My 82-year-old dad wants to drive 2,000 miles…
DEAR ABBY: At 82, my father continues to live alone and unassisted. He’s usually in good healt, but is beginning to acknowledge that he gained’t be perpetually. One factor he actually wants to do while he still can (or thinks he can) is take a highway journey — by himself — to go to his sister on the other facet of the nation.
He recurrently does shorter drives (two to three hours) and figures if he takes his time, he could make the 2,000-mile journey by doing many short stretches over a few days. I feel it’s a colossally dangerous concept. He is underestimating the fatigue he’s going to expertise after a long day of driving and is forgetting how a lot additional vitality it takes to navigate in an unfamiliar place. I’m fearful he’s going to get in an accident or get misplaced.
After telling him all that, and that he’s bought better choices, I supplied to pay for a airplane ticket. But he doesn’t like the concept of making an attempt to navigate an airport (which makes no sense to me in contrast to driving), or making an attempt to drive an unfamiliar rental car when he arrives. I’ve advised going with him, but he wants to keep for a long go to, and there isn’t room for me at my aunt’s.
Dad has bought his thoughts set on this journey, and I’m fearful he’s going to depart without telling anybody he’s going. If I can’t motive with him, what can I do? We don’t live close to each other, and I don’t have any proper to take his keys, but this is nuts, proper? — A DISASTER IN OHIO
DEAR SEES: Whether you or I feel your father’s plan is nuts is beside the purpose. He goes to make the journey. However, this doesn’t imply you can not have some enter and assurances.
Help your father plan and map out his journey. Note what motels or motels there are along the best way and help him make reservations. Then get his promise to call you every night when he checks in so you may know he’s all proper. It could take some work on your half, but the reassurance of having the ability to monitor his progress could be priceless.
DEAR ABBY: My youngest baby (early teenagers) has a onerous time making and holding associates, but he made a new pal three weeks in the past. I’ve met the mother once, briefly, and largely texted to focus on timing for plans with my child and hers.
The mother retains asking me for money. Our tales are related, and I’ve crammed her in — divorced, single mother, no contact with ex, no help. Most just lately, she texted me asking for fuel money and extra money to help fund a journey out of state for a funeral. I could live in a good home, but I’ve no help in paying for it plus all the other life bills. I’ve told her as a lot, but I still get these requests.
I don’t need to be impolite to her, but I really feel like my next step is to be blunt. However, I don’t need to risk hurting the friendship between the youngsters. How do I make it clear without doing harm? — DOLLARS AND SENSE
DEAR D & S: Resist the urge to be blunt. Simply inform the girl properly that you don’t have funds to give her at this time. When she asks again, repeat as essential.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also recognized as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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