Columnist Abigail Van Buren, known as Dear Abby, has advised a concerned daughter to assist her 82-year-old father in planning his solo 2,000-mile road trip rather than attempt to prevent it. The daughter expressed worry that her father, who lives alone and is in generally good health, was embarking on a potentially dangerous journey.
The father wishes to drive across the country to visit his sister. While he regularly takes shorter drives, his daughter fears he is underestimating the fatigue and navigational challenges of such a long trip. She is concerned about the possibility of an accident or him getting lost. She offered to pay for a plane ticket, but her father dislikes the idea of navigating airports and rental cars. The daughter also suggested accompanying him, but a long stay at her aunt's house would not accommodate her.
Despite the daughter's concerns, Dear Abby recommended that the daughter help her father plan the trip. This includes mapping out the route, identifying potential hotels or motels, and assisting with reservations. Crucially, Abby advised securing a promise from the father to call his daughter each evening to check in, providing a way to track his progress and ensure his well-being.
In a separate query, Dear Abby addressed a mother concerned about a new acquaintance who repeatedly asks for money. The woman met the new friend through her son, who has recently made friends with the acquaintance's child. The new mother has shared personal details about her financial struggles, including being a divorced single mother without financial support from her ex-husband. Despite being told about her own financial limitations, she continues to receive requests for money, most recently for gas and travel expenses to attend a funeral out of state.
Dear Abby advised the concerned mother to politely decline requests for money, stating she does not have the funds at the time. She recommended repeating this response as necessary, advising against being blunt to avoid damaging the friendship between the children.