Custody battle leaves lonely son in its wake
I guess I am writing to ask for permission not to visit her. Or as one of her oldest friends -- should I visit her?
I loved her once but I am not sure I would like her now. -- Sad to See
DEAR SAD: You have my permission not to visit your old friend.
However, I honestly think you should visit her. Your own experience with your parents has taught you how fragile and fleeting life is, and how important relationships are.
If you have already gained all the insight you could ever hope to gain and if you have absolutely nothing to offer her, then skip the visit. But seeing her briefly might be good for both of you in surprising ways.
DEAR AMY: I was infuriated when I read the question from "Worried Great-Gran," whose husband bullied and teased his 5-year-old great-grandson. He had done this to other generations of children too.
My grandfather was like this. I didn't like him and was terrified of him. She should protect her great-grandson from this bully. -- Bullied Too
DEAR BULLIED: This letter received a very large response from readers, many of whom worried about this little boy.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook. Amy Dickinson's memoir, "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them" (Hyperion), is available in bookstores.)
