Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/742749
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iam38years old. I was raped by my father when I was 18. I re- ported this with the help of a cousin and my aunt. Instead of having a trial, he pled guilty, prob- ably ei the r t o ge t a lig hter sentence or due to the DNA evidence. He served a couple of years. My mother said that it was my fault. Fast- forward to eight years ago, when I tried to involve him in my life, due to me having chil- dren. I wanted them to know their grandfather, but I always had to quash the anger inside of me, to keep the peace. It kept building and building un- til one day I just snapped. I went onto Facebook, and told the world that he was a rapist. Because I did that, everyone on that side of my family has cut ties with me. One of my aunts even told me that I seduced him. On top of that, I don't speak to anyone on my mom's side, either. I sometimes feel that I am being ungrateful because my parents are alive, when so many don't have theirs. But at the same time I feel like I am right to feel as I do, because of the things that they have done to me. Do you think I need to just swallow my emotions for my children's sake? I don't want to pun- ish them by not allow- ing them to know their grandparents. Please help. —FeelingAlone in the World DEAR FEELING ALONE » You should not swallow your feelings or your anger. You have the right to your anger, and you should try to work through it so your righ- teous rage doesn't rule your life. I completely agree with your choice to cut your rapist and other disrespectful and unsup- portive family members out of your life. You deserved so much better than what you got, but your strength in surviving your rape, re- porting it and functioning through it is something to celebrate. You are my hero and you will continue to be a hero to your children if you envelop them in love and provide an honest, safe and secure environ- ment in which to grow. You will grant your children the healthy childhood they deserve to have, which is so differ- ent from the one you got. Cutting contact with your parents is not denying your children, but pro- tecting them. The best gift to them is that they should see a resilient and beautiful survivor when they look at you. Many pe ople who have survived challeng- ing, dysfunctional or criminal families build healthy families by sur- rounding themselves with supportive friends who can provide love and encouragement. Please get help to continue to heal from your own tragic past. The National Sexual Assault Hotline has an online chat feature; reach out to a counselor today through their website: rainn.org or by calling (800) 656- HOPE (4673). Sexual assault victim seeks solace with her children 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Consider the consequences of an imminent decision before moving forward. A couple of changes on your part will make it easier to bypass opposition. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be cautious when dealing with others. Counter anyone try- ing to interfere in your personal life. Make plans secretively and wait until the last moment to divulge your next move. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — An unexpected offer will have its pluses and minuses. Don't toss aside your strategy for someone else's wild idea. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't think about change when you can make it happen. You have what it takes to con- trol whatever situation you face. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your dedication to and involvement in events that can change history or influence your lifestyle will be appreciated and rewarded. A partnership looks promising. Negotiate and move forward. Aries (March 21-April 19) — If you look for a moneymak- ing opportunity, you will find one. A new job, contract or skill will lead to a higher income. An unexpected gift or windfall is apparent. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Get cracking. A hands-on approach to whatever you do will help you gain respect and give you the control you need to finish what you start and reap the rewards. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You need to be more careful when dealing with your respon- sibilities and matters that might affect your income. Put your money in a safe place. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You don't have to do every- thing all at once. Set up a practical schedule and stick to it. Your tenacity and hard work will pay off and impress onlookers. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take care of your health, wealth and emotional well-being. The changes you want to make will meet with opposition from someone who is jealous of you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Emotions will be difficult to control and are best dealt with carefully. Acting on an assump- tion will only make matters worse. Talk to someone you trust for insight and guidance. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Keep your thoughts to yourself. Situations will rapidly get blown out of proportion if you are too quick to complain or criticize. Focus on yourself, not on trying to change others. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016 4 B