Dear Abby: My 82-year-old dad desires to drive 2,000 miles alone — am I watching a catastrophe unfold?

DEAR ABBY: At 82, my father continues to stay alone and unassisted. He’s typically in good healt, however is beginning to acknowledge that he received’t be perpetually. One factor he actually desires to do whereas he nonetheless can (or thinks he can) is take a highway journey — by himself — to go to his sister on the opposite aspect of the nation. 

He usually does shorter drives (two to a few hours) and figures if he takes his time, he could make the two,000-mile journey by doing many brief stretches over just a few days. I feel it’s a colossally dangerous thought. He is underestimating the fatigue he’s going to expertise after a protracted day of driving and is forgetting how a lot additional power it takes to navigate in an unfamiliar place. I’m frightened he’s going to get in an accident or get misplaced. 

After telling him all that, and that he’s acquired higher choices, I supplied to pay for a aircraft ticket. But he doesn’t like the thought of attempting to navigate an airport (which is unnecessary to me in comparison with driving), or attempting to drive an unfamiliar rental automotive when he arrives. I’ve recommended going with him, however he desires to remain for a protracted go to, and there isn’t room for me at my aunt’s. 

Dad has acquired his thoughts set on this journey, and I’m frightened he’s going to depart with out telling anybody he’s going. If I can’t cause with him, what can I do? We don’t stay shut to one another, and I don’t have any proper to take his keys, however that is nuts, proper? — A DISASTER IN OHIO

DEAR SEES: Whether you or I feel your father’s plan is nuts is irrelevant. He goes to make the journey. However, this doesn’t imply you can not have some enter and assurances. 

Help your father plan and map out his journey. Note what lodges or motels there are alongside the best way and assist him make reservations. Then get his promise to name you each night when he checks in so you may know he’s all proper. It might take some work in your half, however the reassurance of with the ability to observe his progress can be priceless.

DEAR ABBY: My youngest youngster (early teenagers) has a tough time making and retaining associates, however he made a brand new pal three weeks in the past. I’ve met the mother as soon as, briefly, and largely texted to debate timing for plans with my child and hers. 

The mother retains asking me for cash. Our tales are comparable, and I’ve stuffed her in — divorced, single mother, no contact with ex, no assist. Most not too long ago, she texted me asking for gasoline cash and extra cash to assist fund a visit out of state for a funeral. I could stay in a pleasant home, however I’ve no assist in paying for it plus all the opposite life bills. I’ve informed her as a lot, however I nonetheless get these requests. 

I don’t need to be impolite to her, however I really feel like my subsequent step is to be blunt. However, I don’t need to danger hurting the friendship between the youngsters. How do I make it clear with out doing injury? — DOLLARS AND SENSE 

DEAR D & S: Resist the urge to be blunt. Simply inform the girl properly that you just don’t have funds to offer her presently. When she asks once more, repeat as mandatory.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.