Abby shares her favorite recipes in two booklets: "Abby's Favorite Recipes" and "Abby's More Favorite Recipes." To order, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 per booklet ($4.50 each in Canada) to: Dear Abby Booklets, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included in price.)
Dad Who Walks on Family Has No Right to Walk Down Aisle
DEAR ABBY: I disagree with your advice to "Lisa in California" that she should have her grandfather and father walk her down the aisle. Her father gave up any rights or honors of being a father when he walked out on her when she was 2 years old.
I have lived through a similar situation. When I got married, I certainly did not have my father give me away or even attend my wedding, for that matter. If her father is sincerely sorry for the way he has acted, he should understand her feelings and tell her that he completely understands and agrees that her grandfather deserves the honor. After all, the grandfather was the one who was part of her life when the father chose to walk away. I also disagree with your suggestion that she could walk alone. Why should she?
I have never regretted my decision and I've been married 15 years. Even after my father's death three years ago, I had no regrets.
In this situation and my own, the fathers were the adults and made their own adult decisions. Now it's time for her father to act like the adult he is and take what is handed to him. -- M.A.D.N., DOUGLASSVILLE, PA.
DEAR M.A.D.N.: If you have never regretted your decision, then you made the right one for you. I was surprised at the number of readers who disagreed with my answer -- although not everybody did. Read on for a different perspective:
DEAR ABBY: I must respond to "Lisa," who does not want her father to walk her down the aisle or even to attend her wedding. My parents divorced when I was an infant. By the time I was in high school and college, our relationship had diminished to practically zero. My stepfather, who had been a wonderful "Dad" since I was 6, walked me down the aisle. I do not regret giving that honor to my stepfather, who had been -- and still is -- always there for me. But I wish I had handled it differently for my father's sake.
My father and I have since restored our relationship. We both know we have hurt each other and don't want it to happen again. Most of it was due to lack of communication. I thought he no longer loved me or wanted me around; he thought I didn't want him in my life. Both of us were terribly wrong.
Lisa, if you even think you MAY want a relationship with your father someday, please do as Abby suggested. Include him in your big day. Let him escort you down the aisle with your grandfather, or walk down the aisle by yourself with both of them sitting in the pews beaming with pride. -- J.M. IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR J.M.: I admire your compassion, even though it came to you from the perspective of hindsight. There was, however, a third alternative that both you and I did not consider. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: On the evening of my daughter's rehearsal dinner, she took her father aside and told him she had thought long and hard about her wedding day, and after reflecting on her childhood had reached a decision. She said, "Daddy, even though you have not been a big part of my life so far, I love you. However, we both know who has earned the honor of giving me away."
She went on to say that the honor of walking the bride down the aisle belongs to the person who guided her through childhood, late-night studies, heartbreaks and triumphs.
When the minister asked, "Who gives this woman to this man?" I proudly said, "I do!" -- THE PROUDEST MOM IN TENNESSEE
Victims of Sexual Harassment Have Recourse to Legal Rights
DEAR ABBY: Thank you for your response to "Intimidated in Toronto," advising the young woman that she does not have to put up with sexual harassment at work. As the nation's largest nonprofit working women's organization, "9to5" hears from thousands of women of all ages who have also been harassed and felt alone and confused. However, it's extremely important to let your readers know that harassing behavior is not only improper -- it's illegal.
Although it is estimated that one in four women have been sexually harassed, far fewer file a complaint -- because they don't know what their rights are or how to enforce them. It would be an invaluable service for you to let your readers know that quitting the job is NOT the only option available. Victims of harassment have legal recourse. As you correctly pointed out, it is quite likely that other female employees have been subjected to the same behavior. It is also quite likely that his harassment will continue until someone says, "Enough is enough!" and takes action to impose consequences through legal channels.
If any of your readers is being sexually harassed, please let him or her know that "9to5" has a toll-free Job Survival Hotline, 1-800-522-0925, with trained counselors who provide free information on workplace issues. Thank you once again for shedding light on this important subject. -- MEG LEWIS-SIDIME, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COORDINATOR, 9TO5, MILWAUKEE
DEAR ABBY: This is in response to the letter from the 16-year-old girl whose boss is hugging, kissing and touching her in places he shouldn't be.
