Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/655176
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 36-year-old female. When I was 16, as the oldest of four children, I experi- enced the most aggressive beating from my father in a long line of beatings. The incident was so bad that my mother sent me to a friend's house for a week while the mat- ter "settled down." When having to officially testify about my father's abuse, the only witness to the inci- dent I could produce was my high school boyfriend, who generously gave a sworn written statement. Twenty years later, my mother claims she doesn't remember the beating and refuses to read the statement. I've emailed it to her and she replied, "I won't be reading this." I'm still in counseling 20 years later for an oc- currence that my mother refuses to acknowledge. This has truly pained me. Her unwillingness to even concede that it happened is gnawing at me, even in the face of witness testimony! What do I do? How do I move on from this? How do I let it go? My constant therapy can't seem to "break the barrier" of this wall of resentment, and I don't know what else to do. —Troubledin Colorado DEAR TROUBLED » You should look upon your mother's vehement refusal to even look at this witness statement as her tacit acknowledg- ment that it happened. If it hadn't happened, then she wouldn't have a problem looking at the statement. As it is, this witness statement boxes her in. You might have boxed yourself in by being so focused on your mother. In order to recover from a relational trauma, you have to accept that it hap- pened, validate your own sadness and disappoint- ment, and sit quietly with this reality. Your goal should be to release your own pain in order to move further into recovery. Perhaps you can feel sorry for your mother, who is stuck in this state of denial that you have already moved through. She failed in the most important job of a parent, which is to protect a child. Meditation techniques can help to release the stress that comes from betrayal and anger. Medi- tation might help you to realize that you don't have to break through a wall of resentment to feel better. You may be able to leave the wall in place and walk around it. DEAR AMY » I'm respond- ing to the letter from "Sober," who wanted fam- ily members to occasion- ally host events with no alcohol present. Why should this dis- ease run the whole fam- ily? I think Sober needs to take responsibility for maintaining her own so- briety, regardless of what others do. — Also Sober DEAR SOBER » I was surprised by the volume of tough-love advice I received regarding this letter. Virtually everyone said that "Sober" has no right to request alcohol- free events. Abuse survivor faces her mother's denial of beating 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Don't overdo it or exhaustion or injury is likely. Slow down and only do what you are capable of doing. Strive to keep your life simple. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Say what's on your mind, but don't feel the need to share per- sonal information that could be used against you. Make special plans for two, relax and enjoy. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Listen to complaints made by children, friends or a co-worker. Protect your home and reputa- tion. You'll gain satisfaction and respect if you help others. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You should plan a busy schedule and stick to it in order to avoid a run-in with someone looking for a fight. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Put a little added detail into whatever you do. Your unique- ness will make you stand out and will lead to an interesting proposal. Romance is looking good. Make plans for two. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't stop short of what you want to achieve. Give an added push and strut your stuff. Your dedication and determi- nation will capture plenty of interest. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Look over your personal and financial investments and make sure that everything is in order. Budget carefully to ensure that you get the most for the least. Don't take risks. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A positive change in a personal relationship or business part- nership will develop if you are forthright about what you want and what you are willing to give. Make a deal and move forward. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Get your personal priorities straight. An emotional situation will dampen your plans if you have neglected to include some- one close to you. Check out a creative venue. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep your life simple and your conversations exact. Pro- tect against misinterpretation or loss of reputation. Focus on positive and affordable changes that will improve your situation. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — It's time to open up to a loved one. Sharing your plans will en- able you to see where you stand and if you are with someone who is interested in helping you pursue your dream. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Bring anything that is troubling you to the forefront in order to resolve an issue swiftly, enabling you to move ahead with changes that will improve your emotional well-being. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, MARCH 18 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 8 B