DEAR ABBY: I am 52 years old and have been married for 22 years to my second husband. We have four teenage sons. I was widowed at 22 when my first husband was killed in Vietnam. I was pregnant and lost our child when I was told of my husband's death.
I was 30 when I married my second husband. He knows, of course, that I was married before, but for some reason I never felt confortable telling his parents. (My children know.) I think his parents always suspected something, but they've never asked me directly.
My problem is, I am afraid this information will slip someday, and my in-laws will be hurt and angry at me. What do you think I should do? -- WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING
DEAR WANT: This has stayed in the closet for too long. You are acting as though you have a shameful secret. Being the widow of a man who gave his life for his country is nothing to be ashamed of. It should be a point of pride.
Call a family meeting with your in-laws, and with your husband at your side, tell them. They deserve to know the truth, and it will ease your conscience.