Grandpa,
My girlfriend is pregnant. She is 15. I am 14. We are both afraid to tell our parents. Is it legal for us to get her an abortion without her parents giving permission? Who do we contact?
Grandpa says: Because you both made the error in judgment about birth control, I am glad to see that you are taking your share of the responsibility. You don’t say how far along she is. Before considering an abortion, with all of its financial, as well as legal and emotional baggage, Talk to your parents! It might be helpful if you talk to a school counselor, or even your minister. Having a third-party present when you talk to your folks may make the situation easier for all involved. The parents on both sides will have some deep emotional reactions, as do you and your girlfriend. In the long run, however, they will have level heads and work with the two of you to get you through this time in your life. Do not fall into the trap of trying to place blame. If your parents want me to recommend a good family counselor, please send an E-mail to me. I will answer promptly. I am praying for you, your girlfriend, both sets of parents, and your baby.
Grandpa,
I have never heard of this before and am not sure what to make of it. We have lived in this house (some) years. Recently the toilet has started gurgling when the washing machine drains. That is the only time we hear it. There is no problem with the toilet flushing, just the water in the bowl bubbles and makes a weird noise. I am too embarrassed to call a plumber to have him tell me I am crazy. What is happening?
Grandpa says: When water runs through a drain pipe, it displaces air. That is why there are pipes hidden in the walls that go up through the roof. These venting pipes let the air in and out of the drain pipes as needed. Three possible scenarios come to mind in your case. Any or all might be present. You may have a slow drain, with a blockage before the vent pipe, or the vent itself might be plugged. Check it to see if a bird has built a nest, tree leaves have fallen in, or some other thing is blocking it.
If you have a septic tank, it may need to be pumped out. With all the rain we have had this year, it is possible that your field is too wet to absorb any more water and the tank is too full to accept more water. In any of these scenarios, you need to have a plumber check it out. In any case, while the plumber is there have her/him check the vent to see that a proper cap is in place. It is never a bad idea to have your lines rodded out to keep them flowing. Don’t try fixing the problem yourself because there may be deeper issues, such as a collapsed sewer tile causing the blockage.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.