TAKE A MOMENT TO SEND THANKS TO OUR TROOPS FAR FROM HOME (Dear Abby)

uexpress ^ | 11/24/05 | Abigail Van Buren

[Sonny M]

DEAR READERS: Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I know you are busy with the hustle and bustle of entertaining, but let's not forget that our young men and women in the military are always in need of encouragement. Most of these dedicated young people are between the ages of 17 and 21, and away from home for the first time. The Department of Defense tells me that messages of support from home are their greatest morale booster. So if you can spare a moment, go to your computers, type in www.OperationDearAbby.net, and tell our troops you are thankful for their sacrifice and devotion to duty, especially on the day of Thanksgiving. You'll be glad you did it, and so will they. Thank you in advance from them -- and from me. Love -- ABBY

DEAR ABBY: My family and I recently went to my brother's home for a family get-together. During our visit, my wife was told that our nephew was being married. Our nephew then announced that he is going to have all those who plan on attending submit a 75-word essay stating why we should be invited. I said, "Why?" My wife and I were appalled.

What do you think of this, Abby? -- APPALLED IN THE U.S.A.

DEAR APPALLED: If your nephew is trying to keep his wedding a small and intimate affair, he's doing a great job of it. I have never heard of an essay contest to determine who will be allowed to attend a wedding. (Will those people whose essays don't get a passing grade be excluded?) If I were you, I'd send your nephew and his bride a lovely congratulatory card and skip the "contest."

DEAR ABBY: Yesterday a young man from a religious sect rang my doorbell and pounded on my door until I opened it. I told him, "Please do not come to my home again. I have a baby and you just woke her up." He replied, "Lady, you are rude." I apologized and explained again about my baby.

My problem, Abby, is this happens all the time. I live in a new subdivision, and religious groups and vacuum cleaner salesmen come to my door several times a week. I have a large "No Soliciting" sign posted by my front door. Have you any suggestions? -- PAM B., HOUSTON

DEAR PAM: The person who came to your door should have apologized for disturbing you instead of trying to turn you into the bad guy. However, please bear in mind that he could have come to rob you (or worse), and you are under no obligation to open your door to any stranger -- and that includes salesmen and religious proselytizers.

You might try placing another sign by your front door that says "No Witnessing." If that doesn't work, consider disabling your doorbell or fencing your yard and posting a "No Trespassing" sign, provided it's allowed in your subdivision.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a wonderful 1 1/2-year-old son, the love of our lives. Sadly, my father passed away before he was born and never got to see him.

Recently, my family -- including my mother -- took a vacation together. We took some wonderful pictures of my mother holding her grandson. We're considering having one of the pictures enlarged professionally as a birthday gift to my mother, and my wife suggested we Photoshop a picture of my father into the picture so that there is a portrait of both my parents and their grandson.

I like the idea; however, I am concerned that it may make my mother sad and be a reminder that my father is no longer here. What do you think? -- TRYING TO BE THOUGHTFUL IN WASHINGTON STATE

DEAR TRYING TO BE THOUGHTFUL: I think the sentiment is nice, but it would be wrong. When in doubt -- don't.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

[Sonny M]

For your enjoyment and comments.

[Sonny M]

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