Parking ticket I received driving friend?s car has created tension

Dear Annie: Please help me. My friend, “Nancy,” is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. She asked me to drive her to a doctor’s appointment because her usual driver was not available. Of course I agreed.

Unfortunately, I parked over the line a little bit, and when we returned from the appointment, there was a parking ticket on the windshield. I usually drive a sedan, but I was driving Nancy’s car, which is very large. She was quite upset at the $280 fine, but I suggested she contest it. She was told to write a letter to explain her situation, and that the review board would most likely be compassionate toward her and either dismiss or reduce the fine.

Nancy told me she needs a copy of my driver’s license to send to them — which puts me on the line for the ticket. I feel that since I was doing her a favor, I should not incriminate myself. She has a working husband and a retirement income with no minor children to support. I am not employed at this time and have no income. I live with an elderly woman with whom I exchange companionship and housekeeping for room and board.

Do you think I should give her a copy of my driver’s license and/or pay for the fine? — No Money in New York

Dear No Money: You should supply your driver’s license because you were driving, but be sure Nancy writes that letter and explains the situation. If she gets off, there is no harm, no foul. If she still has to pay a fine, however, we think she should take care of it, or at the very least, split it with you. After all, you were doing her a favor, and she should not penalize you $280 for it.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Lonely Holidays,” whose married children spent their holidays with the other side of the family. I decided a long time ago that holidays are the worst time to try to enjoy family. The multiple family demands, the stress and the disproportionate expectations make everyone miserable.

There are so many better things to do — volunteer at a hospital or homeless shelter, look into a holiday hike with the Sierra Club, or even take a trip. I schedule the time with my children between the holidays, when we can relax and enjoy our time together. Also, airfare is cheaper. — No-Stress Gran

Dear Gran: Sounds like a great plan to us. Anyone under holiday stress should consider your solution.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.