Dear Annie: How to find support
Dear Annie: You recently published a letter from a person whose father had died, and whose sister refused to tell her 6-year-old child about the loss. There is a resource that would be useful to the sister: ChildrensRoom.org. — Sympathetic in Boston
Dear Sympathetic in Boston: Thank you for your suggestion. I hope this brings her more comfort.
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Dear Annie: I was in a similar situation as “Grieving Grandmother” but just the opposite. My grandmother and parents did not like my choice of spouse, so we were uninvited to family gatherings.
At first, I was hurt, and then I thought, “who cares?” So for the last 30 years, my holiday gatherings on Thanksgiving and Christmas have been filled with my “new” family. Seniors whose children don’t have time for them. Young people whose parents cut them off because they are LGBTQ or different. Widows and widowers, and other various “forgotten ” people. They are not forgotten in my house.
For the last 30 years, my life and home have been filled with joy, laughter and happiness. My advice to that grandmother is to write those so-called daughters-in-law off and surround herself with others that will love her and want to spend holidays with a woman who loves and wants to host them. She won’t regret it. — Grandfather to Those Without
Dear Grandfather to Those Without: Surrounding yourself with supportive and loving people is always important, and will make you feel more supported and nourished.
Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].