DEAR ABBY: I have an 8-year-old son who was disagnosed with diabetes last year. A few months ago, I took him to a matinee at a theater.
I took some dietetic sugar-free wafers and dietetic sugar-free chocolate candies with us. When the young lady at the ticket counter saw that my son was holding some food, she very loudly read the sign that was posted on the wall: "No Outside Food Permitted." (As if I couldn't read.)
I was embarrassed and quite upset. I explained that my son has diabetes and she just repeated to me, "Sorry, ma'am, no outside food permitted." I thought she was very rude.
Abby, couldn't they bend the rules a little bit? My son CAN'T eat the candy they sell. I understand the rules about bringing in outside food -- it would mean they'd lose business. However, there must be exceptions for people with medical conditions. Aren't there? What do you think, Abby? -- ANNOYED IN OREGON
DEAR ANNOYED: If sugar-free items are not sold at the theater, an exception should have been made. However, the ticket-seller wasn't in a position to bend the rules for you. It was beyond her authority. Had you taken your problem to the manager, I'm sure you would have had a more favorable result.