Dear Abby: My son stole money meant for his daughters college fund
DEAR ABBY: My oldest granddaughter will be looking at colleges soon.My son and her mother are divorced.
My parents gave my son (their grandson) money to put away in accounts for his daughters’ college.Instead, he helped himself to that money before the divorce.
When his ex-wife told me about it, I confronted him.I decided not to tell my parents about it because I was afraid it might shock them into a stroke or heart attack.
They are in their 90s. I have put away some money to help pay for college, but it won’t cover the costs.I have kept this a secret because I don’t trust my son to manage it.
When I asked him how he planned to help pay for college, he said he would use the money he now pays for child support.I don’t find that answer satisfactory. I feel like a failure for having raised a son who would take money that belongs to his kids.
My granddaughter is upset and feels her father has ruined her future.She also thinks I should tell my parents that he stole the money they intended for her.
What do you think I should do? — MORTIFIED IN MASSACHUSETTSDEAR MORTIFIED: I suspect that you didn’t tell your parents what your son did because you are ashamed of how he has turned out.That he would steal from his daughters is despicable.
I don’t blame your granddaughter for being angry with her father for what he did.I doubt that your parents knowing the truth will affect their health.
Inform them about what happened to the college fund, in case they have been planning to leave anything in their estate to their grandson.DEAR ABBY: I have conflicting feelings regarding Valentine’s Day.I believe it is a celebration for couples rather than co-workers.
My husband’s office staff (eight young women under the age of 30) insist on celebrating Valentine’s Day with decorations on all office doors, complete with hearts and cupids.They have a catered lunch with specialty treats of chocolate-covered strawberries, fudge hearts and the customary heart candies...