Advice to brides on Mother’s Day

Dear Abby: I am no advice columnist, but may I offer a few wise words to future brides?

I have been married for 25 years and have never had an argument with my mother-in-law. My mother said, “Always respect the woman who made the man you love.”

I never forgot it. If we had any differences, a respectful dialogue was opened right away.

We have enjoyed shopping, eating, cooking, parties, caring for newborns and family moments together for as long as I can remember. Sadly, she is now frail and can no longer travel.

The women who made our husbands deserve all the respect we can offer.

Dear Simone: Your mother is an intelligent lady, and so are you.

I would like to wish a happy Mother’s Day to mothers everywhere, be they birth mothers, adoptive and foster mothers, stepmothers or grandmothers who are raising grandchildren.

Dear Abby: My partner and I have been together 23 years and his parents have embraced me as one of their own. A few years ago, we bought his mother a beautiful diamond ring for Moth- er’s Day. She’s now 84, and when she passes on, I’d like that ring back to have it turned into a ring for my partner. It’s a gesture I’m sure would please him, and I hope his mother as well. I believe she’s leaving her jewelry to her granddaughter, which is fine. But this ring will mean so much if I turn it into a ring for her son.

Would it be tacky for me to request this of Mom if I tell her why? (I’d also like to keep it on the down low so my partner doesn’t find out until the ring is given to him.) What do you think?

Dear Phil: I think what you have in mind is beautiful, and I can’t imagine why your partner’s mother would object if you raise the subject. Estate planning is a fact of life. However, if she doesn’t wish to change her will, you could offer to buy it from the granddaughter when the time comes. Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1-9 inclusively.