Family advised to wait for DNA results
Dear Annie: Several months ago, my 17-yearold son’s girlfriend had a baby. I was upset at first, but then realized that the couple was young and needed help. My house now looks like a daycare centre.
For the whole nine months, we were part of the pregnancy. I paid for the mother to have an additional ultrasound, purchased a heartbeat bear for her and threw her a wonderful baby shower.
Two days after the baby shower, she told my son he isn’t the father. He doesn’t believe it and is really hurt. When the baby was born, we were notified via text. My son filed for paternity and the mother was given 20 days to respond. She didn’t. My son took his DNA test and his exgirlfriend hired a lawyer.
The mother of my grandson is 20 years old and I believe she is scared of her mother. That woman kept her own children away from their biological father and controls everything about her children. She doesn’t allow her daughter to take the baby out of the house without a family member accompanying her. When the baby’s mother goes to work, she takes the baby with her.
We cannot get any answers from them about why they won’t allow us to be part of our new grandchild’s life. It’s been two months, and we haven’t been able to see or hold him yet. What can we do? — Heartbroken Mamaw
Dear Heartbroken: Your son has taken a DNA test, and right now, all you can do is wait for the results. If it turns out the baby is not his, please let it go, no matter how difficult that would be for you. However, if the baby is indeed your son’s child, he should seek legal counsel, file for joint custody and put a visitation and child support plan into effect as soon as possible. Dear Annie: I am a retired person in my 60s who has been successful as a parent, spouse, environmental activist, employee and now as a community volunteer.
I have a simple plea: Please, America, be more tolerant, respectful and civil when you express your political and religious beliefs to friends and family. Just because someone does not share your exact interpretation of the Constitution or the Bible does not mean they are any less patriotic, ethical or spiritual than you. Remember, tolerance and willingness to compromise are founding principles of our wonderful country. — In Favour of Tolerance and Respect
Dear In Favour: Amen to that. The holiday season is a good time to remember the idea of peace and goodwill toward your fellow citizens.