Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/809214
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myhusband died when my son was a preschooler. I have been trying for years to get his family to spend time with my son. It breaks my heart that his family, who live so close to us, make no effort to be a part of his life. I have asked them to do things with him; I invite them over and suggest activities. I even laid it out to them how important I think it is for them to help keep his father's memory alive. I will do anything to make it easy on them — take him over there, pay for activities, etc. I've even asked for help when I was recovering from surgery, and still couldn't get them to take him for an afternoon. We see them for birth- days and holidays and on rare occasions, they accept invitations to ac- tivities (once every couple of years.) They're great with him when we are together. There are some empty promises, like "We'll go play ball at the park." True, they have jobs and other family commit- ments, but his grand- mother shows absolutely no interest in him. I do look for other opportunities for male relationships, but have come up short. He's on the waiting list for Big Brothers, but the list is several years long. My family is far away and we only see each other a few times a year. Is it time for me to give up and just accept that there will never be more than an "Easter bunny" relationship with these family members? —SadMama DEAR SAD » You seem to have tried absolutely ev- erything to engage these family members with your son, and now — yes, I do think you need to accept that it is just not going to happen. This is a shame, because — as you note, these family members are a living link to your son's father. Big Brothers Big Sis- ters of America (bbbs.org) is a great organization, but until he is matched with a "Big," your boy might also thrive play- ing for his school's band, participating in a local drama program, or on school or community sports teams. See if there is a local Boy Scout troop he might join. Keep him busy and engaged with other chil- dren and adults — male and female — and don't dwell too heavily on his losses, which are con- siderable. His situation might make him sensitive and vulnerable, and you should devote yourself to exposing him to activities that build him up and make him feel confident and competent. DEAR READERS » Some- times people who dispense advice run out of answers. If you've ever been curious about the life behind my advice, read my new book, "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home" (2017, Hachette). Widowed mother wants to find male role model for son 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Personal progress should be your priority. Check online job sites and adjust your resume to fit the requirements needed to get you where you want to go. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Take on a challenge. Use your time wisely, and push to be more productive and get good results. Don't get angry. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Someone will challenge you at your weakest moment. Get your own house in order before you venture into someone else's territory. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Share your concerns or plans with someone. The suggestions he or she makes will help you figure out how to move forward without taking on too much. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Aim to please and avoid complaints. You may crave change, but sticking to familiar surroundings will be in your best interest. Tidy up loose ends be- fore you start something new. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Do some research or take a course that could help you make money doing something you enjoy. You are responsible for your own happiness. Do not un- dermine a possibility that could set you free. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take an interest in self- improvement and healthy lifestyles. Question anyone who has been a poor influence in the past. It's up to you to say no to bad habits. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Call in favors. Put love and romance at the top of your list. Celebrate and discuss plans to move forward personally and professionally. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Emotional problems will crop up if you deal with institu- tions, authority figures or some- one who doesn't like the choices you are making. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Walk away from anyone behaving erratically or extrava- gantly. Offer advice, but don't feel guilty or compelled to take charge. Put your money, energy and time into personal gains. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Rely on people who have helped you in the past. Share information that will encourage insight and greater opportunity to tidy up unfinished business. Don't settle for less than what you want. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Make love and romance priorities. Look for common interests with a loved one and discuss ways to improve your relationship by working together to reach your long-term goals. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 8 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 8 B