Dear Harriette » I grew up in a family where political discussion was served up with dinner. Everyone was free to express his or her opinion. The debate always ended when my father said: "Well, I guess the world is still safe for democracy." Forty-eight years and nine presidents' worth of glorious debate has enhanced my life and brought me great joy.

My father passed away in January. A few days before he died, he listened while my mother and I debated the upcoming presidential primaries. He was too weak to join in, but when I leaned over his bed to tell him goodbye, he asked, "Is the world still safe for democracy?"

"Yes, Dad," I said. These were the last words we spoke. He died a few days later.

Yesterday was Election Day, and I miss him terribly. Tell Regina in Boston to relish and respect the differences in her family. Sometimes they bring the most joy.

Diana, West Valley City

Dear Diana » Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. When family members have the ability to discuss opposing views on heated topics, it can make for a rich conversation and is proof that our democracy works.

Dear Harriette » As a 60-year-old daughter of parents who are in their mid-80s, I have to take issue with your advice that adult children of elderly parents should require the parents to check in daily.My parents are reasonably healthy for their ages and very active. Possibly the woman in the letter was not, and maybe there is good reason for concern. But I'd like to think that this woman -- who is only about 14 years older than I am -- has a healthy and active life! Maybe her children need to work on their own lives and leave Momma alone.

Joanne, Orlando, Fla.

Dear Joanne » What I believe in most is for family members -- young and older -- to look out for each other and to have a system of checks and balances so that an alarm will go off when something's wrong.

Harriette Cole's column runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.