# Mom's Past Hurts Son's Memory Lane

> Mother avoids sharing painful family history with son.
- Title: Mom's Past Hurts Son's Memory Lane · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Mother avoids sharing painful family history with son. Mother refuses to reveal traumatic past to son who wants family history story.
- Keywords: mom, son, family history, traumatic past, memory lane, dear abby, abigail van buren, news, local, Mom's, Past, Hurts
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/dear-abby/2026/10/26/dearabby-today-dear-abby-mom-isnt-keen-on-walk-down-memory-lane-with-son
- Published: 2026-10-26T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mom, son, family history, traumatic past, memory lane, dear abby, abigail van buren, news, local
## Caleb's family history
Caleb is a 30-year-old son married and employed with a close relationship to his parents.
## Grandma's past actions
Grandma left cold heartless dad to marry another man, breaking up the family.
## Mom's early life struggles
Mom pushed daughter to graduate early, forcing college entry before preparation.
## Abusive marriage
Daughter married at 20 to abusive man after mom pushed her into it.
## Current family conflict
Caleb wants mom to write 'Mom, Tell Me About Your Life' book but mom refuses to share details.
## Mom's dilemma
Mom doesn't want to lie but fears ruining son's image of grandma.
## Abby's advice
Abby suggests telling son they didn't always get along and sparing him unpleasant details.
## Key takeaway

Mother refuses to reveal traumatic past to son who wants family history story.