DEAR ABBY: I'm a 45-year-old man with a dilemma. Two years ago, I met a wonderful 22-year-old woman who has a terrible eating disorder. Over the last two years she has been hospitalized probably 18 months out of 24. Many people have come into her life and promised to be her friend, and all of them have given up on her as her parents have.
There was a time when I didn't miss a day of visiting her, sometimes driving an hour and a half one way. I was the only person going there and bringing her what she needed or wanted. What started as a friendship turned into a relationship. We love each other very much.
The age difference is a problem to some people -- the same ones who at one time didn't care enough to visit when she needed them the most. They say she won't live past the age of 25 because of the damage she has done to her body.
The short periods of time she has been out of the hospital we have traveled across the U.S. on little trips. She loved it, and so did I. All I want to do is make sure she enjoys what life she has left. I believe I'm doing the right thing. What do you think? -- IN LOVE IN ST. PAUL
DEAR IN LOVE: Your ladyfriend may be young, but you are both adults. Time is precious, and you should enjoy as much of it as you can together.
Also, unless you were told by her physician that she has only a short time to live, you shouldn't dwell too much on how long she has left. Happiness can be a great healer, and she could surprise everyone.