.

By chance, I ended up settling in the same city as she. Now and then we run into each other, exchange a few friendly words and a quick hug, then move on. On one of those occasions, she was accompanied by her husband and introduced me as a “friend” from our younger days. He was cordial, but I could see that he wondered if there was more to the story.

I have done fairly well in terms of money. I divorced years ago and have no children. I am leaving money to a relative or two, some charities and, for two reasons, I have decided to leave a large sum to my soul mate. For one, she is the finest person I have ever known. Second, it is obvious to me that they can use the money.

But what happens when this windfall drops out of the sky into their laps? I have no wish to cause problems in their marriage, but despite my good intentions it might cause a disturbance. Am I doing the right thing, and is there a better way? — “John Beresford Tipton Jr.” Dear “Mr. Tipton”: Your letter brings to mind a television series from years ago called “The Millionaire.” Each week the representative of an eccentric multimillionaire, John Beresford Tipton Jr., would hand some deserving person a check for $1 million.

Ask your financial adviser how to discreetly pull off an anonymous bequest, and I’m sure the person can make it happen.

Dear Abby: For a year and a half, my wife and I have been looking forward to attending our granddaughter’s college graduation. When I called my son to discuss arrangements, he told me my granddaughter was allowed only three tickets, but managed to get two more tickets. He then informed me that he, his ex-wife, his son, his ex-wife’s sister and the sister’s live-in boyfriend will be using the tickets.

I feel very hurt that the ex’s sister and boyfriend got tickets instead of me and my wife. We had planned to give my granddaughter $500 for graduation. After this slap in the face, should we give her the $500, which we have given to all our other grandchildren upon their graduation? —

Left Out In Florida Dear Left Out:

Yes, you should. Although you are right to feel hurt and offended, the blame should rest with your son and not your granddaughter, and she should not be penalized for it.