Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/666544
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myparents got divorced when I was a toddler. My father was very abusive — verbally and physically — so I did not have a relationship with him aside from the few court-ordered visits he showed up to. My mother died when I was 10 and my dad had no interest in raising me, so I spent time in foster homes before finally land- ing with the family of a friend. Grown now and with children of my own, I have always wanted to reach out to my dad. I've invited him to my kids' birthdays and called occasionally. Although I knew I would never receive an apology from him (as he doesn't see anything wrong with how he treated us), I was shocked when we met for lunch and he expected me to apologize for the "awful" things I said to him as a child. I do not remember these incidents but I did apologize, hoping we could move on. I can't help but to resent him and find it ridiculous that he can hold a grudge for things I might have said when I was a child. How can I tell him how I feel? I know it's silly to expect an apo- logy, but I would still like to tell him my feel- ings. Would a letter be acceptable — as he rarely answers or returns my calls? Or am I better off keeping my feelings to myself? —EstrangedDaughter DEAR DAUGHTER » You are trying to have a relationship with your father, but the abusive and neglectful father who abandoned you as a child has obviously not magically morphed into a loving and kindly grandfather to your children. His manipula- tive insistence on some sort of "apology" from you is evidence that he is not equipped to be in a family in the way you want him to be. Write your father a letter. Tell him every single thing you want to say. Ask for what you want. If you want him to be involved in your and family's life, then tell him that, of- fering ideas of how that might be possible. Make a copy of the letter to keep. I predict either no response, or a negative — possibly very negative — response where your father really throws it down, possibly dragging you and your late mother through the mud. However, all of this might help you to make better sense of your own situation — growing up and now. You may have to mourn the loss of possibility, which your father has always rep- resented. But then you should celebrate what a stellar survivor and suc- cess you are — and hug your own children extra close. Given the extreme challenges of your child- hood, professional thera- py could have a profound impact on you. Abusive father now insists that daughter apologize 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Sign up for a course that will help you develop a strategy to turn an enjoyable hobby into a profitable enterprise. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Make changes at home that will ease stress. You'll be inspired to use the extra time you have to do something that brings you happiness. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Reneging on a promise will leave you in a precarious position. Have something ready to offer in place of your original plan to avoid damaging your reputation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't let your impulses call the shots. If something doesn't seem right, keep a close watch and quietly protect against any sort of personal loss. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Look for alternate routes if you see too much negativity, baggage or debris in your way. Make subtle changes that you know are doable and are easy to implement without detection. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take in as much information as possible. Get involved in events and discussions that will lead to introductions to people who can help you achieve your dream. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't let an emotional situation keep you from doing something you want to do. Someone will try to manipulate you if you show confusion or insecurity. Put an end to being controlled. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take an inside look at what you are dealing with and who is behind any opposition that comes your way. Go directly to the source and apply your magnetic personality to get approval. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You need to put yourself first. Make changes that will bring convenience and order to your life. Let go of dead weight and focus on what you can accomplish. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Make sure you have every- thing in order. It will be difficult to deal with medical, emotional and joint financial matters if you have neglected personal business. Don't pay for someone else's mistake. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Plan a day of fun with a friend, children or a loved one. Keeping active will help you stay in shape and boost your confidence. Romance is encouraged. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Do your research before you make a change that will affect your looks or income. An expert will offer you options that better suit your needs. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, APRIL 14 THURSDAY,APRIL14,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B