THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2017
FEATURES
The help isn’t enough
Dear Annie: I feel torn www.caregiver.org or call
and guilty that I’m not doing 800-445-8106.
Secondly, if you haven’t
enough to take care of my
mom. My stepdad and I are asked your brother and sis-
the only ones taking care of ter to pitch in more by at
my mom, who needs daily least visiting on a semi-reg-
assistance. I thank the Lord ular basis, now is the time.
Perhaps they’ve got-
for my stepdad every
DEAR
ten used to your tak-
day. I have a sis-
ing care of everything
ter and brother, but
ANNIE
and aren’t aware of
they don’t visit often.
how extreme the sit-
I’ve spent 4 1/2 days
uation has gotten.
every other week with
Tell them that Mom
my mom and step-
is lonely and would
dad since I retired. I
love some company.
also have a part-time
Also, some insurance
job. Today when I
Lane
plans (including some
left, Mom asked when Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
Medicare and Medic-
I’ll be back. I told
aid plans) cover hos-
her I’ll be there again
in two weeks. She said that pice care, so that’s an option
is too long. How do I handle worth exploring.
Please know that you are
my guilt that I’m not doing
doing a great job, and your
enough? — Daughter
Dear Daughter: The best mom raised a truly compas-
way to handle your guilt is to sionate soul.
Dear Annie: My parents
keep a healthy perspective,
knowing that you are doing always told me that if some-
your best — and your best one helps you out, you help
sounds pretty darn good to that person in return. Some
me. As a caretaker, your own people in my family think
self-care is extremely import- you should help everyone and
ant. For resources to this end, not expect anything in return.
visit the Family Caregiver For example, sometimes my
Alliance website at https:// brother “Carson” works on our
half brother’s car and doesn’t
charge him anything. I feel
that’s very charitable. Carson
just tells him that if he helps
him out sometime, he’ll call
it even. But if our half brother
won’t help do anything, is that
right? I feel those types of peo-
ple are using people. What are
your thoughts? — D.D.
Dear D.D.: Lending a
helping hand to someone in
need is always a good thing,
unless the person you are help-
ing begins to get your hands
dirty. What I mean by that is
that if you feel you are being
taken advantage of, then you
should stop, but if you don’t
mind helping, then you should
continue. It sounds as if Car-
son doesn’t mind helping out
your half brother and hopes
the favor will be returned one
day but also isn’t too con-
cerned about ensuring that it’s
paid back. That’s a healthy
attitude. I’ve found that what
goes around truly does come
around, though often not in the
form we’re expecting.
“Not all of us can do great
things. But we can do small
things with great love.” —
Mother Teresa
5A
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). The fact of the
matter is that when things come too easily, they
are not enjoyed nearly as much as what was
hard-won. Though you’d like to give freely to
someone, consider making the exchange slightly
more challenging.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Since you’re not 3
years old, you don’t always say what pops into
your head. Instead you try to cater your message
to your audience. You most adore those around
whom you least have to self-censor.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). All that you desire
for this day will be accomplished, because you
commit, buckle down, and work until it’s finished.
“Freedom” isn’t even on your list of values right
now, and this will work just fine.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Personal
growth and empowerment will involve a bit of
scrutiny directed at your inner dialogue. There’s
a chance that something you’ve been telling
yourself is a falsehood you concocted to protect
yourself.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The science-
fiction writer William Gibson suggested that the
future is here; it just isn’t widely distributed yet.
Nonetheless, you’re on the inside track and
you’ll enjoy the technological perks of the
elite.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Many religions
suggest that the ancestors are always there,
ready to help, if we would only call on them. Why
wait for a big problem to test the theory? No one
will be put out if you ask for help with something
small.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Good leaders have
clear rules enforced with consistency. People
need to know the reward or punishment for each
action and they need to believe those conse-
quences are every time and for all.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Those who would
rather be right than be happy, peaceful or wealthy
have definitely fallen prey to the illogic of an out-
of-control ego. Your willingness to be wrong isn’t a
sign of weakness; it’s a sign of health.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Art will imitate life, and
life will imitate art to the extent that it might get
a little confusing about what’s real and what’s
a copy. All you have to do is check in with your
heart’s authenticity meter to know.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Amateurs go on
about themselves for 10 minutes before bothering
to inquire about the other person. Even when
you’ve something to vent, you make sure the
conversation is balanced — one of the reasons
you’re so popular.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The ego acts in
mysterious ways. It can make us feel superior,
but it can also persuade us of our inferiority. Both
ideas are wrong. If either idea is influencing an
action, it’s a sign of ego interference. Pause. Back
up. Reassess.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Something rare and
a little magical is coming together. This involves
people you love and people you will love all
showing up at the same time and place to cele-
brate.
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
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (June 8). This year
you put health and happiness first and are able to
achieve more than ever because of this intelli-
gent prioritizing. You’ll learn much as a part of a
team. There’s a chance to commit to a short-term
relationship that you’ll have the option to take
long-term later. September and December are
the most romantic months this year. Cancer and
Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 4, 45,
15 and 26.