Respecting life at the end of life

“God be good to him – we sure weren't," was the prayer that came to mind when I saw the news that Vincent Lambert had died. He died nine days after being taken off food and water following a long legal battle. Lambert, from France, had been in a traffic accident in that country in 2008.

Sisters planning Europe trip plot to leave husband behind

DEAR ABBY: My son just got a job in Europe and has invited me to visit when he and his family are settled. I have never traveled out of the country, and I’m excited to go. I suggested staying at least a month, and he and his wife agreed.

Revelation at bachelor party throws wedding into question

DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law “June” is being married soon. I will be the matron of honor. My husband, “Jake,” June’s brother, will be a groomsman for her fiance, “Jimmy.” Not only is Jake going to be a groomsman, but he’s also supposed to officiate.

Estate planning for families with step-children

Given the high incidence of second (and third) marriages nowadays, today’s families often include stepchildren. That can lead to potential conflicts in the transfer of wealth.

Husband critical over meaningless things

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband is hypercritical of everything I do. I normally cook for three people, because that’s what makes up our household. We recently had a guest to stay with us for a few days, so I had to cook for four.

Parents unsure how to begin having ‘the talk’with son

DEAR ABBY: I have a young, preteen grandson who is asking his parents “facts of life” questions. They are bewildered about how to give him the information. I’d be grateful if you could share details of the publication you have for this purpose and how to get it. — GRANDMOM IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICH.

Research suggests mindfulness has myriad of benefits

ASK THE DOCTORS Dear Doctor: I’m looking for new ways to deal with all the stress I feel these days, and a friend keeps talking about something called “mindfulness.” What is that, exactly? Is there any proof that it actually works?

Reader unsure what to say to sick friend

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I went to visit good friends we hadn’t seen in a year. We’d heard that the husband wasn’t feeling well, but I assumed he had a cold or something. When we saw him, we were shocked. He has lost a ton of weight, and he looks frail.

Husband refuses to discuss wife’s important questions

DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for three years. He’s 26, and I’m 28. We have a good life, and he loves my 9-year-old daughter like his own child. My husband is originally from Turkey and comes from a good family. However, I have yet to meet my in-laws.

Lichen planus causes pain, itching on skin scalp and more

ASK THE DOCTORS Dear Doctor: Recently, my skin became irritated and started blistering. I was diagnosed with lichen planus, which I’m told is pretty common. What is it? How can people deal with the irritation and itchiness it causes?