'They keep acquiring more stuff, even though it’s just the two of them.'
Dear Abby: My parents have always been wonderful and supportive. As they grow older, it’s hard to see them deal with the aches and pains that come with age — especially my mother, who has rheumatoid arthritis.
In an effort to ease their burden, I pay for a monthly cleaning service to help them maintain their large home. While I’m happy to support them, I am growing increasingly frustrated. Recently, they’ve been frequenting estate sales and bringing home furniture, dish sets, seasonal decorations and other things they have little space or practical use for. They keep acquiring more stuff, even though it’s just the two of them. This situation concerns me not only because of the limited space and physical strain, but also because they’re retired and living on a fixed income. I’m beginning to feel stupid paying for a cleaning service while they continue filling their home with things they don’t need, making it harder to keep clean in the first place. Help! It would be interesting to know why your parents do this. Have they turned into hoarders? Is frequenting estate sales a form of entertainment for them? You are overdue for a frank talk with your folks, who, from your descriptions of their property may not need your financial assistance for a cleaning service.Dear Abby: My wife of 30 years demanded a divorce because I refused to quit my job to move close to her parents on the other coast. This was 14 years ago. Our two boys were away at college at the time. She went through with the divorce even though I offered to accommodate her in various ways. I remarried five years ago to a woman who reached out to my boys with kindness. Things were relatively peaceful until my remarriage, which sent my ex over the edge. She has defamed me nonstop with lies, and the boys have cut off all contact with me. I’m 80 and in good health, but I want to reestablish good relations with them before it’s too late. Any thoughts?Write to your sons telling them you love them, miss them and would like to meet and talk with them. After that, the ball will be in their court about whether they are ready to listen. Your boys are well into adulthood now, and it’s possible that their perspective may have broadened. However, if it hasn’t, you will have to accept it. Be prepared to move on and to enjoy the rest of your life without them.The features provided by Andrews McMeel Syndication are copyrighted material and all rights are reserved. You may not reproduce any of these features or distribute them electronically, in print or otherwise without written permission from Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106, 255-6734.Dear Abby is an American advice column founded in 1956 by Pauline Phillips under the pen name "Abigail Van Buren" and carried on today by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips. Multiple generations of newspaper readers have turned to Dear Abby for counsel and advice, and she remains beloved and relatable to the digital era with a devoted online following.North Crowley knocks off state-ranked Brennan for first state championship in 18 years
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