DEAR ABBY: Have you ever heard the little jingle that goes:
"A son is a son 'til he takes a wife,
"But a daughter is a daughter all her life"?
We have only one child, a son. He is now married. My husband and I helped them a lot when they first married, and plenty since that time. Those kids practically furnished their home with gifts from us. (Generous checks for their birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.)
Abby, it really hurts when we go to their home and see pictures of our daughter-in-law's family all over the place, but not one picture of my husband and me. We have given them several nice ones taken at an expensive portrait studio, but they are probably stuck away in some closet or drawer.
Maybe the kids don't realize how much this hurts us. Please put this in your column. They take the Evansville Courier, and I know they both read your column. Sign me ... HURTING IN INDIANA
DEAR HURTING: I'm publishing your letter not so much with the hope that your son and daughter-in-law will see it, but to offer you a little advice.
The next time you visit "the kids," instead of silently hurting, why don't you tell them what's on your mind?
A simple, honest statement such as, "I feel hurt when we come to your lovely home and there's not one picture of Dad and me anywhere."
It may not change anything, but at least you will have spoken your piece, and I think you'll feel better for having said it.