DEAR ABBY: Although I do not wish to identify my community, I think residents will recognize and appreciate my remarks. My husband, who reads your column religiously, suggested I write to you.
I am 35, and the principal of a small suburban elementary school. This is my second year as principal, but I also taught in the district for 10 years. It is a wonderful community, and my staff and children and their parents are very cooperative.We recently had an evening ice cream party at the school and raised nearly $800 for some equipment needed. After everyone left, I returned to my office to get some work done. An hour later, as I prepared to leave, I was confronted by a couple I did not recognize. They threatened me and took the $800, plus some petty cash. Before leaving, they bound me tightly with rope and duct tape and gagged me. It was several hours later when my husband became concerned because I had not come home and drove to the school, found and released me.
Abby, without my knowledge, the students got together, and within a week they raised $1,000 to replace the money that was stolen. They also showered me with handmade cards expressing their love.
Despite all the negative things we hear about American kids, these terrific children represent the vast majority of our nation's youth. - BOUND WITH LOVE IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR ABBY: Five years ago, I became pregnant during an affair I had with a guy who wouldn't have anything more to do with me after I told him I was pregnant.
I was young and frightened at the time and didn't know how I could support a baby, so I convinced another guy with whom I had been intimate a few times that the baby I was expecting was his. He believed me and agreed to take legal responsibility. He has been paying me child support for nearly five years.
What really scares me now is that my son doesn't look anything like the guy who's supporting him, and every day he gets to look more like his real father. Suppose someone notices this and I have to take my son for a blood test? Would I then be in trouble with the law because I've been taking money under false pretenses?
I'm afraid to discuss this with anyone, and hope you can advise me. I can't sign my name for obvious reasons, but I pray that you will print your answer in your column. - NERVOUS
DEAR NERVOUS: First, see a lawyer. If you don't know one, consult your local Legal Aid Society, or a family services agency. Then, put an end to the deceit and take your son in for a blood test; tell the man whom you wrongly named as your son's father - as well as the man who is actually the father - that you want to set the record straight. To continue to perpetuate the lie about your son's paternity is morally wrong.
The biological father's medical history could be very important to your son - particularly if there are hereditary diseases in his family.
This one's for everybody, from teens to seniors! To purchase Abby's new booklet, "The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It," send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054. (Postage is included.)