DEAR ABBY: While attending a friend’s family barbecue, “Willa,” a young mother of four, drank too much and became ill. Drugs may be involved. Understandably, the three older children became very concerned about their mother’s condition. Willa’s partner, “Ian”, was furious. My husband spent an hour de-escalating Ian’s problems while I tended to Willa and reassured the kids that their mom would feel better if she stayed.
The problem I had was with my friend “Julia” who was the host. Julia is Ian’s mother and grandmother to the youngest child he has with Willa. After I took care of Willa, the kids and Ian, the elders asked Julie what was wrong with their mom. I replied that their mom was sick from drinking too much, to which Julia loudly announced, “Your mom isn’t ‘sick’…she’s drunk!” Her outburst caused the older children (ages 6 to 12) to become upset again. Julia claims she did nothing wrong. what are your thoughts — CLEANING UP THE MESS
DEAR CLEANUP: Julia was probably mad that Willa ruined her party, and that’s why she interpreted the way she did. That said, the kids were clearly worried when they asked what was up with their mom. Honestly, I think Julia did the right thing by telling them the truth about their mother’s condition. That way, the next time it happens, and it will, they won’t be terrified that their mother has a terminal illness.
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