DEAR ABBY: I am a 9-year-old girl who's in the third grade, and I have a problem. My dad has not visited me in 4 1/2 years, and he has not called me since July of 1996.
I tried to call him a while back, but his phone was disconnected. I don't understand why he doesn't try to contact me.
I wish he knew how I feel so maybe he would change his mind and try to get in touch with me. I love my dad very much. I hope he reads this letter. -- MISSING MY DAD IN MICHIGAN
DEAR MISSING: Sadly, there are many children who, like you, are longing to hear from their absent father or mother. Some adults forget that children are capable of understanding almost anything if they are given the opportunity. One phone call or letter that explains why the parent cannot stay in close contact at the moment will do wonders toward putting a child's mind at ease.
I, too, hope your father (and all the other parents to whom this applies) sees your letter and realizes how important it is that he call or write to you.