DEAR ABBY: I understand both sides of the problem. I am an older grandmother in fairly good health. I love to baby-sit my grandkids over the weekends; however, sometimes I have moments of panic. I think, "What would happen should I become ill, or heaven forbid, I don't wake up in the morning? What would the kids do? Who would they call?" I didn't feel this way until I became a widow, but since then, I know it can happen. -- ARKANSAS GRANDMOTHER
DEAR ARKANSAS GRANDMOTHER: It's always wise to be prepared in an emergency. Even little children can learn to dial 911. Also, parents of minor children should leave medical permission papers in case of illness or accident.