DEAR ABBY: Last year my father-in-law passed away. Before he died, he left a letter on a computer disk for my daughter. I believe it is a short history of his life. My daughter is only 2 1/2, so I am saving it to give her when she is old enough to understand it.
Recently my mother-in-law requested a copy of the letter. I feel that since the letter was addressed specifically to my daughter, she should be asked if it's OK for someone else to read it. I personally have not read the letter, although I don't think my father-in-law would mind, but I feel it is a matter of principle. Am I being unreasonable in asking my mother-in-law to wait and ask my daughter herself in a few years' time? -- WONDERING MOM
DEAR WONDERING MOM: Yes. You stated in your letter that you don't think your father-in-law would mind. Why stand on principle when to do so would deny your grieving mother-in-law access to what could be a treasured memory? Let her read the letter. I'm sure your daughter would approve.