Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/797496
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 50-year-old woman, mar- ried with two grown kids. My mother died five years ago. After mar- rying my dad, she had four kids in about four years (I'm the oldest). She had no other fam- ily here in America, and my father worked seven days a week to support his family, so he was gone a lot. I know it wasn't easy for her. She wasn't very af- fectionate. She really didn't hug or kiss us, or tell us she loved us. I wasn't supervised very much. There was a period when I was 6-8 years old where I think, looking back, she must have been depressed. She had sev- eral family members die within a three- to four- year period. Sometimes I would go to school without brushing my hair or my teeth, and wear the same clothes for several days. I acted out at school, I think for attention, because I really wasn't getting much at home. I probably remember more than my siblings, being the oldest. I never discussed this with my mom when she was alive. I don't think she had much insight, and she had trouble apologizing, so I didn't confide in her. My dad is old and remembers everything through rose- colored glasses. I haven't told him any of this because I don't see the point now. How can I get rid of the resentment/regret/ sadness I feel about my childhood? It seems to have got- ten worse since my mom died. —Resentful DEAR RESENTFUL » My first recommendation is that you chronicle your own story. Simply write down what you remem- ber, and how you remem- ber it. As you do this, you will write your way closer to the feelings and reac- tions of the girl you once were. As an adult, with an adult's perspective, you will weep for that girl. You will feel sorry for the child that didn't get what she needed at home. You will go through a period of anger at your mother. But then, I hope that your writing will also bring you closer to the woman your mother was — a woman with four young children, alone in a country with no family to rely on, and a hard-work- ing but absent husband. Her life must have been very hard. A n o th er e x er c i s e would be to rewrite your mother's obituary. This would be your private account of how you would like to remember her. Your ultimate goal should be to understand and accept the reality of her situation, in order to forgive her for her failings. You should also think about your passage as an adult. If your mothering was gentler, more atten- tive and more affectionate than your mother's was, then you are a shining success. If you suspect you are depressed, talk with a therapist. Woman reels from memories of her tough, lonely childhood 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — You've got drive and the te- nacity to go after and get what you want. Don't hesitate just because someone is uncertain or puts pressure on you. Aries (March 21-April 19) — If you aren't happy about something, make changes. It's up to you to find solutions that will improve your life. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Personal changes will encourage you to get out and have some fun. Networking will help you gain greater respect from those you work alongside. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Making a residential move, altering your lifestyle or clearing a space just for you will be ener- gizing. A commitment made to someone will encourage you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Take time to go over instruc- tions or clear up any uncertainty you have regarding what's ex- pected of you. Finish what you start and avoid criticism and complaints. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take care of your responsibili- ties if you want to be rewarded. A contract, settlement or investment will bring unex- pected gains if you act aggres- sively. Celebrate with someone you love. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A change to your home environ- ment will help stabilize your personal situation. Act out of principle and with intelligence, not with anger or impulsiveness. Don't limit your options. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to situations that involve uncertainty and risk. Someone will play on your emotions to get his or her way. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You can stabilize your situation at work or home by paying attention to what's going on around you. It's in your best interest to act based on your instincts. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Fix up your surrounding environment to suit your needs. Whether at home or work, clear- ing a space that is conducive to getting things done will improve your attitude and productivity. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Do your part and see what transpires. If you can maintain control, you can excel. Observe matters and make choices based on your intuitive insight, not on someone's persuasive smooth talk. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A positive change regarding an important relationship and a promise made will bring you greater stability. You must start to plan for the future. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, MARCH 10 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017 6 B