Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/799746
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iames- tranged from my father. This came about after I confronted him about his molesting and physically abusing my sister and me when we were children. He admitted he may have hit me a couple of times, but denied that he molested us. He said that I should see a psychiatrist. My sister told me that our father was thinking of cutting me out of the will. He cautioned her to stay away from me. I believe my father is a narcissist, and under- stand it is hard for him to own up to the fact that he molested us. Still, it is extremely creepy that he tried to gaslight me, and I do not want anything to do with him, since he clearly does not have my best interest in mind. The problem is that he is taking care of my moth- er, who has some health and memory issues. I would like my children to spend more time with her. My mother and my kids love each other. Now that my mother is trying to make amends for her less-than-ideal parenting, I also would like to try to connect better with her before she dies. My father's omnipresence makes me hesitant to call, not to mention visit. Do you have any sug- gestions for how I can keep in contact with my mother? —Conundrum DEAR CONUNDRUM » I'm taking your account of this at face value, and so the first thing to real- ize is this: If what you say about your father is true, the monster who would molest and abuse his daughters is also the guy who would deny that it happened. The two behaviors fit together. Your father is correct in one regard. You should definitely see a therapist. Start your search by call- ing or online chatting with a counselor at the RAINN.org hotline. Your father's intimi- dating presence as your mother's gatekeeper puts him in a further power position over you. If you are able, you should steel yourself and simply determine not to give him that power. Don't let the prospect of disinheritance manipulate you. Call and visit your mother when you want to, doing your best to minimize contact with hi m. T ak e yo u r m ot he r on outings with your children to get her out of the house (don't ever leave your children alone with your parents, obviously). DEAR AMY » I loved your suggestions to the "Atheist Godfather," who wondered how to be both an atheist and a godfa- ther. And then you blew it when you noted the "ten- ants" of the church. Amy, the correct word is "tenets!" Get a proof- reader! — Disappointed DEAR DISAPPOINTED » If I ever wonder about how many people read my column, making an error is a great way to find out. Hundreds of readers corrected this mistake. I take responsibility for the error, and thank you all. Estrangement interferes with many family relationships 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) — Don't get angry or frustrated over trivial matters. Keep your finances in order and refuse to divulge information about your personal life, assets or liabilities. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Hard work will pay off if you follow through with your plans. Use your ingenuity and ability to put a unique spin on whatever you do. Trust your judgment. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Association with groups or people very different from you will give you a broader view of the possibilities that exist. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Keep a watchful eye on what others are doing. Protecting your position, reputation and as- sets will be necessary. Don't let anger take control. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't be afraid to do things differently. If you separate your- self from the crowd, you will discover a niche you feel pas- sionate about pursuing. Don't overreact when you should be overachieving. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Be creative and work alone to bring about the changes you want to see happen. Use experience as your guide to making the right decisions. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Put more effort into an impor- tant relationship. Making plans that will bring you and a loved one closer together or keep you on an even playing field will result in a stronger bond. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Look for alternative ways to raise your income. Add more qualifications or skills to your toolkit or start a sideline service that will bring in extra cash. Romance looks promising. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make changes to a work- space or studio. Time spent physically working toward your goal will ease stress and end well. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Get the facts and move forward. Bring about changes that will make you happy. Be prepared to take advantage of opportunities, but tackle your responsibilities first. Invest in your success. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Pull out all the stops and stick to what you know and do best. Don't fear being different. It's your uniqueness that will help you overcome any conflicts you encounter. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Prepare to make alterations that will improve your attitude and appearance. Your gift of gab and entertaining outlook will attract attention. Romance will improve your personal life. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, MARCH 16 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017 4 B