Dear Abby: I am 74 years old and is raising my niece, should I go to college?

Dear Abby: We share a holiday home with another family. My husband and I are capable people. The other family is the opposite. They leave dirty dishes in the sink for day, promising, “I’ll go to them.” Dirty diapers are left on the floor of the living room, as well as toys, clothes and stagnant food. It’s disgusting.

My husband and I clean them after them, but is taken out of hand. We cannot invite friends unless we spend hours cleaning behind them. I don’t want to cause tension between families, but something has to be done. How do we handle them? – Neaatnik in Pennsylvania

Dear Neatnik: Dirty dishes are annoying. Dirty diapers left on the floor of the living room are a health accident. You will not change these slobs. You did not mention if you rent or own this holiday home. If you own it, sell your half and go out there. If you rent, reconsider your choice of departure because it is making your vacation nothing but the holidays.

Dear Abby: I am a woman with some health issues. After a drop last year, I am now seized in a wheelchair and I need to help in everyday activities. My 36-year-old daughter lives with me. Now she is my doctor at home.

My daughter thinks her two brothers also need to help in my care. Both have work. I think if she is living without renting in my house and getting a salary to take care of me, she should not wait for them to do more. They get me food shopping. She wants them to come, throw trash and clean the cat’s waste box. Is she right? – You need help in New York

Dear who needs help: It is possible that your daughter is doing as much as she can to help you. Throwing the trash and cleaning the cat’s waste box once a week would give your sound to visit with you and, perhaps, give it an hour or more to do some things for it. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.

Dear Abby: I am a 74-year-old woman, married for 52 years, raising our 8-year-old granddaughter, which we have adopted. Our lives are full of adventure and learning. I have the desire to earn a college degree and now I have the opportunity and resources to do so. My husband is completely on board.

I would like to study special education. I don’t know if this would be a professional pursuit or just knowing, as our child is a child with special needs. Am I crazy to follow this? My social life with friends can change due to time limitations and energy in the study. – Next student in Iowa

Dear Student: You seem to be completely missing from the sacrifices you will have to make to achieve your goal. True friends will understand your absence, which is only temporary. I applaud your desire to complete your education in a field that will help your niece to succeed, and I wish you luck in your effort.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.dearabby.com or yes Box 69440, Los Angeles, Ca 90069.