Struggling with infertility amid sister’s joy

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister recently had a baby, and while I am happy for her, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of jealousy. My husband and I have been trying for a child for 10 years, and this is a milestone we’ve been dreaming of reaching. Seeing my sister achieve it so effortlessly – especially since she is five years younger than me – has been incredibly hard for me to handle emotionally.

More on evaluating surgery for spinal stenosis

Hello again, dear readers, and welcome to our monthly letters column. Even before the official start of summer, much of the U.S. was facing excessive heat, and it hasn’t let up as we’ve passed Independence Day. Whenever temperatures spike, please take care. Limit outdoor or strenuous activities, and stay hydrated.

Neighbor seeks balance in helping elderly

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m reaching out for your advice regarding my elderly neighbor, “Mrs. Thompson.” Over the years, we’ve developed a good connection, and I’ve gladly assisted her with tasks like fetching her mail and running occasional errands. However, Mrs. Thompson has been increasingly dependent on me for these tasks.

Who enabled Biden? A case study

On June 4, the Wall Street Journal published a story headlined, “Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping.” Based on interviews with 45 people, the article reported that associates described President Joe Biden as showing signs of age, “a president who appears slower now, someone who has both good moments and bad ones.”

Increase in drownings highlights water safety

Dear Doctors: Our 3-year-old daughter almost drowned when she fell into a neighbor’s pool last summer. She’s going to be OK, but she is still facing some medical problems. This has made us aware that water safety is actually a health issue. We hope you might address this in an upcoming column.

Mother of nine faces financial uncertainty

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a housewife and mother of nine children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Yesterday, my husband told me he wants a divorce. He says he no longer loves me and believes we should part ways. I have to face the reality of supporting our large family on my own. He proposes splitting custody of the children, but I have no clue how I am going to manage financially when the children are with me. I understand that child support will help, but it won’t cover the high cost of raising nine children, especially considering their varying needs, such as education, clothing, food and extracurricular activities.

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