6A
FEATURES
When ‘sorry’ just isn’t enough
Dear Annie: I am 75 years old. the support and company of friends,
My wife of more than 50 years loved ones or a bereavement sup-
died suddenly and without warn- port group.
Dear Annie: I’m writing
ing a year and a half ago, and I
began drinking excessively almost because you previously published
immediately. I have since regained a poem about losing a pet. I kept it
for the longest time and now have
control.
misplaced it. My son and
Here’s the problem:
DEAR
his wife are losing their
During one of my drink-
beloved Lab, and I need to
ing episodes, my daughter-
ANNIE
share that piece with them
in-law claims I groped her.
to help ease the pain. —
I have no memory of this.
Charles E.
I apologized just the same.
Dear Charles E.: My
My son is naturally upset,
heart goes out to your son
and I am, too. Honestly, I
and his wife. I believe
have absolutely zero sex-
you’re referring to the
ual interest in my daugh-
Lane
poem “The Rainbow
ter-in-law. An enormous rift Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
Bridge.” It has brought
has developed in our small
me great comfort over the
family as a result of this
years, and I hope it will do the same
incident.
How can this sad development for your family.
“By the edge of a woods, at the
be rectified? — Embarrassed
Dear Embarrassed: I’m so foot of a hill,
“Is a lush, green meadow where
sorry for your loss. It seems the
apology itself was not enough for time stands still.
“Where the friends of man and
your daughter-in-law. Perhaps you
could ask her what else you could woman do run,
“When their time on earth is over
do to regain her trust. If she or your
son cannot offer any concrete ways and done.
“For here, between this world
in which you could help rectify the
situation, you’ll have to hope that and the next,
“Is a place where each beloved
time will heal the wounds. Regard-
less, please try to be compassion- creature finds rest.
“On this golden land, they wait
ate toward yourself, and seek out
and they play,
“Till the Rainbow Bridge they
cross over one day.
“No more do they suffer, in pain
or in sadness,
“For here they are whole, their
lives filled with gladness.
“Their limbs are restored, their
health renewed,
“Their bodies have healed, with
strength imbued.
“They romp through the grass,
without even a care,
“Until one day they start, and
sniff at the air.
“All ears prick forward, eyes dart
front and back,
“Then all of a sudden, one breaks
from the pack.
“For just at that instant, their
eyes have met;
“Together again, both person and
pet.
“So they run to each other, these
friends from long past,
“The time of their parting is over
at last.
“The sadness they felt while they
were apart,
“Has turned into joy once more
in each heart.
“They embrace with a love that
will last forever,
“And then, side-by-side, they
cross over … together.”
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, JULY 10, 2017
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). When it goes
as planned time and again, you’ll be sure to
change the plan up. You don’t want to bore
your audience, and, even more importantly,
you don’t want to get bored yourself.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Steer clear of
dramas. Compassionate detachment will be
the best way to help your loved ones. Walk a
fine line, giving generously but not in a man-
ner that would make them dependent on you.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). As for the peo-
ple don’t believe as you do: You treat their
faith with respect and gentleness, as you
would expect others to treat yours. In this
way, world peace could be an eventuality.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Some
around you are inwardly more insecure than
you might have guessed. If you have to
constantly reassure someone of your love,
it will be very tiring. Anything you can do
proactively will help.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Would you
rather manage something you don’t
understand or understand something you
can’t manage? You’ll have your choice of
problems today.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). The thing to
work on now is on selling yourself harder.
This isn’t about a lack of talent: You’ve got
plenty! But do you have the belief and ambi-
tion and vision? Flesh it out.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you want to cry
over love, love seems to always be able to
find something for you to cry about. It’s good
for the emotional hydration system, like a
wash of fluids through the whole network —
ultimately refreshing.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Honest intro-
spection is the call of the day. Your soul’s
quieter needs will get attention. The outside
world will reflect back to you what’s happen-
ing with your inner life.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You may not
have done right by yourself, but there’s no
need for punishment. That would only be
counterproductive. Emphasize your positive
characteristics, and ignore the behaviors
you’d like to be rid of.
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
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There are
those who will try and use their moods to
manipulate those around them. But another
person’s bad mood should not have too
much to do with how you go about your
business. Bring your own emotional weather.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). This day
holds plenty of opportunities for whimsy, and
you’ll enjoy it to the degree that you take ad-
vantage of that opportunity. Take a gamble.
Win or lose, the experience will be a win.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Success
isn’t a plate to be gobbled up alone: It’s a
banquet to share with many guests. Invite
others to your recent win. More bounty is on
the way.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (July 11). Your
heart will be made full through friendships,
family additions and romantic promises in
the first third of your solar return. Light-
ning-bolt moments will come in October;
react fast and make money! New financial
partners come along in November. Jan-
uary doubles a prize. Stellar education is
discounted in 2018. Leo and Scorpio adore
you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 3, 33, 39
and 17.