DEAR ABBY: Almost 50 years ago, I got a girl pregnant. She left the state and two years later sent me a letter and a picture of the cutest baby -- mine. Her letter ripped me apart. I admit I was a terrible person and deserved everything she wrote.
Now that I’m up in years, I would like to know about her and the child. I have thought about the baby often throughout the years. I don’t want back into her life, but I would certainly like to see her. I have been thinking about hiring a private investigator to find her whereabouts. Your thoughts on this? -- DEFERRED DAD IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR DAD: After the private investigator lets you know where your old girlfriend is (providing she’s still on this side of the sod), refrain from showing up in person. Clearly, the “girl” has gone on with her life, and the “baby” is well into middle age. Write your old flame a letter, or have your lawyer do it, explaining you have thought about her and the child, and ask if either of them is willing to meet with you. Then cross your fingers.
Stories by Abigail Van Buren
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Dear Abby is 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 P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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