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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea beautiful wife and two children who are my everything. My wife has been dealing with mental illness (depression and anxiety) for almost 10 years. She is a stunning person inside and out, but for the last two years her illness has affected the way the rest of us live. Her medication has made her completely numb to the children and to me. I do the best I can for my kids, as she works, sleeps and goes to her gym. I am all for her want- ing and needing to feel better mentally and physically, but she has totally disconnected with the rest of us and I am here as a roommate to cook and clean when I get home from work. I am in this relation- ship only because of my children, but I struggle with leaving her and worry about what will happen to her. What will my kids think? Is it wrong to want more for myself and for my children — because I feel guilty about that every day. I'd appreciate your take on this. —Lonely DEAR LONELY » If your wife is able to work, sleep and go to the gym, then she skews toward the functioning part of the spectrum, and that's a good thing. All the same, some medications do seem to severely dull a per- son's affect, creating a blurry distance in rela- tionships and a lack of intimacy. It is hard to tell from your question what, exactly, your inten- tions are. You should not leave your children in the custody of someone who cannot take care of them. If you leave the marriage, retain custody of your children, and make it very easy for them to safely spend time their mother, then your children would likely think that you are a dad who is trying very hard to take care of them. Before choosing to leave your marriage, you should explore every pos- sibility to see what you two could do to change the dynamic, while safeguarding your wife's health. She should invite you to meet with her prescribing doctor (along with her) to discuss her overall treatment, or any options she might have to change medication. DEAR AMY » I found your advice to "Estranged Daughter" to be so insightful — it actually brought tears to my eyes. Wanting — but not hav- ing — a healthy relation- ship with a parent is so incredibly painful. — A lso Estr anged DEAR ESTRANGED » My re- sponse to this letter might have contained extra depth because, like you, I have been there. Personal growth comes from stat- ing your own needs and expressing your heart's desire, and then accepting the outcome — even when it is disappointing. Husband feels impact of a life with depressed, distant wife You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Taurus(April20-May20) — Follow your heart and speak your mind. Romance will flourish if you refresh your memory and make your next move based on experience. Exude confidence. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — There is too much information being withheld from you for you to make a sound decision. Bide your time and question anything that doesn't seem possible. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You have more going for you than you realize, so stop waf- fling and take charge. If there is something you want, go after it. Be true to yourself. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You'll be questioned by conser- vative people unable to fathom what you are trying to do. Go about your business. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Strive for perfection, knowledge and approval. Your charm and insight, along with your ability to put quality before quantity will bring results. Romance is featured. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you keep busy and make changes based on the informa- tion you acquire, you will avoid being bossed by a controlling figure. Protect your assets and your secrets by taking care of business yourself. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Partnerships are favored. Holding talks, making plans and incorporating innovative ideas into the way you live and work will add to your popularity. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Frankly consider some of your current relationships. Think about if someone is using you or withholding information that may change the way you move forward. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You can make things happen. Set high standards and expec- tations. Your drive will capture attention, interest and the sup- port needed to follow through with your plans. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Pay attention to what everyone else is doing. Once you gain perspective on the hurdles you face, you will be able to set your course and reach your destination. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Turn your talent into a moneymaking venture. Don't rule out a creative idea that you shelved due to lack of time. Call in a favor and turn your dream into reality. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Educational pursuits, business trips and personal change will play in your favor. If you observe an experienced colleague, you'll recognize what you need to do to step your game up a notch. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, MAY 6 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 6 B