Q. Dear Sallie,

Two of my friends and I, retired educators, were eating at a local restaurant recently.  An elderly couple and probably their teenage grandson came in and were seated beside our booth.  

I couldn't help noticing that the boy wore a cap pulled down on his head the entire meal, and spent the entire time between his grandparents, texting underneath the table on his right knee.  It was so blatant that we couldn't help but notice him and the fact that we never saw his expression change or a word come out of his mouth!

Coming in about 15 minutes late was probably the father of the boy, who sat down and ordered a big meal, woofed it down quickly, then got up and left with his son, leaving the grandparents alone "with the bill."  It was sad.

As educators, it was hard not to jerk the cap off the boy's head and confiscate the cell phone until the meal was finished!  If parents don't begin teaching manners, in a decade or less there will be no oral communication, only texting.  Oh my!

 Jane L., Asheville, NC

A. Dear Jane,

In ancient mythology, that boy would have been turned to stone — his lack of expression frozen for posterity, his inability to communicate with his elders, now a curse.

HOWEVER: even though he will be faulted throughout his life for his bad habits, that unfortunate fellow has never been guided down the path of right from wrong by a caring adult.

Sincerely,

Sallie

Q. Dear Sallie,

When the parent of a friend dies, what can I do to help?

Arthur, Winston-Salem, NC

A. Dear Arthur,

There are many, many services you can offer. Food for the reception is a welcome gesture.

My Southern grandmother always took a ham with all the fixings to the place of the reception.

You can also offer to answer the telephone or be a greeter at the home of the deceased during the funeral or memorial service.

Sincerely,

Sallie

To send a question to Sallie, please e-mail her at Salliemid@aol.com.

Most will be answered personally. Those that are published may be edited.

Include your city and state. Copyright © 2010 Sallie Middleton Parker.  All rights reserved.