To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
DEAR READERS: I received many gratifying thank-you letters from those who were a part of Operation Dear Abby '95. Some samples:
DEAR ABBY: I am a chaplain with the Third Battalion, Twelfth Marine Division on Okinawa, Japan. I was very moved a few days ago as numerous letters and packages were delivered for "Any Service Member." I would like to thank all those who participated in that wonderful program.
It is true that the holidays can be difficult when we are away from home, but such an outpouring of affection from the American public makes us realize how important our jobs are. The average age of the Marines I minister to is 19. Most have just graduated from high school within the past year. You can imagine the adjustment that's necessary for teen-agers to spend this time of year away from their families.
All you have done through our Operation Dear Abby/America Remembers campaign is greatly appreciated. Please keep all of your service members around the world in your prayers this year. God bless. -- LT. FREDERICK A. MC GUFFIN, CHC, U.S. NAVY
DEAR ABBY: Once again, Operation Dear Abby has lifted the spirits of those in the military who are far from home during the holidays. This past week almost every soldier in my unit found a card or letter in his or her mailbox.
This is the first time I have received a card through your program. I am from Sioux City, Iowa, and have been in the Army for 17 years.
Our heartfelt thanks to you, Abby, and to all of your fantastic readers who took the time to write. -- A THANKFUL SOLDIER, TAEGU, KOREA
DEAR ABBY: Regarding Operation Dear Abby, I want to thank you for giving your readers the APO addresses for our servicemen and women overseas.
Since we live in Annapolis, Md., and are involved with the sponsor program at the Naval Academy, I decided to mail a box of goodies to the South Pacific APO.
Well, today we received a wonderful gift -- it was a letter of thanks from the crew of the Submarine Group Seven. It was signed by all the officers and crew, who expressed their appreciation for the Christmas package.
I shall continue to write to them and, in a month or so, I'll mail them another box of goodies.
God bless you, Abby, for allowing civilians to do something nice for the dedicated young men and women who serve our country. -- LOUISA AND SHELDON NOBLE, ANNAPOLIS, MD.
DEAR LOUISA, SHELDON, CHAPLAIN MC GUFFIN AND "A THANKFUL SOLDIER": Thank you for the kind words, but the credit belongs to my readers who work so diligently every year to make this project such an overwhelming success.
CONFIDENTIAL TO SICK AT HEART IN SOUTH BEND: It's time to stop grieving and start living. Your problem reminds me of an old Chinese tale: "One tear met another tear floating down the river. Said the first tear, 'I am the tear of the woman who lost her love.' The other tear replied, 'And I am the tear of the woman who got him.'"
CHILD SAFETY TRAINING COURSE GIVES PARENTS PEACE OF MIND
DEAR ABBY: In a recent column, "S.O.S. (Sleepless Over Safety)" expressed concern that her mother-in-law had little knowledge of child safety, and she was fearful of leaving her 2-year-old twins in her care.
You advised "S.O.S." to seek safety training for her mother-in-law and mentioned several sources. I would like to add another -- the American Heart Association.
AHA offers a Pediatric Basic Life Support course. It is a combination of child and infant safety, CPR and obstructed airway procedures. In a few hours, anyone can learn to handle a pediatric emergency.
I know a new mother who had just finished the course and excitedly told both sets of grandparents about it. Looking forward to caring for their new grandchild, all four enrolled in the next class. As soon as they had completed the course, the grandparents gave the new mom and dad their first (worry-free) night without the baby.
If your readers call 1-800-242-8721, they will be routed to an American Heart Association division office where trained staff can offer information on training availability, as well as on heart disease and strokes. We spend no money on advertising, so a mention in your column will help spread the word. -- PAUL GIGUERE, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, MANCHESTER, CONN.
DEAR MR. GIGUERE: I'm happy to mention such a worthwhile organization. Parents, grandparents and anyone involved in child care should take note. AHA also urges persons at high risk for heart attacks and their spouses to learn CPR. It can mean the difference between life and death.
