Ask Amy: Retired teachers take on a grandchild
I was counseled to think of the estrangement as a closed door. If I pushed and got angry, he would lock his side of the door.
If the door was unlocked on both sides, someday he might open it.
Over the past four years, he has called to chat, and this year he has started sending text messages and photos.
I would love to see him, but again I have no control over that.
– Always His Mom
Dear Always: The analogy of the closed door perfectly describes the dynamic. Thank you.
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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.)
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