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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 2018)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 FEATURES TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE Moving past Christmas blues Dear Annie: Whenever from “Grieving Mom’s” son Christmas rolls around, I feel who tragically died. sick. I want to enjoy the mer- My husband died while rid- riment as much as most people ing his bicycle three years ago. seem to. Unfortunately, I have We donated his organs because negative associations with the that’s what he had indicated he winter holidays. I’m sure I’m wanted. Later, I received a note from someone who had not alone in dreading DEAR gotten a tendon from Christmas. How can I him, thanking us for put these associations ANNIE making this hard deci- aside in order to have sion. We were so grate- a happy holiday sea- son? — Cringing at ful to get that letter, Christmas knowing that maybe Dear Cringing at someone else could Christmas: It sounds now ride a bike or be as though it’s not able to walk or function Lane Christmas you’re cring- Annie normally. Creators Syndicate Inc. ing at so much as the My heart aches for unresolved emotions it “Grieving Mom,” but brings up for you. It’s also pos- I know that the recipient of the sible that you’re experiencing organ was just trying to express seasonal affective disorder, a her gratitude to that mother for type of depression that affects an giving her some more time. I estimated 3 million Americans hope that one day, “Grieving each year. Either way, counsel- Mom” can accept the offering ing could be a hugely benefi- of gratitude. — Aching Heart cial tool for exploring, process- Dear Aching Heart: I am so ing and, one hopes, moving past incredibly sorry for your loss. these negative associations. Thank you for sharing your Dear Annie: This is in experience and offering some response to “Grieving Mom,” heartfelt perspective. the mother who received a let- Dear Annie: This is a ter from a woman who is alive response to “Grieving Mom.” because of an organ donation I lost my 31-year-old son to a drunken driver last year. My son was riding his bicycle cross-country. With no hesita- tion, our family donated every part of his beautiful body so that others could have bet- ter lives. Greg would have wanted that. My point of this letter is to highlight how we all have different responses to tragic losses. Whereas “Griev- ing Mom” wants no contact with the recipient of her son’s heart and is appalled that the receiver reached out to her, I would embrace the chance to hug the individual who has my son’s heart beating in his or her body. What a gift for the both of us! Please remind your readers to take the time to become organ donors so that others might have the chance for a better life and your loved one, in a beautiful way, could live on. — Barry Dear Barry: I am so sorry for the loss of your son. It sounds as if he was a generous and kind person. Thank you for your perspective. A single organ donor may save the lives of up to eight people and improve the lives of up to 50, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 3C By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re not out to change the world today; you just want to find a better way to live within it. Mostly this has to do with learning what’s there and asking others how they’re doing it. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don’t always want attention or people around you. But when you do feel like company, the quickest way to becoming more attractive is to get happy. So how are you going to get happy? GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Just because one person is serving another doesn’t mean that the person is any less valued than the other. In fact, it takes a big heart and a sol- idly developed sense of self to serve others well. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Chemistry, mutual admiration and shared humor are among the many things that contribute to the longevity and health of a relationship. However, nothing contributes more today than forgiveness. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You don’t always get the credit for what you do. Maybe that’s a good thing today. If you have too much praise heaped on you, you’ll attract jealousy and high expectations for next time — two pressures you don’t need. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ve been taught that it’s impolite to express boredom, and over time this has caused you to be oblivious to the symptoms. Wake up to bore- dom now. Boredom is a sign that you’re not in the right place. It’s a sign to move on. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The playfulness that’s so cute in animals (including the human animal) is also very necessary; it gets the creature ready for life. Playing is often a simulation, a chance to hone some skills to prepare for the challenges to come. 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 SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Whether some- thing is offensive or not depends on many factors including (but not limited to) context, zeitgeist, social mores and, most importantly, who is the messenger. Know what story is yours and is not yours to tell. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Going with the flow just isn’t appropriate in every situation. As your own advocate, you’ll need to speak up today about what you need and what you don’t understand. Get the knowl- edge and resources you’re due. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There’s a significant event in the future that seems to be reaching back through time to poke you. This poke is a signal to heed. The event may seem very far off indeed, but if you wait until it’s not, it will be too late. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don’t have to overthink your part in the timing of things. To be prompt will be enough. Promp- titude will keep you within the boundary of good manners, fine reputation, dutiful service and bountiful fortunes. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Among your many rights is the right to be left alone. This you desire not out of anti-social instincts but out of a sincere need for the peace and sol- itude that will engender a reconnection with the things that make you who you are. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 8). Your past generosity has set the stage for some excellent karma to swing back around, and the solar return sets off the bounty. Other highlights include finding information you’ve been seeking for years, a sale that makes you proud and the feeling that you’re finally coming into your own in a certain exclusive social world. Leo and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 38, 20, 44, 1 and 7.
