DEAR ABBY: I want to thank you for a letter I wrote you. No, I didn't mail it, but writing the letter and sharing it with my family afterward helped me greatly. It forced me to organize my thoughts and get in touch with my feelings, and it opened up helpful, healing dialogue.
May I suggest to your readers that they try this approach to whatever might be causing their sleepless nights? SENDING the letter is optional, but WRITING it can be essential in coming to terms with, and even solving, life's problems. -- PAM HANSSEN, SAN MATEO, CALIF.
DEAR PAM: I am a firm believer in the healing power of the pen, and I'm certain that many more letters have been written to me than have crossed my desk. For years readers have closed their letters with the statement, "Thank you, Abby ... I feel better just having gotten this off my chest." I'm delighted to help in any way I can, even as a silent sounding board.