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Show KATHLEEN NORMS j , . , - Mother Torn Between Mate, Kids "ivyrlNE IS A SAD problem," writes a woman from a city in north-western New York state. "My husband is coming home in June after almost three years In prison. I have never felt that he was to blame for anything he did; the man he trusted was to blame for the ruin of all of us. But David was. the one who paid. "When this terrible blow fell I rented my home and came with my girls to live with my mother. They were then 11 and 15, old enough to be consulted, and we decided to stay right in our own home town, and face the music. Our friends stood by magnificently, and while I went to see David regularly, reg-ularly, he didn't wish the girls ever to go to the prison, and they never did. Girls Dread His Coming "David is a sensitive, scholarly man, and he dreads coming home. On the other hand, the girls dread his coming. Miriam, the older, has many social engagements and a good job. Sharon is at the age when any criticism from her friends is Insufferable. They try to be loyal, but I can see the nervous tension beginning. "David would like to accept an offer he has had from a California firm, 3,000 miles away. He makes given to a wife, the chance to help, if not actually save, a human soul in desperate need. To have you beside him, especially especial-ly as he will know that you are sacrificing the comfortable home you have made for yourself, and leaving the three persons you love best, will do more for his pride than any other possible cure could work. Traveling again with him, house hunting again with him, setting up your own kitchen again, will renew the old feeling of confidence con-fidence and courage in starting afresh. It may not always be easy for you. For even though you say he is gentle and understanding, he will have many difficult moments. You will feel that in beginning new friendships your whole story must be told, you musn't for one moment sail under false colors. It will be much simpler in the end if you have everything understood from the first. But I believe you will achieve a success that will make all your years ahead serene and proud. When you go back to your old town for a visit, you will find no difficulties, and the girls will only be friendly and natural with the father who has won his way back to restoration without complicating their young affairs. One word of further advice. When you make your decision, and I hope it will be in David's favor, stick to it. "... went to see David . . ." no demands. He takes it for granted that he shall go to this city and start over, so heavily handicapped, alone. I know what my accompanying him would mean to him; it might well make the difference between his failing or his succeeding, but I am housekeeper house-keeper here, confident of both daughters and Mother, and I feel I owe Mother much, for her companionship com-panionship of us when we so needed it. "At the time of our tragedy she once pressed me to divorce David, and even to make another marriage, mar-riage, but she has never worried me since with that suggestion. We four, despite the bitter circumstances, circum-stances, have formed a happy and harmonious household here; my going would place new burdens on the others. And David would be generous and understanding. So the decision is entirely in my hands. He Might Be Lonely "What shall I do? David is 41; I am 37. His work is so highly specialized, and he has been so successful in it, that I have no fears for his future in that line, but the loneliness of a boarding house or hotel room might easily reduce him to a condition of despair. de-spair. "On the other hand, there are Mother and the girls. They are just reaching such fascinating years, needing frocks and advice, a mother's moth-er's sympathy and help. And there is Mother, whose only child I am. At 60 she cannot give the girls the same superintendence that I could, although they really love her. What shall I do? June will bring David home. By that time I must be definite defi-nite about our future." In answer to Roxanne Wilson I say, go with your man. You have an opportunity that is not often |