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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (July 13, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, JULY 13, 2015 You may have to let the past go Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: My brother, “John,” one of nine siblings, has not spoken to our 83-year-old mother in more than 12 years. He lives less than five miles from her, drives past her house daily and never stops in. At first, he sent birthday and Christ- mas cards, but even that stopped. Mom continues to send cards and reach out, but receives no response. Evidently, John is upset with Mom because she asked whether he would testify in court against his pedophile stepfather if it became necessary to do so. John and his three older siblings were victims, and Mom wanted to protect her youngest child (my stepbrother) so that he would not be left alone with his pedophile father. John was so upset by the request that he cut off contact. As far as I’m concerned, John is dead. My children don’t know him. His daughter has missed out on an entire family of cousins, aunts and uncles. But my mother would like to reconnect with him before she dies. I’d like to help her do this, but frankly, I’m very angry with him. I don’t want John at Mom’s funeral. How could he have the audacity to show up there when he doesn’t have the decency to speak to her while she’s alive? Should I hire Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar someone to ask him to leave the funeral? — Angry Sis Dear Sis: It’s possible that the idea of testifying against his abuser was more traumatic for John than he could process. John might actu- ally want to get back in touch, but doesn’t know how and is afraid he would be roundly and repeatedly chastised. In order to reconcile, you may have to let the past go. Is John in contact with any of his siblings, relatives or mutu- al friends? Would one of them be willing to act as a go-between? Could one of you speak to John’s wife and ask what can be done? As for the funeral, your anger is understandable, but be prepared for a ruckus if you try to keep John out. And the knowledge that you are punishing him this way will likely keep him from ever recon- ciling with his siblings. We trust you are not the only one making this decision. Please talk to your siblings about it, and also speak to your mother about her wishes. Dear Annie: I’d like to rec- ommend that your readers talk to their doctors about the shingles vaccine. Five years ago, I got a painful rash on the right side of my torso. I was diagnosed with shingles, given a prescription and began taking the medicine imme- diately. By the next evening, I was much more comfortable, and in a few days, the rash, itch and pain were mostly gone. If you suspect a new rash might be shingles, please seek medical attention immediately. — Papil- lion, Neb. Dear Papillion: Thanks for the warning. Shingles is a reacti- vated chickenpox virus. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles and it is terribly pain- ful. The lifetime risk is 50 per- cent. Shingles most commonly occurs in people over age 50 and those with immune system disor- ders. The vaccine decreases (but doesn’t eliminate) the risk, and we hope our readers will check with their doctors about getting it and whether or not their insurance cov- ers the cost. FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH STONE SOUP B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE ARIES (March 21-April 19). Supersti- tions may not be scientific, but they are an integral part of your experience, and some- thing about them fits the way your mind works. Connections can be precarious. If you believe it, you’ll see it. If you don’t, you won’t. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A lot of seri- ous developments come out of silly things. So don’t be afraid to be a bit silly. Also, any- one who brings out this side of you is bring- ing out something essential and good. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Some say there is no cure for curiosity. You almost wish there were some kind of exciting dis- traction to divert your attention from the thing that captivates you against your will. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You were at least partially formed in the small struggles of youth. They prepared you for the bigger challenges. Alas, it’s not time for that. This is the period of smooth sailing. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ve already chosen the task. Now all you want are powers that are equal to or greater than it. You will get what you want in time. Today’s exercise will help. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Untrust- worthy people will say whatever they think will get them out of a bad situation or into a desired one. Trustworthy people will say what is, and they also will live it. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Maybe you’re emotionally fragile now, so it’s good to have people around you who agree with you. Otherwise, you prefer opposition. It is, after all, much more useful. It’s how you become great at what you do. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Relation- ships are important. Material possessions remind you of relationships, and that’s why you find them so important. Without mean- ing, this property has no value to you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Every day you wake up to a new day. But you’re not always as excited about the possibili- ties as you are on this day. You are practi- cally vibrating with potential. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Lately you’ve been questioning your lifestyle. Do the things around you really add value to your life, or are they just taking up space? It turns out you need a lot less than you think you do. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Some of your favorite people are those who know how to temper your dreams with a healthy dose of reality. It’s the earth signs who help you keep realistic expectations when your eyes are bigger than your budget. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Sometimes the bad ideas go undetected for a while, and you wind up putting a fair amount of work into them before you realize the prob- lem. Once you realize it, though, stop im- mediately. Don’t throw good efforts after a bad idea. TUESDAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 14). You are beautiful, not because of one isolat- ed feature or fact, but because everything about you is working together to make a joyful impact on the world. Your environ- ment will reflect new values and aesthetics. The person you used to worry about and help will grow strong and help you back. New business comes in October. Pisces and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 34, 3, 22 and 38.
