Motorcycle madness drives wife over the edge
DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Chris,” wanted a motorcycle for seven years. Last year I finally gave in, with the stipulation that he take a safety course and buy a good helmet and riding gear
Two months later, Chris was in a crash and suffered several broken bones and a concussion. The hospital bill was more than $ 60,000. His accident was a reality check for me. Ever since, I have been petrified of losing him. Every time Chris rides I worry, pray and often cry until he returns or calls to say he’s OK.
I have begged him to get rid of the bike. The stress is taking a toll on me physically and emotionally and creating tension between us. I’m afraid it would be selfish to insist he get rid of something he loves; on the other hand, I feel Chris is selfish for not taking my feelings into consideration. I’m torn between wanting him safe and wanting him to be happy. What should I do? – STRESSED OUT IN PHILLY
DEAR STRESSED OUT: If his close call wasn’t enough to convince your husband to rethink his motorcycle riding, and your begging and obvious distress haven’t dissuaded him, accept that short of hog- tying Chris, you can’t stop him from riding.
You can, however, protect yourself from some of the fallout that might result from another accident. Tell Chris that if his heart is set on riding, you want him to buy a life insurance policy and sign an organ donor card, because healthy young men on motorcycles are the most desired organ donors – a fact
815 Albert Pike, is open from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. Monday- Saturday. Articles include household items, appliances, furniture, TVs, women’s accessories, toys and more. Items donated are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit Recovery Point Ministry, a faith- based, nonprofit organization which provides a nurturing environment to help women step out of their pain from destructive habits and begin to rebuild their lives through the life- changing power of Jesus Christ.
Habitat ReStore, 350 Malvern Ave., is open from 9 a. m.5 p. m. Monday- Saturday. All profits go to Garland County Habitat for Humanity in order to build houses. Donations of all household items, including appliances, furniture and building supplies, are accepted during store hours. Call 321- 4241 for large item pick- up.
HGH Thrift Store, 423 Hobson Ave., is open from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. Fridays and Saturdays.
D a t e b o o k at 1249 Ault Loop, Lonsdale. Donations of dog and cat food and other miscellaneous pet supplies may be dropped off at the store. Free low- cost spay and neuter vouchers are available at the store. Call 321- 9604 for information. Anyone interested in volunteering at the store may call to schedule an interview with Barbara or Jan.
Guardian Angels Thrift Store, Indiandale Shopping Center, 1540 Malvern Ave., Suite C., is open from 9 a. m.- 4 p. m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Good used items are accepted for resell. All proceeds go to support the cat shelter and rescue operations. Volunteers are always needed. For a complete list, call 623- 3484.
Abilities Unlimited Thrift Store, 1819 Albert Pike, is open from 8: 30 a. m.- 4: 30 p. m. Monday- Saturday. It has a selection of clothing for men, women, children and plus sizes; shoes, household items and furniture are available. Tax- deductible donations are accepted from 8: 30- 4 p. m. at the back door; or call 624- 5757 for free pickup of donations.
The Salvation Army Family Store, Malvern Avenue and Crescent Street, has gently worn men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, plus a selection of household items. The store is open from 9 a. m.- 4 p. m. Monday- Saturday. Call 623- 1641 for tax deductible pickup of good, quality items.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store, 4490 Central Ave., next to Kroger, is open from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. MondaySaturday. It offers furniture, clothing and household items. Donations are appreciated. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army programs. Call 525- 5059 for information.
Nell’s Resale Shop, 210 Woodbine, inside Hot Springs Center, is open from 8 a. m.noon Monday– Friday. Sales benefit Meals on Wheels, serving approximately 500 homebound Garland County seniors each day. Items include household items, small appliances, clothing and accessories for men and women, jewelry, books and greeting cards. Donations are welcome. Call 6240838 for information.
Potter’s Clay Thrift Shop, 1036 Malvern Ave., is open from 9 a. m.- 4 p. m. Monday- Friday. Tax- deductible donations of good reusable clothing and furniture are accepted behind the shop from 9 a. m.- 2: 30 p. m. Proceeds benefit Potter’s Clay Ministries, a Christ- centered shelter for abused women and children. Call 620- 4405 for information.
RPM Thrift Store, shared with me by a former executive director of an organ donation registry. That way you will be provided for in case of a tragedy – and it will ensure that part of him lives on when he is removed from life support.
It’s also important that you find ways to lessen your stress. So start making time for activities you can enjoy while you’re on your own. It’ll give you less time to worry and something else on which to concentrate.
DEAR ABBY: I am a woman who last year discovered I was gay. I was married with children. When I told my husband I was gay, he embraced and supported me with a great deal of love. We told our children in an open and honest way, and they, too, have supported me. I have also told a select group of friends whom I felt I could trust.
One of these friends is the mother of one of my son’s classmates. Her daughter asked her mom why I was always with a woman and her response was, “It’s her girlfriend.” Her daughter asked more questions, so her mother told her I was gay – outing me to her daughter and my son’s classmates! I am beyond hurt, and I am considering dissolving my friendship with this person. I am unsure what I should say or do. Can you help? – CONFUSED IN SEATTLE
DEAR CONFUSED: Once a “secret” is shared, there is no guarantee that it will remain a secret. When you began coming out to your friends, you revealed who you are. You CAN’T be both in and out of the closet.
Please forgive your friend. Her daughter asked honest questions and was given honest answers. That is a good thing. There are worse things than being known as gay in Seattle – such as being gay in a place that’s less accepting. So start celebrating who you are and the rest will fall into place.