DEAR ABBY: I am a daughter of a blue-collar father. I admire him greatly and am beyond grateful for all his sacrifices. He worked more than six days a week for 30 years to give us a nice life.
When I went to college more than 10 years ago, I took out student loans because my parents couldn't afford to help me financially. I still pay a large amount each month and I see it bothers my father.
I have told him many times how grateful I am for his sacrifices and that I manage to pay my student loans each month. However, I know it still bothers him. He keeps saying, "When I die, I'll take care of you." I don't want him to carry around this burden, especially since he's already done so much so we can live comfortably. How can I erase the guilt he feels about my school loans? -- CONCERNED DAUGHTER
DEAR CONCERNED: For your own sake, it's time to realize you cannot wave a magic wand and change the way your father feels. From your description, he seems like a wonderful man. Continue to express gratitude and respect for what he has done for you. Stop discussing your ongoing loan payments, and let your successful life be the proof of your father's diligent efforts.