Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/816549
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mymomdied several years ago, and my father has remarried. The woman he married is an alcoholic. Dad seems to be in denial about this fact, or, perhaps he simply doesn't care. When my siblings and I have confronted Dad about her alcohol- ism, he gets uncomfort- able, makes excuses and changes the subject. For years, my siblings and I have told our children that they are never to get in a car with her be- cause she is an "unsafe driver." The children are now coming to an age where they are asking questions, wondering why they can't get into a car with her, why she acts the way she does (falling; stumbling; slurring words; going to bed very early; breaking bones; being downright nasty). My children are visibly uncomfortable and scared when she is around, and I can't lie to them any longer. I feel that by keeping this secret from them, I am condoning her behavior, which is not the mes- sage I want to send to almost-teenagers about substance abuse. My siblings think telling my children will result in a major rift, with Dad deciding not to see us any longer. As painful as that would be, I am prepared for that because I need to protect my children. But I'm concerned I will upset my siblings to the point that I will lose both Dad and my siblings. What can I do to minimize the hurt to all involved? Should I continue as we have and say nothing to my children, or should I answer their questions hone stly ? —ConcernedDaughter DEAR CONCERNED » Yes, your "almost-teenagers" should be informed about their grand- mother's alcoholism. From what you've reported, there is a significant risk to their safety and well-being. There is no reason for you to disclose or discuss this with others — how your siblings choose to handle this is up to them. Your kids have already picked up on the fact that something is wrong. Having that confirmed may upset them, but it may come as a relief too. Please, do NOT present this as a value judgment (even though you seem bitter about it), but as an unfortunate reality about a family member. Your father's wife has a disease, and it is called alcoholism. By being hon- est with your children, you are showing them that their instincts tell- in g t he m so m et hi ng wa s wrong were good. You should talk to them regu- larly about alcohol use. Obviously, they will be facing risks and tempta- tions in their own lives. If you haven't done so already, you should con- sider finding an Al-Anon group in your area. Talk- ing with others in similar situations may allow you to respond more compas- sionately. Compassion is definitely called for. Daughtercannothandlethe alcoholism of her stepmother 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 Taurus(April20-May20)— You'll impress someone in a po- sition to influence your future. If you master your skills, suc- cess will be yours. Don't take a chance when it comes to health. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Listen to what's being said or offered to you, but don't feel obligated to follow the crowd. Do your own thing if you want to gain respect. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A partnership will undergo changes, but if you work as a unit, you will come up with a workable solution that is fair for everyone involved. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Work on how you present your- self. Spruce up your appearance. A professional look will help you advance quickly. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Attend events that include people who work in your in- dustry. Networking will lead to information that can help you get ahead. Don't let personal matters hold you back. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Do the legwork if you want to bring about change. Improve- ments to your appearance or methods will give you the boost you need to advance. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Socialize or make special plans with a loved one. Having something to look forward to will give you the incentive to get things done and go out and enjoy life. Romance is encouraged. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — One of your peers or superiors will be evasive or will withhold information that you need to do your job. Protect your health and well-being. Don't take unnecessary risks. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Get together with people who have motivated or inspired you to follow your dreams. Attending a reunion or hosting a gathering at your place is fa- vored. Avoid travel and impul- sive people. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keep your emotions out of the mix when dealing with friends, relatives or partners. A pragmatic approach to what you want to pursue will help you avoid failure. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Use your imagination to come up with a plan that will alleviate stress and ease your financial situation. Don't donate, lend or borrow money or possessions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Find out what's expected of you before you agree to take on a new project or position. Someone is likely to mislead you if you don't ask direct questions. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, APRIL 27 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 4 B