DEAR ABBY: Maybe this daughter's plans will turn out well. But I would never call her mother insensitive or rigid, either. The daughter has shown her lack of respect for all the parents hold dear, so why should she want or need their help with her long overdue wedding? She has already set up housekeeping, so why have a shower? Since she and her friend have already consummated a marriage, who needs a fancy wedding? The money might be more helpful later.
The votes won't be in until the daughter's own children are old enough to do likewise. As the old-timers say, "What goes around comes around."
I suggest that what is now "modern practice" is not necessarily a right one. I cannot come down on this mother for what might prove to be the greater wisdom, in God's sight. -- VIVIAN B. BROWNING, DAMASCUS, MD.
DEAR VIVIAN AND READERS: Thank you for letting me know your strong feelings on this matter. Tomorrow, we'll hear from some of those who supported my thinking.