DEAR ABBY: This is in response to "Hurt Mom in Washington," who was both angry and sad at her daughter's wedding plans. I was in a similar situation five years ago when my daughter married. She, too, insisted on planning every last detail of her wedding on her own, and made it more than just a bit clear that she was going to do things "her way" without any "interference" on my part.
To make a long story short, several weeks before her wedding her caterer informed her that due to a scheduling misunderstanding, he would be unable to cater her wedding after all. After frantically contacting many other caterers without success, guess who she asked to cater the wedding? You guessed right -- good old Mom!
Although I wouldn't want "Hurt Mom's" daughter's plans to go awry, she needs to know that these things usually have a way of working themselves out.
The food I prepared for my daughter's wedding turned out so well that some guests had a hard time believing the reception had not been professionally catered. It also helped my daughter and me regain the closeness we had previously shared and enjoyed. Sign me ... BEEN THERE IN WASHINGTON
DEAR BEEN THERE: Your daughter was fortunate to have such a talented and forgiving mother. Your experience gives new meaning to the slogan, "Nothin' says lovin' like something from the oven!"