Dear Eric: This is regarding “Worried Grandmother”, who was trying to help her 17-year-old grandson navigate his parents’ contentious divorce. My parents got divorced when I was in third grade. Our parents never asked us kids to take sides.
It wasn’t until I was in college that I heard the term “broken home” and asked the teacher what that meant and he said “divorce”.
As it turned out dad was a good dad just not a good husband. He had a drinking problem. My dad would bring Christmas gifts and he and my mom would wrap them together. He died from a brain tumor at age 43 when I was 14.
It makes me feel sad when parents cannot behave better. Life is too short. Just wanted you to know that some parents get it right.
I have been stepmom to my husband’s only daughter since she was 5. This Valentine’s Day she sent a card that said “For My Parents on Valentine’s Day“ so I know I did it right, too.
– Unbroken Home
Dear Unbroken: Thanks for sharing. Divorce can be so hard for parents and kids. Sometimes we’re not able to keep our worst instincts at bay. But it’s wonderful when the greater good of a family unit wins out, even as that family is changing shape.
Dear Eric: This is in response to “Grieving Son” (May 6), who felt disrespected by the treatment he received from a cemetery staff after his father’s death.
I am on the board of a Non-Profit cemetery. “Grieving Son” should contact the state cemetery board to file a formal grievance. Be specific about the nature of the conflict/s, the cemetery personnel’s behavior, including their name if known and what they did or said, and to whom. Photos of any damage to the gravesite would also be helpful.
—Cemetery Board Member
Dear Board Member: Great suggestions; thank you very much!
Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.
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