I am a law enforcement officer and would like to inform "Intimidated" that the actions of her boss are against the law. In the state of Washington, from the information given, an appropriate charge would be "sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree." The kind of touching she describes, the age difference of the two parties involved, and the fact that her boss is abusing a supervisory position he holds over her are all elements of this crime. I am sure Canadian law has a similar statute.
Sexual crimes can be very debilitating to the victims, as is evidenced in the letter of the girl who wrote to you. I would urge her to quit that job immediately and get her parents and the police involved. Sexual criminals usually have many victims. Not only would she be helping herself, but many other past, present and future victims. -- TONY BRITTON, EVERETT, WASH.
DEAR TONY: I have received a bushel of mail in response to the letter from the sexually harassed teen-age girl in Toronto. Several were from law enforcement personnel such as yourself, and an astonishing number came from women who had also been sexually harassed by their employers as inexperienced teen-agers.
One pointed out that unless the girl takes control of the situation and reports it, it could affect the way she lives the rest of her life, because victims blame themselves, which leads to making bad choices and failure later in life.
A crime victim specialist in Oregon wrote: "While reporting the abuse does the obvious and stops the abuse, it also begins the healing process from 'victim' to 'survivor.' It is important for victims to understand that a sex offender offends by power and control. By reporting such offenses to the police, you are taking back that control."
Counseling would also be helpful to reassure the girl and let her know that none of this was her fault.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS, and getting along with peers and parents is in "What Every Teen Should Know." To order, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
Bridesmaid in Love With Groom Asks if She Should Speak Now
DEAR ABBY: In less than two months, I'm to be an attendant in my best friend's wedding. There's just one problem -- I'm in love with the groom.
For the last 18 months, we have been attending the same school. His fiancee lives far away. In my opinion, he and I are perfect for each other. We make each other laugh and we have so much in common. This isn't just a crush, and I can't imagine life without him. Sometimes it seems like he has feelings for me, too. He makes comments that make me think he's torn between her and me.
Abby, should I tell him how I feel, or keep my mouth shut and fulfill my role as bridesmaid in the wedding? Please help. -- HOPELESSLY IN LOVE
DEAR HOPELESSLY: Perhaps you and the groom don't have as much in common as you seem to think. You may laugh together and have similar interests, but if he loved you as you are hoping he does, he wouldn't be going to the altar with your best friend. Trust me, if he felt as you do, he would have made it plain by now.
If you can, put your wishful thinking on the back burner, fulfill your attendant's duties and be a part of the wedding. However, if there's any chance that your feelings will surface during the wedding, beg off your commitment now so the bride will have time to replace you.
DEAR ABBY: The other day someone asked me if I remember when "Taylor," my 2-year-old daughter, loved to play with golf balls. I tried hard to remember, but the truth is I don't recall it.
About three months ago, I decided to start a journal for my daughter. In it, I tell her what's going on in her life and in mine. I have written in it every month, and it doesn't take that long to do. Taylor recently learned to spell her name, say her ABCs, and she even knows her days of the week. I'm not sure I'll remember in 20 years what she did at a specific age. This way, I'll have written it down for her to see.
I frequently ask my mom how old I was when I did this or that. She replies, "I think you were 2 or 3." I would urge parents to take the time to write a journal for each of their children. If nothing else, it will let them know how special they are to you. -- KRISTIN HAWKINS, TEXARKANA, TEXAS
DEAR KRISTIN: I'm passing your excellent idea along to mothers everywhere. The fact that your journal picks up where the average "baby book" ends is especially appealing.
DEAR ABBY: You are always looking for letters about heroes and heroines. Well, I have one for you!
My grandmother lives in a retirement home in West Palm Beach, Fla. Her name is Elsie Simon. Every day she reads the paper to the ladies there who can't read it themselves, and the high point of it is your column. Not a day goes by without her reading your words to the group, and they all look forward to it.
My grandmother has always been a giving person, and she remains so today. I think it would make her happy to read in your column that I love her and am thinking of her.
Thank you, Abby. You have done a lot of good in your work. Keep it up. -- GILBERT B. SIMON, TITUSVILLE, FLA.
DEAR GILBERT: Thank you for the compliment. Your Grandmother Elsie sounds like a peach of a woman who brightens the day for everyone who is lucky enough to know her.
To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)