A reader identified as "Sees a Disaster in Ohio" writes to Dear Abby about her 82-year-old father, who lives alone and is determined to take a 2,000-mile solo road trip to visit his sister across the country. The father, who regularly drives two to three hours, believes he can complete the journey by breaking it into short stretches over several days. His daughter considers this a "colossally bad idea," citing concerns about fatigue, navigation challenges, and the risk of accidents or getting lost.
Concerns and Alternatives
The daughter has expressed her worries and offered alternatives, including paying for a plane ticket. However, her father dislikes the idea of navigating an airport or driving an unfamiliar rental car. She also offered to accompany him, but he plans a long visit and there is no room for her at the aunt's home. The daughter fears her father may leave without telling anyone, and she feels powerless since they live far apart.
Dear Abby responds that whether the plan seems unwise is irrelevant; the father will likely proceed. Instead of trying to stop him, Abby advises the daughter to help him prepare. This includes mapping the route, identifying hotels or motels, making reservations, and securing a promise to call every evening upon check-in. This approach provides reassurance and allows the daughter to track his progress.
Second Letter: Financial Requests from New Friend's Mom
In a separate letter, a parent identified as "Dollars and Sense" describes a situation involving her early-teen child, who has difficulty making friends. The child made a new friend three weeks ago, and the parent has communicated briefly with the friend's mother. The mother repeatedly asks for money, citing shared circumstances of being a divorced single mom with no support. Recent requests include gas money and funds for a funeral trip out of state.
The letter writer, despite living in a nice house, struggles with expenses and has explained her inability to help. However, the requests continue. She fears being rude and potentially harming the children's friendship. Dear Abby advises against bluntness, suggesting instead a polite but firm response: "I don't have funds to give you at this time." If the requests persist, the same phrase should be repeated as necessary.
