Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/711204
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Our23-year- old son will soon move overseas. He's been working toward a goal of teaching in a country whose culture fascinates him, and after much work he achieved that goal. My husband and I are so happy for him. This is a great opportu- nity, and the confidence we've seen him gain over just the past year or so is wonderful. Everything should be great, right? But Amy, I'm terrified. I don't show it to him, but it's a feeling that grows stronger as his departure grows closer. Our son has a chronic health disorder, which he's had since early child- hood. It doesn't affect his ability to live normally, but it requires constant monitoring, which he's always been good about. But emergencies hap- pen, and picturing him being halfway across the world, and possibly hav- ing a medical emergency in a country where virtu- ally no English is spoken is a huge concern. His employers know about this issue, and our son will qualify for national health coverage, but I still feel helpless. Rationally, I know he is an adult. I have no con- trol over what happens in anyone's life. But at some deep, primitive level I feel I'm not protecting him. We have an older son who moved out of state, but no matter the dis- tance, we've always been a close family. I'm falling apart. I have no close friends I can share these feelings with, and don't fully understand why the anxiety is so intense. Is this normal? Will it pass once he's settled in? How does one process these feelings? — An xi o us M oth er DEAR ANXIOUS » Your anxiety and this current rumination are under- standable — because you are entering a letting-go life phase where you are, in fact, turning your son's life over to him. This feels primal be- cause it is the cellular tug you have experienced in one way or another since dropping off your son at kindergarten. You sur- vived that, and you will survive this. The fact that you have been helping him to manage his health will naturally increase your concern. One way to cope is to take things in stages. Start by telling yourself your son is leaving for a limited duration. This should help get you through the goodbye. Make a plan to visit him. Schedule regular calls. Be mindful that there are parents who are seeing their children off for military deployment; this will help you to put your son's challenges and privileges in perspective. I appreciate your stoicism, but you should not completely submerge your feelings. Be honest with your husband. It's OK to be emotional and to tell your son that you will miss him. You can find a Face- book group that conforms to your situation, i.e. "Parents of children with diabetes" and communi- cate with others. Learning that you are not alone should help you. Overseas move for son locks mom into anxious cycle 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Consider your options when it comes to how you are living and the conditions you are faced with. Get some muscle behind you and make suitable improvements. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Suggestions followed by prompt action will reinforce what you can bring to any orga- nization you join. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Talk to the people you feel will do the most for you and air your ideas. The response you get will give you courage. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Stay motivated and on track. Don't let personal matters interfere with business and your financial gains. Keep your busi- ness and social lives separate. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Take things one step at a time. If you crowd your timeta- ble, you aren't likely to complete anything. A personal adjustment will help you function better and accomplish more. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You'll be drawn to the unusual. An interesting personal change will result in a financial opportunity. Good timing will be crucial if you are going to come out on top. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A chance to do something that will boost your confidence should be first and foremost. If you look good and feel good, you will reach your maximum goal. Romance is encouraged. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Before you give in to some- one's sob story, consider your personal needs. Don't invest what you can't afford to give mentally, emotionally or financially. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A social event will lead to an offer that makes sense to you. Dig deeper and find out what all the requirements are before you move forward. There is no harm in listening. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Tread carefully when dealing with emotional issues. Use your brain, not brawn, to deal with matters and you will avoid a force play that will leave you in a precarious position. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Consider ways to make your home and domestic scene more inviting. Walk away from anyone trying to entice you to engage in social activities that are expen- sive or risky. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A partnership will play an impor- tant role in the way situations unfold today. A past experience will prompt you to make a wise decision in the present. Don't fold under pressure. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, AUG. 4 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016 2 B