Dear Ann Landers,
Last evening in the presence of guests Mother began to relate the details of her recent operation. When she reached into her handbag and took out a jar which contained her gallstones, I couldn't believe it. My husband was horrified. The guests were courteous, but I could see stricken looks as they handed the bottle of gallstones from one to the other. After the guests left I suggested to Mother that she'd better not pass around the exhibit again because some folks might consider it offensive. Mother said, You are wrong. It is educational. Most folks live a lifetime and never get to see a gallstone. -Mary

Dear Mary,
Come to think of it I've never seen a gallstone, and if I never see one it will be just fine. Few topics are more tiresome than the details of someone else's operation. The "exhibit" is OK for pre-med students, but it has no place in the living room.