August 8, 2026 Issue, Page 5 of 10

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 • 5 Illness, Mom’s Passing and Time Have Increased Isolation DEAR ABBY: I have a chronic ill- about your feelings of isolation and DEAR ABBY: My son and daugh- they are on all the time, then you are ness and have been on a long-term DEAR ABBY loneliness on your own. ter-in-law think it’s OK to have cam- not being singled out. Because you leave of absence from my job for two My first thought is to reach out to a eras on me and my husband when we find the idea of your son and daugh- years now. I have always surrounded or responds to any of my messages. I support group (in person or online) watch their children. It has been go- ter-in-law listening in on what you myself with good people and have didn’t know there was a time limit on for the illness you have. The second ing on for six years, and I’m uncom- thought were private conversations, been blessed with great friends and “let me know if you need anything.” would be to contact your religious fortable babysitting them while being perhaps you should start doing the family. When I was diagnosed, every- I know others out there understand adviser if you have one. Another (de- recorded. babysitting at your home instead of one was supportive. There were many what I’m going through, and I won- pending on your mobility) would be I know my son and his wife watch theirs. However, if that isn’t viable, platitudes, not the least of which was der if you have any words of encour- to volunteer some of your free time the footage, because comments have you may either have to bite the bullet the ole standby, “Let me know if you agement. -- NOT ALWAYS SUNNY to a cause you believe in or become a been made about what we have dis- and accept the status quo or remove need anything.” I have never asked IN UTAH foster for shelter animals. cussed while babysitting. I’m tired of babysitting from the equation. anyone for anything, soldiering on DEAR NOT ALWAYS SUNNY: Finally, rather than waiting for sucking it up and allowing this. This and refusing to be a burden. Please accept my sympathy for the your phone to ring, consider going would mean that I probably wouldn’t Dear Abby is written by Abigail My mom recently passed, and I’m loss of your mother. It’s shameful that out and having an occasional lunch get to see my grandchildren anymore. Van Buren, also known as Jeanne struggling. Now, for the first time, I your old friends and co-workers have or soft drink so you are exposed to What should I do? -- HATE BEING Phillips, and was founded by her need actual face time. I’m extremely conveniently forgotten that they of- other people rather than sitting alone FILMED IN THE MIDWEST mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact lonely, and all I would like is an oc- fered to help you after your diagnosis. at home and becoming increasingly DEAR HATE BEING FILMED: Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com casional lunch or a quick diet soda However, because they apparently depressed. Are the cameras running all the time, or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA with a friend. But, Abby, no one calls have, you will have to do something or just when you are babysitting? If 90069. CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield