Dear Abby: Did she get my fruit basket? I don’t know. I never heard from her.

DEAR ABBY:

I sent a fruit basket to a neighbor across the street after her brother’s death, but I never heard from her. Should I ask if she got it? — PONDERING IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR PONDERING:

You were thoughtful to send food. But give your neighbor a few weeks before asking that question. She may be grieving and not yet organized enough to begin thanking people for their thoughtfulness. If the eventual answer is no, contact the VENDOR and ask for a refund.

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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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What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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