Bea Lewis

Q: My dad passed away four years ago. My mom is dating a widower and while she is happy, I don’t approve of her planning to move in with him. ’’ I’d be OK if she would marry the man, not just live with him. Frankly, I am embarrassed to tell my children and my friends that my mom is “shacking up.’’

A: Oh, puleeze, - saying that your mom is "shacking up"" sounds like you are living in the 1950's! The world has changes in the past half century and it's time you recognized that what works for young people today, also works for the senior generation. Join the 21st century already! Life goes by in a blink, so be happy for your Mom that she can find some happiness and companionship in her later years. No one knows the loneliness of widowhood unless they experience it. Your mom has reasons for living with someone without a wedding band on her finger. It could be financial, health, or whatever - who cares? Mom nees your support, not your critique.