DEAR ABBY: I would like to air a pet peeve, not only my own but for many friends who are also divorced single mothers.
"Daddy" just called to talk to Junior again. His calls are infrequent, and since he lives out of town, always long- distance. Rather than say, "Hi, Betty, this is Jim; may I talk with Junior?" He says, "Is Junior home?"
Daddy has been out of my life for a number of years, and I don't always recognize his voice. These calls always catch me off guard, and I'm left wondering who wants to talk to my son without identifying himself first.
Junior was the result of love at one time, and he is the product of the woman his father hasn't the common decency to say "Hello" to -- �never mind a courteous, "How are you?"
Junior loves and respects Mom, so why can't Daddy at least acknowledge her existence, and exercise the same good manners he presumably adopts when he calls his doctor's office for an appoint�ment, or his girlfriend at her place of work, or his insurance agent?
It's such a small gesture in light of so many hurts after a divorce, and would show a modicum of maturity and promote good will where there is all too often no opportunity elsewhere for genuine communication.
If you print this, millions of single divorced moms will be grateful; in my own small circle, this complaint is universal. You may sign this "Betty," or ... VISIBLE, STILL BREATHING AND RAISING YOUR CHILD
DEAR BETTY: Here's your letter, which may also apply to some Suzies, Jennifers and a whole flock of Lindas.
If only one daddy is jolted into saying "Hello" to his former wife when he calls to speak to their child, then your efforts, my time and this space will not have been wasted.