Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/764292
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mydaughter was recently engaged to a wonderful young man. We love him like our own son. His mother, however, is an alcoholic. My daughter has told me that when drunk (which is apparently often, if not daily) she is verbally abusive to her three children, telling them they are worthless, calling them horrible names, etc. My daughter's fiance has distanced himself from his mother, but now a wedding is on the horizon. He has told my daughter that he does not want his mother there. At a re- cent bridal shower for his sister (which my daughter attended), his mother caused a drunken scene and yell- ed obscenities. I totally understand my future son-in-law not wanting one of the most important days of his life ruined, and feel that it is his call to decide if he wants his mother present. How should they handle this? Should he handle it himself? Would it be horrible not to invite her? She is still with her husband (he sounds like an enabler) and has been in and out of multiple rehabs, to no avail. What is your advice? —WorriedFuture Mother-in-law DEAR WORRIED » The way your daughter and her fiance should handle his mother is to try to respond with grace and compassion, while not letting her addiction run the show. If the fiance feels strongly that his mother should not attend his wedding, then the couple should hold hands and tackle this together. They should be mindful, however, that their choice might further divide his family, as his father and siblings will be forced to make a series of choices regard- ing their own presence at the wedding. It might be possible for the couple to make some very commonsense rules regarding having her at the wedding. For instance, they can tell her that if she becomes disorderly she will be escorted home immedi- ately. A family member or friend can be asked to take on this chore — some people hire security to escort people away from their reception and see them safely home. Understand that she has an illness that affects every person in her circle (including you). All of her children (and her husband) should at- tend an Al-anon support group, where they can meet and communicate with others whose lives are upended by a loved- one's drinking. You should do your very best not to judge or make unkind assump- tions about this future in-law. Listen support- ively, but detach from all of their choices. Mother worried about an alcoholic ruining wedding You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — You can boost your repu- tation by bringing about chang- es that will improve efficiency at work or create comfortable surroundings at home. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Move money around in order to ensure that you get the high- est tax benefits. Take care of any legal, contractual or medical issues that are pending. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Partnerships will improve if you offer help or incentives. Negotiations look promising, and a makeover will lead to compliments. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Work-related events will give you the chance to mix business with pleasure while you boost your reputation. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Pick up last-minute items or get together with friends you won't see during the holiday season. Travel arrangements or plans to further your skills, knowledge or qualifications look promising. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Tidy up any loose ends before the end of the month. Pending contracts, investments, settle- ments or even a medical issue should be resolved. Protect your interests. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Fix up your place or host a party or event that will allow you to show everyone what you have to offer. Love, romance and per- sonal gains all look promising. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Channel your energy into something that will bring high returns. Exercise, proper diet and moderation will help you combat upcoming indulgence. Preparation is everything when you want to be at your very best. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A last-minute change will play in your favor. Take advantage of an opportunity that will give you the time you need to do some- thing special with a loved one. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Channel your emotional energy into constructive work. Put in overtime at work if it will give you more days off during the holidays. Take care of personal paperwork. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Personal enhancement and physical encounters will lead to positive changes. Shopping or spending quality time with someone special is favored. An unusual opportunity will lead to travel or an educational pursuit. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Emotional matters will esca- late, putting you in a precarious position. Avoid getting into a dispute when backing away and working on something you enjoy doing will benefit you most. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, DEC. 17 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 D