Son-in-law keeping my daughter from church

Dear Pastor,

Greeting to you, I am an 80-year-old woman who still reads your column occasionally.

My daughter lives with me and she has two children. They always buy THE STAR and everybody reads your column. Sometimes I have a good laugh at the answers you give. But my daughter's husband doesn't like you. He said that you are always taking up for the women, but I don't think so. You are a fair person.

I am a Christian. My daughter used to attend church, but she has stopped because of this ungodly man she married. This is her second marriage. She divorced her first husband and found another man. Her two children are not Christian minded, but I love them because they are not rude. I am longing to visit my home country, but I cannot travel alone. My daughter is not going to pay my fare; she says I should keep quiet. She is not my only child; I have a son and he comes to see me often. His wife has twins, so he will not travel with me to Jamaica.

My husband died 20 years ago, so I am living off my pension. I am still able to go to church, but I am no longer active. It would be nice to see my letter printed in your column.

B.L.

Dear B.L.,

I am glad that you are still able to read my column and that you are living with your daughter, her husband and her children.

Many children are not willing to take in their parents. They say that parents can be burdensome. You say that your daughter's husband does not like me, but his reason, in my opinion, is silly. When I receive letters, regardless from whom they come, I weigh the matter carefully and make my comments. I am not willing to take sides, but some men seem to want me to curse or condemn the women. Often it is glaring that the men are wrong. I have said many times that in Jamaica, men don't respect women and I mean that. So if a man is going to be upset over that statement from me, let it be known that I will not withdraw the statement.

When a man would father children and not support them, he is only a father by name and nothing more. There are some very disgraceful fathers who will not give their babymothers any money to support the children unless the mothers are willing to have sexual intercourse with them. These men are only men by name, but nothing more. Their conduct is shameful. So, if by speaking the truth I am told that I occasionally take the side of women, so be it.

Sometime ago I was at Norman Manley International Airport preparing to board a flight. A gentleman came up to me and asked me if I remembered him and I said no. He pointed to his wife and said that she was with him and that they had come to see me, but his wife was not pleased because she told him after the session that I took his side. I did not either side; I was fair. That is what I endeavour to do in every session with every couple - to listen attentively, and to make fair comments and suggestions.

Thank you, grandma, for writing. Take good care of yourself and write to me again. Make sure you continue to go to church. I wish you good health and happiness.

Pastor