Father should gently tell kids that he prefers time alone
Dear Abby: I joined the Navy after I learned I was becoming a father. I didn’t want to be a husband or a father, but I did both. In 2010, my wife died. My feelings about being a husband and father never changed.
Our two children are now grown and want me to move near — or in with — them. They say, “Won’t it be great to be with your grandkids?” No, it won’t!
I worked and supported my family. When I was in port, I went to baseball, softball and basketball games, had tea with my daughter and did everything I think I should have done. I have served my time. I don’t want to “be close.” Honestly, I’d prefer they left me alone. I don’t love them, and I didn’t love their mother. I did my duty to the best of my abilities both in uniform and in family.
When we aren’t together, I’m happy. I read, I study and do what I like. I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I never wanted a family in the first place. Dear Never Wanted A Family: The one thing you should do is express your feelings to your children as bluntly as you have to me. Because you don’t want to hurt them, a way to phrase it might be to say that having done your job as a parent to the best of your ability, you need time to yourself now — time to read, study, travel, reflect, etc. Be sure to make clear that it has nothing to do with them so they won’t think they are somehow to blame.
Dear Abby: After reading your “timely” reminder about changing the batteries on smoke alarms and detectors when turning clocks back to standard time, something occurred to my wife and me. We have never seen another aspect of fire protection in our homes mentioned not be the case.) If there is no date on the extinguisher and the date of purchase is unknown, the expiration date can be determined by calling the manufacturer or going online to the manufacturer’s website.
Could you pass this information on to your readers? It may save lives. Thank you.
Dear Patrick: Actually, Patrick, I should thank for pointing this out. I’m glad you wrote because your letter may help many readers.