Ask Amy: Family survivor doesn’t want to talk about it
Not knowing how much more time we have together, I always comply, but it's starting to get old, and I am beginning to distance myself.
Please help me to understand how I can make useful comments, and not be so angry.
A Loving Daughter
Dear Daughter: It sounds as if you live very close by and are making several trips a day to your father’s house.
He obviously wants to see you and he enjoys (and benefits from) the stimulation of having a visitor.
If you are able where you live, you should sign him up for Meals on Wheels. Otherwise, schedule your visits for predictable times -- twice a day – and make the visits longer. Play a game or work a puzzle with him.
I know this is hard, but – speaking for my fellow “liberated” caregivers whose loved-ones are now gone – I’d give anything to be annoyed again.
Dear Amy: “Isolated” described how challenging it has been for so many of us who are trying to protect our health during the pandemic. Thank you for suggesting online group games, like “Words with Friends.” Connecting and playing together has been a true “game changer” for me.
No Longer Alone
Dear No Longer: So many readers have affirmed “Isolated’s” concerns; fortunately, the online world has opened up solutions.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
