THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016
FEATURES
Where are children’s rights?
Dear Annie: My nephew, courts look out for the parents’
“Bill,” married “Helen.” Helen had rights. When will our laws become
a 2-year-old son, “Dylan.” Helen in favor of what is in the best inter-
told Bill that Dylan’s father had est of the child? — Still Crying
Dear Crying: Look further into
given up his parental rights, so Bill
the laws in your state. I think there
happily adopted baby Dylan.
We all came to deeply love is a good chance your nephew has
recourse here to see Dylan
baby Dylan. He was ador-
DEAR
again, especially as he
able, bright and sweet.
adopted him — or at least
Dylan quickly felt close to
ANNIE
was led to believe he did.
all his many cousins. Four
Some states do have laws
years later, Helen abruptly
that take such factors into
left Bill for another man.
consideration, with the
When Bill attempted to
goal of doing what’s best
get visitation with Dylan,
for the child.
Helen informed the court
Dear Annie: I feel
that Dylan’s father had
Lane
that
your reply to “Seri-
never really given up his Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
ally Disappointed” was a
parental rights, so therefore
cop-out.
the adoption became void.
I am in my early 60s and have
Tragically, none of us in the family
been divorced for 15 years. The
ever saw Dylan again.
How could 6-year-old Dylan men I meet are seriously lacking
begin to understand this? He loved in relationship and basic life skills.
Bill more than anyone in the world, I will admit I settled for much less
and then one day he never saw him than I should have with my most
again! How could his mother hurt recent partners because they had
good qualities that attracted me.
him like this?
One decided after three years
I often wonder whether children
are ever going to have any rights of that I was “too fat” (I am a size 12),
their own in our courts. So far, the and he met a woman who is shorter
only rights kids have are not to be than I am but not thinner. Another,
starved and not to be beaten. Our after two years, told me he had a
children are still lawfully treated boyfriend and thought it was OK
as property of their parents. Our to date us both at the same time
because he is bisexual. I ended the
relationship, and six months later,
he was married to a woman.
Another one sat on my couch
one day and began crying, telling
me he missed his wife, whom he
had divorced five years earlier.
My friends, all married or
in long-term relationships, said,
“Take some time for yourself!” I
don’t know what they were think-
ing when I’d been spending most
birthdays, Christmas Eves and
New Year’s Eves alone for years.
I haven’t dated for two years.
Now the same friends say, “You
have to get yourself out there!” I go
to movies, plays and other events
alone. I bicycle on busy bike paths,
and I work a job. But the truth is
that no one has the answer as to
why most single men are so out
of whack. So they tell you silly
things — for example, “Learn how
to be happy with yourself.” “Seri-
ally Disappointed” gave no indica-
tion she is not happy with herself,
and I am indeed happy with who I
am. I just wish I could find a qual-
ity single guy in his 60s before he
is snatched up by one of the mil-
lions of intelligent, compassionate,
kind single women out there look-
ing. — Will Anyone Love Me When
I’m 64?
5A
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have a big
heart. You can’t help but accommodate those
who live inside it. If you don’t get to the goal,
it’s because your loved one needed you
more. You thought that was more important,
and you were right.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A world in
emotional order can plunge into unpredict-
able chaos with the introduction of one excit-
ing dynamic. Such things can be like thrilling
carnival attractions. Do not fear: Use your
ticket to ride.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll work from
sun to moon — no “casual Friday” for you. In
your efforts, you’ll prove just how strong you
are. Determination and tenacity are so much
a part of your makeup that everyone comes
to expect it from you.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Make
thoughtful decisions. Stave away the fever of
impulsivity. Don’t give in! If you feel yourself
acting rashly, consider that you may feel dif-
ferently when a few hours have passed.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People have
surprised you in good and bad ways, and
now you’re not as surprised. In fact, now you
can predict some behaviors you wish you
couldn’t. But you can, and you should.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Haggling
for what you need can be a long, drawn-out,
tedious process if the people involved just
can’t give it to you. Maybe they don’t have it.
Turn elsewhere and hang on for big, bright,
beautiful results.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your space
matters. You’re happiest in a thriving space
that lives and grows along with you. The
maintenance, the updates — when you ap-
proach them with the right attitude, they bring
you pleasure and satisfaction.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Quiet obser-
vation is called for. Tune into your nearest and
dearest. Read the small changes in a loved
one’s behavior and draw a conclusion. Then
keep it to yourself for a while. Watch and see
to test the truth.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). This is not a day
to buy or sell anything in haste. Do your re-
search. Wait to get the best price. An attitude
of nonchalance doesn’t hurt either. You’re in
a good position, but not if you don’t believe it.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The relation-
ship that doesn’t help you is hurting you be-
cause it’s taking up your valuable attention.
If you had a void there, you would fill it with
more helpful forces.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re a citizen of
the world, and your exemplary manners will
be your passport. Of course there are cultural
differences to consider. Intention counts. You
don’t have to get it perfect to get it right.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 2). Pro-
fessional adventures are so thrilling that you
may put key parts of your life on the back
burner while you pursue ambitions in this re-
gard. Reward the loyal loved ones who sup-
port you through this. You’ll love what comes
from it in May. July is your chance to double
down and invest in something exciting. Gem-
ini and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers
are: 30, 49, 47, 26 and 31.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The best people
you know have a dark side, and the worst
people you know can be kind and wonderful,
too. Your capacity for understanding the com-
plexities will help you manage the day.
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE