Dear Abby, I apologized to my son-in-law 3 years after our argument, now I can no longer see the grandchildren

DEAR ABBY: My son-in-law and I had an argument five years ago. Two years ago, I wrote him a letter of apology and told him that family always comes first. My daughter confirmed that he received the letter.

They recently had their fourth child. We haven't seen their first child since he was two years old and the second since she was born and the third we have only seen once. I don't know how to rectify this situation. My daughter and I only chat when her husband is not around. She is a police officer and I don't want to cause her any stress that might affect her work. He has blocked me on social media and also my phone calls. What can I do? – SORRY MOTHER-IN-LAW IN THE EAST

I'm sorry: This must have been an argument you had with your son-in-law. Why did it take you three years to apologize? If he doesn't want to have anything to do with you anymore, no one can force him to, but that doesn't mean you can't see the kids when he's not there. If you haven't suggested this to your daughter yet, try it.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.