DEAR ABBY: My family never had much money, so when I turned 16 I started working -- giving up my holidays and summers. After graduating from high school, I decided to continue working full-time so I could live on my own and buy a car, rather than go to college.
I am now 22 and recently got laid off from my job of five years. The time feels right to finally complete my education.
My parents have been divorced since I was a baby, and my mother lives four hours away by plane. We talk on the phone once a week and are very close. Mom just got a job that pays well, and she's about to marry an extremely wealthy man who is also loving and kind.
When Mom and her fiance heard about my job layoff, he said he was more than willing to put me through college -- and the two of them offered to support me financially while I attend school full-time. I feel deep gratitude for their generosity.
Abby, what is the proper way to thank someone who is being so generous? Sign me ... THANKFUL IN SAN DIEGO
DEAR THANKFUL: Study hard and make them proud. And if they don't need to be repaid, extend that kindness and generosity to someone else in the future when you're well-established. Best of luck to you!