DR. WALLACE: I'm 18 and live with my mother and older brother. My parents went through a very bitter divorce four years ago and because my brother and I were loyal to our mom, we severed all contact with our father. The basic problem was our dad's drinking habit.

Last week our grandmother (our dad's mom) called and told us that our father had a severe heart attack and she wanted my brother and me to go to the hospital to see him. She said he really wanted to see and talk with us in case he was going to die. My brother told our grandmother that he wanted nothing whatsoever to do with our father and wouldn't even go to Dad's funeral if he died.

I really don't feel the same way. I have forgiven my dad even though he did things that I really didn't agree with and that were hurtful to our mom. I'd like to visit my father, but I know both my brother and my mom would rather I didn't go to see him even though they didn't come out and say so.

Should I see my dad and risk causing tension with the two people I love most on this earth, or feel guilty that I didn't have the courage to talk with him when something drastic could happen to him? I'm not quite sure I will heed your advice, but I would like to hear your thoughts about this. Thank you. — Nameless, Springfield, Ill.

NAMELESS: I can tell that you've made a decision, and it's really the right one. You have forgiven your father. By all means, see him. Do not allow your mother or your brother to dissuade you from doing so. If you don't see him now, you may never see him again, and that will haunt you the rest of your life.

Indeed, your courage in this matter may open up your brother's heart as well, or at least begin the process. Harboring a lifelong hatred of his dad, however justified, will only stunt his own life.

THIS IS A POPULAR QUESTION

DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and all I can thing about is being a model. I'm popular, get good grades in school, have a perfect shape, and I'm considered very good-looking. My only flaw is that I'm too short. I've been told by modeling schools that a model must be at least 5 feet, 8 inches tall and I'm finished growing. Is there anything close to modeling that you can recommend? — J.T. Portland, Maine.

J.T.: This is a very popular question. Every week I receive three or four letters from young ladies asking about the requirements for being a model. I can understand why. It's a glamorous job that pays extremely well for those lucky enough to reach the top.

I called a model/talent agency and was told that the 5-foot 8-inch requirement is only for high-fashion models in cities like New York and Los Angeles. If you meet the other requirements (proper weight, poise, appearance, etc.), it's possible to model regionally.

Check on modeling opportunities in the Portland area. Contact department stores (fashion shows and makeup demonstrations), advertising agencies (for television and newspaper ads), local companies (for showroom demonstrations) and city magazines.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.