DEAR ABBY: I just returned from the post office after mailing a letter to my aunt in New Zealand. While there, I thanked the two women who work for the postal system. I told them that it never ceases to amaze me how a letter can get across this vast country of ours in one or two days. I thanked them for a postal service that is unmatched by any country in the world. I cannot get letters to France in a timely manner. I pray over letters to Milan, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt.
Most Americans have no idea what it's like to deal with a postal service that is slow and unpredictable. Excuses can be invented to confiscate one's mail in another country -- or you may get your mail, but with a few items missing.
Everyone in the U.S.A. should thank our hard workers for doing a grand job. In fact, I think we should designate the day after Christmas as "Thank Your Postal Worker Day."
These men and women work and move like highly trained soldiers in combat. So please be nice to them and say, "Thank you for a job well done." Because it is my real name, you may sign me ... LIGHTFOOT IN SAN DIEGO
DEAR LIGHTFOOT: Speaking as one who receives bushels of mail daily -- I couldn't agree more!
For Abby's favorite family recipes, send a long, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet No. 1, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
Family Nurses Hurt and Hope for Son Who Walked Away
DEAR ABBY: My son (if he is still alive) will soon be 33. We have not heard from him in nearly five years. The pain of not knowing if he is OK is nearly unbearable. Sometimes I still break down and cry.
Nothing happens in our family that cannot be forgiven. I long to see his face or to hear his voice again. I have been to a counselor; I bought a book on finding lost people; I checked with the police for his driver's license, etc. I do not know where else to turn.
Last Christmas, I shopped for a needy child. It helped, but my heart is still heavy when I think of my son.
Now, when the subject of children comes up, I just tell the truth and say, "He left five years ago and I don't know whether he's alive or dead." Abby, it's painful to think about him.
I urge those who have separated themselves from their families to get in touch with them. You need not say where you are. You may think your family stops caring after a while, but that's not so. I'll never stop hurting. And I'll never stop hoping. In fact, sign me ... HURTING AND HOPING, FORT WORTH, TEXAS
DEAR HURTING: I'm hopeful your son will read your letter, recognize himself and contact you. Companies that perform computer search services may be able to locate your son. (They are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Information Specialists," "Information Brokers" or "Searchers of Public Records.")
Meanwhile, continue helping others: Participate in a community program for children in need, volunteer to read to children or teach a children's class at the library. Most hospital nurseries need volunteers to comfort sick infants. God bless you. I wish you well.
DEAR ABBY: I was recently divorced and moved to Florida. In order to pay my mortgage, I work two jobs. This leaves me with very little time for maintenance or yard work. I was relieved when the weeds didn't overrun my yard as I had feared they would because of the climate.
Yesterday I made an unscheduled trip home in the middle of my workday. As I entered my driveway, I saw in a flash the reason why the weeds had not taken over my yard. There was my 86-year-old neighbor on his hands and knees pulling my weeds!
Abby, I barely know this nice man and his wife, and yet here he was weeding my yard. He was very embarrassed to be caught in this anonymous act of kindness.
How's that for a terrific neighbor? -- MELISSA HANSEN, FORT MYERS, FLA.
DEAR MELISSA: Congratulations -- you lucked out in the neighbor department. Does he have a brother who wants to move to California?
DEAR ABBY: A close friend of mine who now lives out of town stayed at my home the other night. She slept in the nude. When I asked her why, she told me it was healthier to sleep that way. Also, she sleeps better, and it's much more comfortable.
I have slept in the nude on a few occasions and would start doing it regularly if it is indeed healthier. Is it? -- WONDERING IN SAN ANTONIO
DEAR WONDERING: If it has been proven that sleeping in the nude is healthier, I am not aware of it. The only possible advantage: There would be no pajamas or nightgowns to launder.
Abby shares more of her favorite, easy-to-prepare recipes. To order, send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, More Favorite Recipes, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)