Dear Readers: Many of you will be enjoying your Memorial Day weekend with barbecues and picnics, but we hope you will also remember the purpose behind the observance. Please consider taking the time to visit a veterans hospital or military cemetery and pay your respects. And if you have a flag, it is appropriate to display it at half-staff until noon.

‘Last Monday in May’

by John T. Bird of Birmingham, Ala.

We pause to remember those who died

with so much courage

so much pride.

They’ll never come back

but memories endure

to remind us of freedom: fragile, pure.

We’re worthy of their sacrifice

if we pause each day

not just on the last Monday in May.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “N.N.” about her verbally abusive husband. I, too, am the spouse of a constantly critical, controlling and emotionally abusive man who thinks all of our relationship’s problems rest solely on my shoulders. Your response was spot-on.

Two days ago, after my husband again called me names in a heated rant in front of our children, I decided I’d had enough and told him I wanted a divorce. I finally recognized that suffering through it for our children’s sake wasn’t right for any of us. An unstable and tense home environment can be more detrimental than a broken but happy one. Deciding to leave the relationship was difficult, but I look forward to a future not spent walking on eggshells, not feeling ashamed in front of my children, living comfortably in my home and giving my kids a calm, stable place to grow up. “N.N.” deserves respect and someone who truly loves her. – Better Now