Dear Annie: A shining example
Dear Annie: I have a rare child, one who asks nothing for herself and gives generously to others. Each year for her birthday and Christmas, I try to find something, anything, my daughter might like as a gift. She smiles sweetly and says nothing or says, “I’m good.”
Yet she works hard to make other lives easier and happier every day. When her dad had a stroke, she was my assistant, no matter how messy and how hard the task. When her dad passed away, she and I clung to each other for comfort. Then we got the news that her uncle was very ill. We moved from our home in Florida to Alabama to help him. She lost her school, her friends, a community to walk in without fear and so much more.
Once again, she gave her all, helping to bring her uncle back from barely being able to get out of bed to being able to plant in his beloved garden once more. If he made any noise, she ran to his room to see whether she could help. Her room was next to his, and mine was at the other end of the house.
She smiles at everyone and makes no judgments regarding color, sex, religion, wealth or anything else others notice. She accepts one and all. At church breakfasts every Sunday, she proudly says the prayer of thanks, and before every sermon, she raises her voice in song.
This rare and beautiful young woman is 38 years old, and although often hurt by other people, she holds no hate in her heart. She was born with Down syndrome.
That she holds no bias in her heart makes me wonder: Are the rest of us “normal,” or is she? I think she is, because she acts the way all humans should instead of as they do. If you want to print my real name, that works for me, for I am so proud of my generous, loving child. – Proud of My Daughter
Dear Proud: Thank you for sharing your daughter’s generosity with the world. May we all learn from her example.
Dear Annie: I am decent friends with a couple who are currently in a long-distance relationship. They have a great relationship, and our group of friends has been tight for a long time. A few weeks ago, I walked in on the girl with another guy. It was during a house party, and upon walking in on them, I quickly removed myself from the situation.
The girl called me the next day super upset. She said that she was drunk and that it was a mistake that she regrets and would never do again. She is afraid that it would destroy her relationship if her boyfriend found out. I am decent friends with both and am stuck deciding what I should do. Should I let the guy know what I saw or just mind my own business? – What Do I Do?
Dear WDID: That ugly truth will out itself in time. Keep your hands clean.
Dear Annie: You could not be more wrong in your answer to “Scratching My Head in NH,” whose husband’s family stays in touch with his ex-wife but does not include the ex in family affairs that this new wife attends. This is perfectly acceptable. Many people who have formed deep, loving bonds of friendship with an ex’s family should not be expected to drop the ex because two people find they cannot live together. Many people in the position of ending a marriage also stay in touch for the sake of children and other family members. You really need to rethink your answer. – Remaining a Friend
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM