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Farewell
Dear Larry: You are the sanest man in America! I look forward to your columns because I ALWAYS agree with your answers. Great work! Thanks for speaking the simple truth about all issues — racial, political, parental, common sense, etc.
I often …Read more.
Hate Groups
Dear Larry: I want to forget for a moment that it is their constitutional right, because I detest the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and all other groups that preach hate. A long time ago, they came into cities across America without any protest. Now …Read more.
Troubles With Raising Teenage Son
Dear Larry: I am African-American and a single mother with three children, ages 15, 10 and 8. All of them are boys. I am having a lot of problems with them, especially the eldest.
He argues with me about almost everything. He thinks he is the man/…Read more.
How To Get Race Relations Back on Track
Dear Larry: So many of my friends are upset with the way things are going, especially race relations. They are not saying anything openly, but among themselves there is constant complaining and fear. There is something simmering and brewing that …Read more.
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Advice for Single Moms Raising SonsDear Larry: I am a faithful reader of your column and have been following with great interest your recent writings regarding single moms raising sons and how difficult it can be. It is indeed rough for a woman to raise boys by herself, however it's not impossible. I became a widow 16 years ago this Christmas. I was four months pregnant with my third child and second son. My other son was not quite 2 and my daughter was almost 5 when we suddenly and tragically lost their father. My daughter is now a successful college student, and my eldest son will graduate this June from high school. My youngest son is now a sophomore in high school. All three of my children are great kids and thriving. I never have had any run-ins with the law, drug or alcohol problems, teen pregnancies, trouble at school or any big disciplinary issues with any of my children. My eldest son has learning disabilities and has been in the special education program throughout all of his school years; however, he is doing very well and has been pretty much mainstreamed into general education. He will then go on to a vocational school. This is amazing in itself, as when he was small, his prognosis wasn't favorable. My youngest son is a straight-A student in Advanced Placement classes, involved in sports and a gifted musician, and he will go straight into a four-year college after high school. Both of my sons treat me and all adults with the utmost respect. I get many compliments from people on how well I've done raising my kids by myself and how nice and enjoyable my kids are to be around. My advice to women raising sons by themselves is to get their sons involved in as many activities as possible.
Also, after a few failed attempts at having a relationship, I decided to just focus on my kids and not date at all. I have not been in a relationship in almost 11 years now. Looking around, I see that a lot of single women have problems with their sons. They seem to bring men in their boys' lives who are detrimental to their well-being. I believe that if a single mom decides to date, she should be very cautious of introducing a man to her children until she is really sure of the man's character. People have made all kinds of remarks to me about not dating, some of them unfavorable. However, I believe that the reason all of my kids turned out so well-adjusted is they knew I loved them and always put them first. My golden rule of parenting was this: "It's not about me anymore; it's about them." Yes, I have been very lonely at times. However, I have no regrets and feel that when the time is right, God will bring a fantastic man into my life. And yes, even if my kids are grown, they will have to approve of him! Thank you for letting me give my two cents. — Monica Dear Monica: Your advice is priceless. There is nothing like advice from someone who is living it. A lot of single mothers will thank you for the "gift that will pay dividends." I know that you and your wonderful children will have a wonderful Christmas because you already have the best possible gifts — one another. To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
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