DEAR ABBY: Social media -- specifically Facebook -- has had an impact on families, their values and relationships. It is important to understand that, contrary to popular belief, parents and grandparents DO NOT LIVE FOREVER. Being "too busy" for face-to-face visits, writing a postcard or a letter, or even a simple telephone call, is not how we were brought up.
To my children and grandchildren, whom I dearly love: I'm sure you'll take the time to order flowers for my funeral. You may even take the day off to attend, and when you do, you will most likely shed some tears. So why can't you find the time, while I'm still here, to visit or call? I'd love to see you, and I'm never too busy to make the time. -- HURT IN PELLA, IOWA
DEAR HURT: I'm printing your letter because I'm sure this is a problem shared by many aging parents and grandparents. However, this is a question you should direct to your children and grandchildren, not me. If you do, you may learn there may be multiple reasons why they don't pay more attention to you -- among them, the pressures of work, school, child care, or the fact that they are disorganized and don't budget their time well.
There is also the question of whether you are an enjoyable person to be around. Do you show an interest in what they are doing, or make them feel guilty for not doing more to entertain you? That's a surefire way to keep them away.