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Lifestyle Changes
Dear Frankie,
A year after my mom died, my dad started dating Sally. Before my dad met Sally, he was a homebody and liked to watch TV and putter in the garden. This lifestyle suited me fine; car rides make me sick.
Sally was a traveler and piqued my dad’s interest in seeing the world. At first, they went away for weekends, then it was road trips, and now they are going to England for a month.
Whenever they travel, I stay with my grandpa, who smokes, drinks, and sometimes forgets to take me for a walk. He isn’t mean if I have an accident in the house because he knows it’s his fault. But it’s so embarrassing.
If my mom knew what was going on, she would be furious. I wish my dad never met Sally.
Leonard
Dear Leonard,
Don’t misplace your anger on Sally. Sally hasn’t changed how she likes to spend her free time. It’s your dad who has changed. He is in the blush of a new relationship and lifestyle.
The situation with your grandfather sounds grim, and I agree your mom would not be pleased.
Maybe after the trip abroad, the excitement of Sally and travel will quiet down, and your dad will decide it’s time to spend more time at home as he had in the past.
I hope for your sake he does.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
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