DEAR ABBY: Sept. 11 was the 10th birthday of our neighbors' little girl, "Megan." At church that day there was a lovely memorial prayer for the victims of 9/11, but no mention of Megan's birthday among the other special occasions of the week.
Advertisement
Megan's family went to the cemetery, put flowers on the memorial there and then went home. There was no party or cake for Megan. When I took over a card and a small gift, her mom thanked me but said the day was too sad for Megan to celebrate her birthday. She said they had never done so, not even on an alternate date.
I don't know this family very well. They're new to the neighborhood. But I was flabbergasted that they would act this way. When I asked about the birthdays of the other family members, I was told that since none of them fall on a "bad day" they are celebrated with parties, gifts and everything. Megan was allowed to accept my gift and thanked me, but her mom made it clear this was to be an exception to the rule. Abby, what gives? -- COMPLETELY BAFFLED IN WYOMING
DEAR COMPLETELY BAFFLED: I have no idea. That family's behavior is bizarre. What could possibly be gained by punishing a child for being born on a particular day? What you have described isn't respect for a day that was tragic for our country; it is cruelty to an innocent child.