DEAR ABBY: How can I get my stepsons to show some compassion and love for their father? They seem to forget that they have him, and that he labored to help them become successful citizens. He's a kind and sensitive man who should be cherished. He has Alzheimer's disease and needs their love now more than ever.
They live in other states, but could call more than once a year. My husband doesn't say much about them anymore. He did when we first married six years ago. We keep busy, but I cry for him. He has no family. His first wife lived for her sons only and probably forgot about her relationship with my husband. Perhaps this attitude was passed on to his sons. How do others in my situation cope? -- CRYING IN WISCONSIN
DEAR CRYING: Dry your tears, pick up the phone and encourage the "boys" to call their father once a week to say they are thinking of him and love him -- and to share some memory their father will relate to. And should your husband's sons have a memory lapse and forget to call, remind them -- but do it without laying a guilt trip.