DEAR ABBY: I have read your column for many years, but this is the first time to write.
When my mother was getting old and in poor health, I would see friends of hers and they would say, "I would call your mother, but I'm afraid she might be sleeping or resting." Abby, that is not the way she wanted it to be.
Now that I am getting old, my greatest joy is for someone to visit or call me. Wake me up! I have plenty of time to sleep. Please call me any time of day or night -- early or late. Just call me. It would make my day. -- WAITING FOR A CALL IN TUCSON, ARIZ.
DEAR WAITING: I can think of few things as depressing as isolation. Stop waiting for your phone to ring and make some calls to others. You don't say how old you are, or the condition of your health, but if you're able to leave your dwelling, a wonderful way to meet people and stay involved is to volunteer your time for a worthwhile cause. Please consider it.