DEAR ABBY: I am a 39-year-old single woman. While growing up, my father physically threatened me, and verbally abused me with insults, put-downs and vulgar language. My mother and I haven't had anything to do with him for 15 years.
My father is now very ill and doesn't have long to live. He leaves me angry voice-mail messages because I refuse to take care of him.
Abby, am I being a bad daughter for not wanting to subject myself to his abuse? -- NEEDING HELP IN MARYLAND
DEAR NEEDING HELP: Definitely not. Give your father the name of a licensed attendant-care agency in his area. They are listed in the telephone yellow pages. Attendants are trained to handle the needs of ill and disabled people.
Don't feel guilty for protecting yourself from a man who obviously hasn't changed in the last 15 years.