Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/738690
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Thissummer my 70-year-old husband became gravely ill. A few days after he was hospitalized, his niece sent a text to his phone to say she would be coming to our city with her daughter for a 10-day-long cheerleading camp. She announced they planned to stay at our home instead of the team's hotel. Needless to say, I was distraught over my hus- band's illness and over- whelmed with keeping his five siblings apprised of his condition every night when I got home. I sent my niece a text regarding his hospitaliza- tion and explained how gravely ill he was. She made no offer to stay somewhere else, and showed up at our house. While at our home, she made no overture to help with any meals, run any errands or visit my husband. She spent much of the time watching television when she didn't attend competitions. One evening they left dirty laundry for me to wash. They went to bed. I was exhausted, frightened about my husband's illness, and I wanted privacy. I did NOT want guests in my home whom I had met twice. After they left, I found trash, food, loads of towels to launder. What should I have done, short of shouting, "Go away?" Perhaps this letter can serve as a heads-up for people to be more consid- erate when dealing with ill family members. —Distraught DEAR DISTRAUGHT » Shouting "Go away!" sounds completely appro- priate, given the circum- stances you describe. You are offended by the lack of consideration, as well as these family members' refusal to read your circumstances and respond compassionately. However, some people are like that. They see a straight line pointing to what they want, and they take it. You are facing the very first test of a care- giver, which is the need to take care of yourself, in order to take care of your loved one. To take good care of yourself, you will have to learn to say "no," "stop" and, yes, "go away." It can be hard to say these things, but it gets easier when you realize that exhaustion and anger interfere with your ability to get through the day. Marshaling the power of a definite "no" is one way of being a strong advocate for your husband. DEAR AMY » "Angry in Iowa" described child- hood with an alcoholic parent. I had a mother like hers. My mother isolated, manipulated and lied to us. To people outside the house, she was a saint. I left home and did not see her for a decade. When she died, I was treated like a terrible child. No one believed me. The option of coun- seling did not exist during the '60s. — Trying to Heal DEAR TRYING » Counseling is an option now, and I hope you'll take it. Sick husband's needs should be priority over houseguests 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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23) — A romantic encounter must not be allowed to hinder your productivity or damage your reputation. Don't mix business with pleasure. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Do whatever it takes to make love and romance priorities. Sharing special moments will bring you and a loved one closer together. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be realistic when it comes to what you can accom- plish. You can succeed, but only if you don't rely on others to do the work for you. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Look for the simplest way to bring about reasonable change, and try to keep the peace while doing so. Avoid an argument. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You can make some changes to your financial situation. Start by looking into ways to boost your income. An opportunity to negotiate with someone or submit your resume looks rewarding. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Refuse to let anyone trick you into taking on responsibilities that don't belong to you. Part- nerships can be good, but only if they are equitable. Negotiate on your behalf. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Emotions should be reined in before you do or say something you will regret. Focus on making personal and financial improve- ments and striving to reach your goals and motivate others. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Think about the best way to go about getting things done. Taking on responsibility for something you believe in will enhance your reputation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Mistakes will be made if you get carried away with pie-in-the- sky ideas. You'll have to be real- istic if you expect to get things done and achieve your goals. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Emotional discord will set you back. Don't exaggerate, or you will be held accountable for your shortsightedness. Work on honing your skills and preparing your pitch before you offer to make a presentation. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Keep close tabs on your emotions. You won't be think- ing clearly when dealing with personal issues. Get the facts straight before you make a decision regarding your health or emotional well-being. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Let your creative side take charge and see where it leads. Partnerships should be a prior- ity, whether they be personal or professional. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, OCT. 14 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 6 B