DEAR ABBY: This year, for the first time that I can recall, we did not celebrate Mother’s Day at my mom’s. She was diagnosed with dementia in January. It has been a difficult time for our family, but we were told to continue to honor Mom’s routine as much as possible.

It was my idea to plan a family dinner at my house, including Mom’s favorite foods. Remembering that one of her favorite desserts is cheesecake, I decided to make one. I searched through Mom’s recipe box, but was unable to find her recipe. (Mom was such a great cook, she probably had it committed to memory.)

A friend finally gave me a recipe from your cookbooklet set, and I decided to use it because it looked easy enough. It was!

Not only did my family love the dessert, but Mom told us the cheesecake was probably the best she’s ever made! I thought you’d like to know you were a big part of our celebration this year. Thank you, Abby. I’d also like to order three cookbooklet sets – one for me and each of my sisters-in-law. Can you please tell me how to order them? – KATIE’S DAUGHTER IN CLEVELAND

DEAR KATIE’S DAUGHTER: How sweet of you to let me know about your Mother’s Day. Although your celebration was a success, I’m sure it was tinged with bittersweet. That you are continuing your mother’s traditions warmed my heart.

I’m also pleased that the cheesecake recipe – which my own mother used for many years when she entertained – was a hit with your mom and the rest of your family. And I agree, it’s a breeze to assemble. (I can do it in less than 15 minutes.)

You can order my recipe book set by sending a business- size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $12 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby – Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Postage is included in the price.

As a recipe lover, I know you’ll find more recipes that will pique your interest, and July 4 – another holiday that families celebrate together – is coming up soon. (It’s my mother’s birthday!)

DEAR ABBY: I am a 30-year-old woman who has been dating a man I’ll call “Paul” for almost a year. I love him and he says he loves me, but sometimes I have a hard time trusting him.

Women call him here at my apartment at 4 a.m. They also leave messages on my answering machine inviting him over for dinner. Paul won’t call them back if I am around. He says they’re “just friends,” but then he tells me he doesn’t know how they got my phone number. (It’s unlisted.) He swears he hasn’t talked to any of them in more than a year.

Am I just being insecure? If so, how does someone deal with these feelings of jealousy? Should I believe him and take the chance of drowning, or get out now and go on with my life without him? – SINK OR SWIM IN ARKANSAS

DEAR SINK OR SWIM: It appears you have fallen in love with a womanizer who has been giving out your private number. If these women were “just friends,” Paul would return the calls while you were present and inform them that he’s already involved with someone.

What you call your insecurity and jealousy are your survival instincts trying to warn you that he is not on the level. You won’t have to worry about sinking or swimming if you climb out of the water now. I’ve thrown you a lifeline. Please take it.

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