A millennial woman writes to Dear Abby feeling replaced and abandoned by her father, who in his mid-60s, has just had twins with his third wife. She struggles to overcome the feeling of being replaced by her father’s new family, especially since he has decided to leave all of his assets to his third wife and the twins. Many of her friends also have parents who have chosen to start over later in life, which adds to her pain and feelings of abandonment.
Dear Abby advises the woman to focus on the blessings she has, including a loving husband and two amazing children. She encourages the woman to concentrate on the positives in her life and to stop blaming her father for his decisions. Abby acknowledges that parents are free to live their own lives once their children reach adulthood and suggests that the woman embrace the life she currently has.
In another letter, a reader asks if they should temper their drinking around their nephew who has experienced family trauma due to his father’s alcoholism. While there may be a genetic predisposition to addiction in some families, Dear Abby advises that as long as the family can handle their alcohol consumption, there is no need to change their behavior when the nephew is around. She also suggests warning the niece and nephew about the risks of experimenting with alcohol due to their family history.
Abby takes the opportunity to wish her readers who celebrate Easter a meaningful and memorable day. She signs off by sending her love to everyone. Abby, also known as Jeanne Phillips, acknowledges that the column was originally founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips, and provides contact information for readers who wish to reach out to her.
These letters to Dear Abby highlight the struggles some individuals face in dealing with family dynamics and changes as parents make decisions that may impact their adult children. Abby offers advice on how to navigate these complex situations, focusing on finding blessings, understanding genetic predispositions, and celebrating important holidays with loved ones. The column continues to provide support and wisdom to readers seeking guidance on personal and familial challenges.
