Oct 10, 2014 4 min read

Dear Annie: I am one of 12 siblings, but the only one with multiple sclerosis. For two years, I have been without work, so I sit here daily, hoping for a visit. I know my siblings are busy, because I see photographs on social media of their many travels and moments I can only imagine having.

I’d like to ask them when was the last time they came to my home? When their friends ask, “How is your brother?” what do they say? I’d like to think it’s uncomfortable for them.

My purpose in writing is to urge not only my siblings, but all of your readers to “act” with the gift of time. Give a moment to someone else. It will give purpose to my life if others take up this challenge, and it will change the giver’s life, as well.

It is not in my character to complain. I am hopeful and dream of a miracle. My wife says I am the miracle. I am so blessed by the people who have come into my life. I can’t begin to pay it forward, so I pray it forward. – Hoping for Better Times

Dear Hoping: We appreciate your heartfelt letter. Please, folks, if you have friends or relatives who are ill, isolated or would benefit from some company, pick up the phone today and ask when it would be convenient to visit. You cannot imagine the joy it will bring.

Q. You’ve printed several letters about thank-you notes, so I hope you can help with my dilemma.

I recently attended a wedding, and I gave the couple a substantial amount of cash that I placed in a card. It has been over a month, and I have not yet received any acknowledgement. My concern is that perhaps the cash was lost. Should I ask whether they got it? – Unsure in New York

A. We suspect the couple has not yet gotten around to writing their thank-you notes. We’d be impressed if they had done so within a month. Please give them a little more time. If you don’t hear anything in another two months, it is OK to phone and ask whether the gift reached its destination. It is always safer to have a gift sent to the bride or groom’s home, or hand a card with a check to the couple, the parents or the best man. Leaving cash on a gift table is risky.

Dear Annie: Please print this for the students of the 21st century:

I challenge you to remain in school and get a good education. A world of opportunities and unimaginable possibilities are attainable if you properly prepare yourself for these challenging times. A good education is the greatest gift that you can give yourself. If you respect and love yourself, you will do this. If you want the best life possible for yourself and your loved ones, you will do this. Education will determine your lifestyle, your standard of living and your eventual outcome in this life.

For some, it will not be easy to remain in school. It will take extra doses of motivation, determination, discipline, courage and persistence. But nothing is accomplished without a struggle. Remind yourself every day that your future is at stake. Believe in yourself and the philosophy of “Yes, I can!” Education is the great equalizer. Education will allow you to catch up, stay up or get ahead. Once you have knowledge and information, it is yours to use, to explore, to create, to inspire. Educated people are more likely to live healthier and longer lives.

Here are the three secrets to acquiring a good education: attend school every day, behave properly when in school, and do the class work and homework to the best of your ability. All you have to do is take pride in yourself and your work. Education is all about PRIDE: Personal Responsibility in Daily Efforts.

Don’t you have dreams? Don’t you want to make a difference? Think about it! Education is the link to the future, and it is up to you to make it happen. – John Lewis Horton

Dear J.L.H.: Many thanks for writing. We suggest teachers put your letter on their bulletin boards for all to see, and that parents make sure their kids have a chance to read it. Education matters.

Email questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254