DEAR ABBY: My best friend of 12 years is a quilter, pattern designer and teacher. She recently showed me a pattern she created as a memorial to the Sept. 11 attack on America. She plans to sell the pattern as well as teach its construction at a local quilt shop. She does NOT plan to contribute any portion of the proceeds to any charitable organization connected with the attack. This has shown me a side of her I did not want to discover.
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Abby, her actions have tainted my feelings toward her and I don't know how to react. Over the years, we have supported each other through many trials and tribulations, but this is completely different. Please advise me. A long-time relationship hangs in the balance. -- APPALLED IN THE U.S.A.
DEAR APPALLED: To the best of my knowledge, the charitable organizations connected to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have received a substantial amount of money. It is the local charities that are suffering.
I see no reason to end a longtime friendship. What people choose to donate (or not) is highly personal. Since I do not know your friend's financial situation, it would be presumptuous of me to criticize her. Please stop being so judgmental.