Unhappy reunion with birth parent

Dear Annie: I read of so many happy reunions with birth parents, but I certainly did not have one.

I found my birth mother when I was 35. I discovered a half-brother who didn’t know about me and resented me a great deal. We have no contact. My birth mother lied to me with three different stories about why I was adopted. She stayed with me for a week, demanded all of my time and expected to hug me constantly. I did not care for her “concern” after 35 years.

She visited twice more and nothing improved. I eventually cut off all correspondence with her. – Iowa

Dear Annie: I have a plea for anyone who has a pool, pond or other body of water around their home. This past Monday, my beautiful, active, mobile 11-month-old grandson got out of the house and fell into the koi pond. Instead of planning his first birthday, we are planning his funeral.

Please, if you have any type of standing water, put a fence around it. No parent, grandparent or sibling should go through what we are dealing with right now, especially for something so preventable. – A Grieving Grandmother in Redondo Beach, Calif.

Dear Grieving: This is so heartbreaking. Please know that your words of warning will save a life. Little children can drown in very little water, and they do not have the understanding or the physical dexterity to avoid a tragedy. And no matter how closely you watch your child, accidents happen. Readers, whether the children are yours or someone else’s, fence off these areas or keep them behind lock and key so they are safe for everyone. Our deepest condolences to your family.