Q: My mother and her sister have been at odds for most of their lives, and now that they're in their 80s, it looks like they'll never get over their differences. I feel badly about it because I've tried to convince both of them that now is the time to get over their issues. In reality, I'm not sure whether they actually know what has caused the problems between them.

I love my aunt and mother and keep hoping that they can make up. Any suggestions about how they might solve their differences?

A: Because they've chosen to separate themselves for so many years, it's a real challenge for them to begin reconciling now. Unfortunately, the motivation to make up has to come to them internally — you can't force it upon them.

However, if one of them wants to make the step, support them both as best you can. You can encourage them to try and suggest they want to make use of the time they have. Regret is hard to live with, but they still have an opportunity to mend fences.

Suggest they reach out. If they struggle to speak face-to-face because of their personality conflict, they could write each other a letter from their perspective about their differences. Writing can be a great tool because it gives us time to listen to others and consider our own words more carefully.

Finally, remind them that compromise is necessary in every relationship! Being forgiving of others can be the best solution. — Doug

ANIMAL CONTROL

Q: It was very hot yesterday, so I opened some windows and doors to get a breeze inside. As a result, I had an unexpected visitor! A bird flew into my home and made a huge mess of things before I managed to get it out. Luckily, my son lives nearby and helped me oust it, but he gave me some grief about the incident.

He is worried that it will happen again. Is he overreacting?

A: Not necessarily. Wild animals, especially birds, carry many infections that can require hospitalization. The elderly can be especially susceptible to diseases, making this even more important.

The first step you need to take is a thorough cleaning of your home with bleach. Any surface that the bird touched must be decontaminated to protect your health, especially food-related areas like the kitchen, dining table, etc. Don't forget to throw away any opened food containers (or vitamins) that the bird may have infected. Do not use eating surfaces until they've been cleaned, and try to sanitize all kitchenware with hot water in the dishwasher.

If you enjoy the breeze during summertime, consider installing screens to keep out animals and bugs — you'll get the same breeze without the irritation.

Finally, don't be too irritated at your son! He cares about you and wants you to stick around. You're lucky to have a designated pest remover in your life. You're still keeping things interesting for him! — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.