Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/806556
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Youasked for men to respond to the letter from "Confused Woman," who was won- dering if the time would ever be right and if her reluctant husband would ever want to have a baby. Anything can be justi- fied: Have children or don't have them. When you're 80 and wonder- ing what happened, it is too late then. I think children are the way to make your life complete. —Happy DEAR HAPPY » Many people responded, and their edited answers are below: DEAR AMY » I had the same fears as the 40-something could-be-fa- ther, who was concerned about having children. You should have told "Confused Woman" that many men like me never knew what true love was until they had a child. As long as her husband is passively willing, they should take the plunge. Having children changed my life for the better, and none of my fears came true. — Took the Plunge, in Tallahassee, Fla. DEAR AMY » My children are literally saving my life. The happiness they bring to my wife, my fam- ily and me are daily gifts that will last forever. My wife is currently being treated for stage 4 cancer. Whatever the outcome, she and I are facing this threat with strength and determina- tion because of our kids. Otherwise, I would be suicidal and she would be despondent. In my opin- ion, the biggest rewards of having children come not when they are babies, but after they become adults. — Chuck DEAR AMY » I'm a father of an adopted child. We adopted her when we were in our late 40s. We were both scared. We heard many negative things. I did not want to be a father — because of all the work I had ob- served from other friends in my life. However, my wife was convinced and I went along. My opinion never changed. Kids are too much work. But, on the other hand, our child loves us and I LOVE my daughter. The depth of life experience a child brings is indescribable. I would tell this couple to go for it and be open to the huge blessings it brings. — Hesitant Father DEAR AMY » I tyrannically resisted having children until I was 50, when my first girl was born (now there are two, 14 and 12). Not only was I not too old, but my girls have kept me young, and given me a happiness I never could have imagined. Life's pleasures alter with children, but the new pleasures are richer, more resonant, deeper than the old. I'd reassure the reluctant husband, and urge him to take the leap. — David Dads respond to letter, wholly recommending fatherhood You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Show how resourceful you are and take pride in what you do. Believe in yourself and your ability to get things done on your own. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Take charge, but don't make assumptions based on what others tell you. False informa- tion is likely to be offered to throw you off guard. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A little charm and a whole lot of charisma will set you apart from any competition you face. Make love, romance and family fun priorities. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't fear being different or offering unusual solutions. Take ownership of the position you are in and make your point clear. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't let anyone take advantage of you financially, emotionally or contractually. Look for ulterior motives when dealing with people who seem too accommo- dating or complimentary. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Emotional manipulation will set you back. Before you let someone take advantage of you, consider his or her motives and what you could lose by entering into an unstable situation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Discussions will clear up any unfinished matters with a friend, relative or partner. Let your experience guide you in making wise choices regarding prospects and joint ventures. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A gamble will lead to emotional duress. Don't take chances, even if those around you are pressuring you to do so. Be smart and play it safe to avoid a loss. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Share your feelings. It's important to make sure that you are on the same wavelength with the person or people who will be influenced by your deci- sions. Make romance a priority. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Socializing is best kept to a minimum. Getting involved in emotional situations that could lead to lifestyle changes would not be in your best interest. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Host a get-together or recon- nect with someone you haven't seen for a long time. Explore your options and consider mak- ing a commitment or signing a contract that will change your lifestyle. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional disillusionment will surface if you don't look at the facts and listen to good advice. Weigh the pros and cons before you decide to make a permanent move. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 1 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 6 B