Ask Amy: This mom has one bestie – her daughter
Dear Amy: My mom and I are best friends. My parents had a true storybook romance. They met as children and were married for 32 years until my dad was quickly taken from our lives by cancer, when he was only 60 years old – 20 years ago.
My mom has been literally heartbroken since then. She longs for fun and to meet people but can't get out to do it.
I have tried everything -- classes, moving to different towns in hopes of finding a close and fun community, moving her into an elder community, getting a volunteer job, trying a paid job, going to church ... you name it, I have tried it.
I know I can't make her do things, but she continually tells me she would "do anything to meet a nice man and have some friends.”
Her father was very hard on her and was verbally abusive and she has no self-confidence, because of him.
I am eager to learn if you might have any ideas or advice for my mom.
She is a very young 76, and loves to have fun, laugh, and do things with people.
But her life for the last 20 years has been very lonely and quiet.
I know she needs to do things for herself, but she doesn't use the computer, and I try to at least find possibilities that might open up some social life for her, and to find some friends.
I am hoping that you may offer some new ideas or thoughts.
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