Dr. Laura,

I have been an avid listener for more years than I would like to admit. I agree with your stance on stay-at-home mothers and doing things in the right order which brings me to the subject of my e-mail.

I was at the dentist's office the other day and the hygienist who was working on my teeth was pregnant. I asked her if she knew if it was a boy or girl, and she said smiling widely that it was a boy. This is her first child, so I asked if she was married (because it's not safe to assume any more) and she said, "No." I asked, "When are you getting married?" She replied they wanted to save up and have a nice wedding. I explained they could always go to the Justice of the Peace before the baby is born, and have something later. She said, "Oh, no. I don't think my father would like that and besides it already feels like we're married."  I asked why her father would disapprove of a civil ceremony before the baby's birth and she said, and I quote, "He's a preacher and would be upset if I did that and he didn't officiate." I quit discussing it at that moment as she did have sharp instruments and access to my mouth.

I weep for the future generations if this is the kind of attitude young parents have. Personally, I would think her preacher father would be more upset about his daughter being pregnant out-of-wedlock, but that's just my opinion.

I look forward to listening to you for many more years to come.

Mindy