Annie’s Mailbox: Take elevator to be on safe side

Dear Annie: Twice in the past month, I witnessed an older woman tumble from the top of a moving escalator all the way to the bottom, as store employees raced to turn it off. In one incident, the shopper was accompanied by someone who could not stop her fall. In the other, the woman seemed confused before the accident but refused to use the elevator. To complicate matters, her only identification was a receipt in her purse, so it took a while to find the man who had dropped her off.

If anyone has a balance problem, uses a cane or walker, has their arms full or is carrying a toddler, etc., please use the elevator instead of the escalator. The few extra minutes are well worth it in order to avoid a horrifying accident. And please be sure to carry proper identification, including names and numbers to call in case of an emergency. – Stunned Shopper in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Dear Stunned: Too many people don’t realize (or won’t admit) they have a problem until something happens, and then, of course, it’s too late. People need to be able to hold onto the railing of an escalator and watch their step getting on and off. If you aren’t sure you can do this, please take the elevator. Better safe than sorry.

Dear Annie: My husband could have written the letter from “Heartbroken,” whose wife never had time for him when they were younger, and now he’s not interested.

I was a busy wife and mother and worked outside the home. I put everything before our relationship. We drifted apart and desperately needed couples counseling. We found the best therapist in our area, and she put us back on track. We just took a cross-country trip in an RV and have developed the most loving relationship we’ve had in 40 years. I hope they give it a shot. – J