Dear Abby: Elderly dad expects adult children to recognize their obli…

DEAR ABBY: I am an active widower with five grown children. Although three of them live in the same city and two live in a city nearby, I haven’t heard from or seen them as often over the past few years as I would like. I realized recently that I miss their company and I’d like them to call or see me more often.

I understand they have their own lives, but I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’d like them to understand that a “pill” won’t cure me of loneliness, as they suggest when I tell them I am slowing down. Their answer is to tell me to see a doctor.

I can’t talk to them about increasing our visits and communication because I was raised with the idea that you automatically respect your elders, and that parents shouldn’t have to ask their children to visit them or call to ask how they are doing more than every few months.

I thought perhaps reading this in your column might remind them not to wait until it is too late. Have you any suggestions on how to encourage…