Woman Published by 'Dear Abby' After Writing About Spending Time with Elderly Loved Ones
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.
“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.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
