Woman Published by 'Dear Abby' After Writing About Spending Time with Elderly Loved Ones

By Sarah Carri January 9, 2019 at 11:54am

For over six decades, the woman under the pseudonym Abigail VanBuren — a.k.a. “Dear Abby” — has offered syndicated advice to those who write her.

According to Lifetime, the popular column was first published in the San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 9, 1956.

Over the years, Pauline Phillips gave her readers advice as “Dear Abby,” and later in life she passed the column on to her daughter, Jeanne.

Some pastimes never grow old, and writing to “Dear Abby” is just one of those things that never seems to go out of style.

While many write to Abby, asking her for help or wisdom, one woman wrote to the columnist to offer some wisdom of her own.

Wise Woman in North Carolina wrote, “This is a message about our senior population. Our children grow up, marry and have children.”

“Each grandchild is special. We love them and adore being with them. Then the grandkids grow up and have little ones of their own.”

Wise Woman goes on to share her heart, expressing that in her eyes and experience, the elderly seem to have been forgotten.

Do you make sure to call your relatives from time to time?

“We may say we’re fine and don’t mind being alone, but it IS lonely at times,” she wrote. “No one calls to say hello or ask if we need anything.”

Her story is a sad one. It appears all Wise Woman desires is for her younger generation family members to pick up the phone and give her a call.

“Time is the most precious gift of all and it doesn’t cost a thing, ” she explained. “Someday, you will be old, too!”

These are certainly wise words and ones we might all need to hear. Though she wasn’t asked, Abby offered this woman some advice anyway.

While Abby agreed the message was one some probably needed to hear, she also encouraged Wise Woman to be proactive and voice her feelings to those closest to her.

“If you are not fine and need help with something, ASK for it,” the columnist advised.

The message seems to be a good one no matter your age. Reach out, and if you’re feeling alone, pick up the phone and give a loved one a call.

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Tags:

Children, Elderly, Family, Women

Sarah Carri

Contributor, Lifestyle

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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.

Education

Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)

Location

Arizona

Languages Spoken

English

Topics of Expertise

Entertainment, Faith