Parents Could Use Helpful Info
Dear Ann Landers: Last year, my 4-year-old son’s tennis shoe became trapped between the step and the sidewall of an escalator. He was standing next to my husband at the time. The impact pulverized his foot immediately, causing him to lose three toes and slicing the bottom of his foot. After two weeks in the hospital, seven surgeries, skin grafts, months in a wheelchair, a walker and walking casts, by the grace of God, he is able to walk again.
I thought my son’s experience was a freak accident until I learned about a side plate that successfully prevents accidents of this type. I was shocked to learn, however, that not all escalators have these side plates because our government does not require them.
In 1994, the Consumer Products Safety Commission reported that 1,500 children under the age of 5 suffered from falls and/or the loss of fingers, toes and feet due to escalator-related accidents. Why have manufacturers chosen to ignore available remedies in favor of saving money when a child’s safety is at stake? These side plates should be mandatory.
The next time you ride an escalator with a child, insist that the youngster stand in the middle of the step, pointing his or her shoes forward. Hold the child’s hand and be especially careful if the little one is wearing rubber-soled shoes. - Houston Mother
Dear Houston: You have written a letter that is sure to get the attention of every parent who rides an escalator with a child. Thanks for preventing some awful accidents.
Dear Ann Landers: I read with interest your reply to the woman who didn’t want to get stuck with her fiance’s elderly parent and handicapped sister. I hope her fiance finds someone a bit more caring and compassionate to marry.
My situation is similar. When my handicapped brother needed care, I placed him in a group home so my wife would not be burdened with him. Now, my mother, age 93, can no longer live alone. She is frail and forgetful, and my brother and I are her only children. I have taken her into my home and am happy to care for her. Mom has a lovely disposition and is grateful for my help and company. I prepare her breakfast and come home from work to give her lunch. I also prepare half the family’s evening meals, at which she joins us. I do her laundry and have arranged for someone to come in to bathe her and give her physical therapy.
My burden, however, is not my mother but my wife, to whom I have been totally faithful for 28 years. She begrudges everything I do for my mother and every minute I spend with her. She wants my mother out of our home. I am reassessing the high regard I had for my wife. Her bitterness and nagging are turning me against her.
My wife recently welcomed our two grown children and a grandchild into our home without consulting me. They are noisy and sloppy and have no respect for me. If I utter one word of criticism, my wife hits the roof. I need an outsider’s opinion on what I should do. Can you help? - Beside Myself in Oregon
Dear Oregon: Your marriage sounds like a nightmare. Although you didn’t say it, I suspect you moved your 93-year-old mother into your home over your wife’s objections. She retaliated by bringing in the children to even the score and give her some support.
You need joint counseling at once. I hope it isn’t too late. The anger on both sides has exceeded civilized limits. Please seek a mediator immediately.