DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My two sons were raised in the same church I grew up attending. We didn’t make it to service every week when the boys were growing up, but we have always been active, including the boys doing youth group and youth band.

For the last two years, well before the start of COVID, neither boy has set foot in our or any other church, except when they go with me for Easter and Christmas. I didn’t think I raised a couple of “Chreasters”, but that seems to be what has happened, and it bothers me — a lot.

I have spoken to each of them about this, and the answer they both give is that they still believe in God, they just don’t feel they need to sit in a church to prove it. Do you think I would do more damage pushing them to attend, or do I let it drop for now? --- MISS MY SONS AT CHURCH

DEAR MISS MY SONS AT CHURCH: It’s not at all unusual for people to follow a different religious or spiritual path than the one in which they were raised, especially in their young adult years, and I doubt pushing them in a direction they don’t want to go in will do any good.

For now, enjoy their being with you on the occasions they do attend. It seems to me to demonstrate their respect for both you and your devotion to your faith.

DEAR READERS: I know 2020 has been rough for many. I keep hearing how people feel this is the worst year they’ve ever known, and for the younger generations, this may very well be true.

Something that growing up and growing older does — or should do — is to teach us that it’s beneficial to always keep in mind that bad times do usually get better for most of us. I’ve been around long enough to see some sad and scary days, and to have observed that the people who best weather challenges large and small are those who can look beyond a dark present to a better, brighter future, which they may not even be around to enjoy.

On this holiday set aside for giving thanks, please remember to keep both eyes open for the better days that will come, and a heart grateful for what makes this and every day worth living.

Here’s to a good, safe, and happy Thanksgiving to all!

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My brother borrowed my car a few months ago so he could get to work while his car was in the shop. When he came out from work at the end of the day, he saw that someone had backed into my car and damaged the rear fender and bumper. So I wouldn’t have to put in an insurance claim, he offered to cover the cost of repairs out-of-pocket, which I was OK with at the time.

I paid for the repairs when I picked up the car, which I needed right away. The same day I sent him the bill, which he promised to take care of right away. So far nothing. Both my wife and I have reminded my brother that he still owes us the cost of the repairs and he tells us he’ll get us the money after he gets paid next, and that was too many paydays ago. I am beginning to wonder if he intends to pay at all.

I don’t want to have hard feelings with my brother about this, but I also want him to uphold his part of the bargain. With the holidays coming, we can really use the money.

What do you think my next step should be? --- STILL WAITING FOR PAYMENT

DEAR STILL WAITING FOR PAYMENT: I think your next step should be to bug the heck out of him until he coughs up the repayment, reminding him how much you need the cash now.

Beyond that, I would advise you to never again lend anything of value to your brother.