DEAR ABBY: I am disturbed at your advice to "Wondering in Superior, Wis." concerning the baby shower for a second child. I have never heard that showers are only for the first child. Both of my children received showers -- and both of them were greatly needed, considering my children are of different sexes. Tomorrow I am attending a shower for a fourth daughter.
I have always considered a shower to be a celebration of a child's birth, each equally valued. Perhaps we should change the way we view this, and adopt a more generous, loving attitude. Every new mother can use the support of her friends, and a shower is simply a symbol of that.
I hope "Wondering" will reconsider and offer her friend her support. -- SHERREE IN OREGON
DEAR SHERREE: I didn't take into account the fact that the new baby might be a different sex from its older sibling. Although Emily Post and Amy Vanderbilt do not agree, your argument is convincing. You're right, the birth of a child is an event to celebrate. I, too, hope "Wondering" will reconsider and decide to support her friend.