Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: You recently printed a letter from "No Name, No State," who said his 80-year-old relatives wanted to continue living in a house they can no longer afford.

These people sound like perfect candidates for a reverse mortgage. Senior citizens who are "house rich" and "cash poor" can consult mortgage lenders for help. The owners would sign their house over to the lender in exchange for a monthly amount based on the value of the house. This way, these elderly folks can continue living in their home, maintaining their lifestyle until they die. The amount paid out would then be deducted from their estate. Please suggest it. — Faithful Fan in Anaheim, Calif.

Dear Faithful: I have heard from hundreds of readers who made the same suggestion. I had never heard of it before. Sounds like a splendid solution. Thank you and all the others who wrote.

Dear Ann Landers: Our son is almost 9 years old. For several years, my husband and I have struggled with whether or not to tell him he was conceived through the gracious gift of a stranger. We were unable to have a child in the conventional manner because my husband's sperm count was too low. My obstetrician suggested artificial insemination, and it worked almost immediately.

Please help me do the right thing for this child. Should we tell him or not? — A Troubled Reader in the South

Dear Troubled: I contacted Resolve, an infertility resource group, which referred me to Carol Frost Vercollone, an infertility counselor in Stoneham, Mass. She said pre-teens are old enough to understand that their conception required the help of a doctor and a donor. Hopefully, after he is told, your son will be encouraged to ask questions — which should be answered openly and honestly.

Drugs are everywhere. They're easy to get, easy to use and even easier to get hooked on. If you have questions about drugs, you need Ann Landers' booklet, "The Lowdown on Dope." Send a self-addressed, long, business-sized envelope and a check or money order for $5 (this includes postage and handling) to: Lowdown, c/o Ann Landers, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS (R)