Lavish lifestyle no proof of thievery

Dear Annie: I work for a small, family-owned company. I am convinced that the married couple who manage the business are embezzling a lot of money from the elderly owners.

The couple who run the business have an extravagant lifestyle, which appears to be well beyond their means. Although I never have said anything to my co-workers, I have overheard them discussing the very same concerns. Speaking to the owners directly is not an option, as I am sure the married managers would find out it was me, and I don’t want them to get me fired or worse.

I do not wish to make false accusations. However, I am convinced that the matter needs to be investigated. Whom can I contact? – Colorado Worker

Dear Colorado: Is it possible this couple has money from another source that you know nothing about? An extravagant lifestyle is not necessarily evidence of thievery. Do you have access to the bookkeeping records? If not, and you don’t want to tell the owners directly, would you be willing to send them an anonymous letter or e-mail, suggesting they look into it? Otherwise, we don’t know how else you expect to alert them.

Dear Annie: I am writing in response to a letter about men wearing hats in restaurants. My husband had brain cancer and radiation. He lost all his hair and sports a rather ugly scar. He felt he was being rude if he didn’t wear a hat because his appearance might have bothered others. I think the rules about “hat etiquette” should be eliminated. Thanks. – D.C.

Dear D.C.: We’re not in charge of the hat rules, but as far as we’re concerned, anyone who wears a hat for religious purposes, to cover insecurities about hair loss or to hide disfigurement should be permitted to wear one, anywhere, any time.

Dear Annie: I hope you will print this letter to all birth mothers. Please, if your adult child contacts you, let them talk to you.

My adoptive daughter paid an agency a lot of money to find her birth mother. The woman was found, but even though she promised to contact my daughter, she hasn’t yet. That was a year ago. My daughter is just sick about this, knowing her birth mother is alive and well but won’t speak to her.

Her birth mother did a wonderful thing by giving her up, and my daughter knows this. My daughter doesn’t want to disrupt this woman’s family. She just needs to see a face and hear a voice. – Adoptive Mother

Dear Mother: Not all birth parents are emotionally capable of meeting the child they gave up, but you’ve made a heartfelt plea, and we hope they are listening.

Dear Annie: This is for “Molly,” who has three girls, and puberty rapidly approaching. She asked for book recommendations. My gynecologist recommended a great one for my daughter from American Girl Library called “The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls” by Valorie Schaefer (Pleasant Co. Publications).

It is a very informative book, simple to read, and covers everything from hair care, to acne, bras, nutrition, periods, feet, rest, feelings, and many other topics. I am very pleased with it, and good luck to Molly. – Valerie in Michigan