THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017
FEATURES
Should Dad be invited?
Dear Annie: My 17-year- ets — only five — I would rather
old son will be graduating soon, have my mom and my brother’s
and the question is: Does Dad get family of three use the tickets, as
invited? My son’s father moved they have all been the supportive
back to the area in the past year, people in my son’s life. Is there
but they have had contact only an obligation to Dad? — Proud
about three times, mostly because Momma
my son does not answer
Dear Proud: There
DEAR
his dad’s texts or calls.
a few milestones large
My ex had moved
enough for us to see
ANNIE
when we zoom way out
away in a hurry after he
was caught stealing from
from our own lives and
look at the bigger pic-
his only friend and room-
ture — weddings, births,
mate. Once he left town,
funerals and graduations
he was also caught steal-
chief among them. This
ing from his own father
is a big deal for your son.
and stepmother.
Lane
It is his day. I would ask
I used to hide these Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
your son his thoughts on
indiscretions from my
whether he wants his dad
child, but now that he
is older, I’ve had to be truth- there. As long as there’s no risk
ful with him, especially when of his dad’s disrupting the cel-
I was recently concerned that ebration, I would lean toward
his father might try to come get allowing him to come if your son
him from school without permis- wishes.
Having your mother and
sion. Because his dad has men-
tal illness diagnoses, people do brother there (along with one
not press charges or he some- other member of his family)
how manages to get himself out would be great and helpful, too.
of sticky situations. I’m not even The more support for your son
really sure what’s going on with the better. If your ex comes to the
him, as I have stopped concern- ceremony, you need not invite
ing myself with his many issues. him to celebrate afterward if you
So, with graduation around the would be uncomfortable with it or
corner and a finite number of tick- feel it might be too much. A hug
and a thank-you would suffice.
Dear Annie: The recent let-
ter you received from “Finally
Sleeping,” about the difficul-
ties of fibromyalgia, has saved
my body. Within a period of two
years, I had three back opera-
tions that had to be performed by
a neurosurgeon. Because of spi-
nal cord issues, I suffer from per-
manent nerve damage and devel-
oped neuropathy and a condition
called complex regional pain
syndrome. Our mattress, which
is a Tempur-Pedic, can be very
cold, and every morning when I
would wake up, I felt as if a truck
had run over me. It would take
at least an hour for my body to
adjust. Thanks to “Finally Sleep-
ing,” my problem was solved: I
got a heated mattress pad. I fig-
ured that if it helps her to sleep,
it might help me feel better in the
morning. And it has changed my
world. So kudos and many thanks
to “Finally Sleeping”! — Morn-
ings Are Better in PA
Dear Mornings: I print read-
ers’ stories and solutions in this
column with the hope that they
help at least one person out there,
and you’re living proof. That is
wonderful. Thank you for shar-
ing, and keep sleeping soundly.
5A
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). When the
sounds, sights and tastes that speak to your
heart and body are the very same as anoth-
er person’s this builds a sense of belonging,
comfort and kinship. You can have love with-
out such commonalities, just not as quickly.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don’t need
to forgive anyone or be forgiven for anything.
This is a day to accept the way it is and build
from here without rehashing or giving any
focus at all to the way things were before.
This is now.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Everyone loves
a pretty package. In today’s instance, such a
promise will intrigue and attract many. You’ll
be drawn in just like the others. But you won’t
stay “in” if there’s nothing compelling inside.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Sometimes
the unaccepted and seemingly unacceptable
thing is the truer thing. You’re willing to look at
it without taking offense or being astonished.
The majority isn’t always (or even often) right.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). This electric energy
that buzzes in your body when you engage
with an exciting idea or pursuit is evanescent
— but very real. So act on it while the sensa-
tion is alive in you! Otherwise you’ll miss out.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While you
admire those with the means and taste to
cultivate exceptional collections, you will be
more moved by those with a knack for beau-
tifully cultivating the ordinary, elevating what
is truly unexceptional.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What you face
today is not a difficult situation, and perhaps
that’s the problem. Challenge engages you.
Create your own secret goal for the situation.
That will help you wholeheartedly step into
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
the game.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have so
much love to give, and today it radiates from
you in many forms, including the words of
encouragement you lend, your friendly smile
and your other smile — the one with all the
mischief in it.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You must
fulfill your duty precisely today. If you do more
than your duty, it’s interference, and it could
upset the balance and undermine others.
And of course you never want to do less than
your duty.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The
obstacles of the day will not be big dull rocks
in the path. They are living decision-makers,
and they are not stupid. They will yield to
influence, persuasion and also stern resolve.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ve a kind,
soft heart. However, today it will be very wise
for you to avoid getting mixed up with the
chronically unlucky types who are perpetual
victims and bottomless pits of need.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be so
attracted to the person who exhibits opposite
qualities from yours — the “yin” to your “yang”
or vice versa. You’ll swirl together and help
one another roll along.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (May 2). Your
identity will shift this solar return. You no lon-
ger relate to certain pursuits; other interests
will outshine them. Craving the community
of like minds, new involvements will change
your schedule and your priorities. Your enthu-
siasm for a team will be highlighted in June
and will lead to a subsequent quest. Aries
and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers
are: 28, 9, 30, 22 and 18.