Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/723984
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihave become friends with the woman who held my job before me. We email every few weeks, trade books and have lunch quarterly. Sh e is 75 . I am 38 . Recently, her health has been in great decline. She is battling cancer and I believe she has dementia. She for- gets to eat, which has led to her passing out and being hospitalized for malnutrition. Her emails and her conversation have become shockingly repetitive; she asks me the same question immediately after I have answered it and then asks it again as many as a dozen times during one lunch. She is looking more unkempt each time I see her. She never married and has no children. Her clos- est relative is a younger brother who lives in another state. He is aware of her decline and has been trying to convince her to move into a retirement community, but she doesn't want to go into one because she sees it as "a last step." I desperately want to help my friend, as do a few other colleagues. We have suggested she hire some in-home help. We have offered to clean, to buy groceries, to care for her cat, to help her move, but she insists she is fine. Would it be out of line for me to call her brother and ask him if there is a way I can help? My family keeps telling me she isn't my business. Should I just keep offer- ing to help her? It just doesn't seem like enough. —WorriedFriend DEAR WORRIED » You could start by talking to your friend and be- ing honest about your concerns. Don't pressure her. You could do some research through your local office on aging and present her with some options for services that could help her stay safely in her home. Try to visit frequently. Do things together. Continue to be her friend, understanding that you might not be materi- ally helpful to her (if she won't let you). It can be heartbreaking to witness someone's decline, but please don't let your anxi- ety keep you away. And yes, if you become truly alarmed, you should contact her brother. Don't attach too strongly to any choices he might make (he might be as powerless as you), but as her next of kin, he should be aware. DEAR AMY » I couldn't be- lieve my eyes when I read that you don't consider "a punch in the arm" be- tween children as abuse, but possible flirting. Child ren shou ld be taught that all punches are unacceptable, no mat- ter where they land. — Upset Reader DEAR UPSET » Many readers objected to my antiquated view of how children relate when they like one another. As a sometime arm- puncher during my own childhood, I plead guilty to this form of "abuse." I also agree that it should be discouraged. Younger friend worries about elder friend's fast decline 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept. 22) — Get back to basics and make a point to reconnect with someone you miss or who you feel can contribute something to your life. A partnership looks promising. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You'll have an awakening if you are willing to make changes. Do- ing things differently or updat- ing the way you think will lead to progress. Don't back down. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Emotions will surface and provide the energy and where- withal required to get things done. Push forward and don't stop until you feel satisfied with your accomplishments. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stop hiding out and evading issues that need to be addressed. You can't move for- ward until you tie up loose ends and rid yourself of the situation that is holding you back. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Walk away from a bully or a situation that can lead to injury. Caution will help you avoid a mishap. Protect your home, word and reputation. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Consider how your actions will influence the lives of the people you love. It's important not to act in haste, even if someone pressures you. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will have the edge if you use emotional pleas and offer incentives to get others to see things your way. A partnership looks promising. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Find a way to bring yourself closer to a loved one. Working alongside someone will help you find peace of mind and a plan to build a better future. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't fold under pressure, or it will cost you financially or emotionally. Draw on your experience and call the shots instead in order to gain respect and avoid an uncomfortable situation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let emotional matters escalate. Whether dealing with children, a colleague or a part- ner, you are best off being kind and understanding, and offering positive gestures. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Take pride in what you do and dominate whatever situation you face. An event that gives you a platform to speak and share your ideas will result in an interesting encounter. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Listen attentively, but don't feel the need to give in to someone who doesn't share your values or ideals. Focus on self-improvement. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 6 B