Editor:
Re: Have compassion for pregnant women, May 8 column.
In response to the opinion piece by Kristi Gordon, please let me say we have watched and appreciated her professional weather forecast on Global News for many years.
We were ‘there’ when she was pregnant with her first child and just smiled when she was criticized for her attire now.
Opinions differ – so be it!
However, I read her opinion piece in the Peace Arch News and some of it rubbed me the wrong way.
She says: “Times have changed. Pregnant women don’t have to feel ashamed of their bodies. This type of disapproval is a relic from a different time.”
Kristi, I had my children in the ’50s and ’60s. Never was I “ashamed” of being pregnant, or did I know any other women feeling that way. Being pregnant in the ‘old’ days was a quiet, private treasure, shared with the father-to-be, the family and close friends.
If you like to call it a relic, that is fine, but the new attitude towards everything is not necessarily always the best choice.
Another quote: “Nearly all women now work because we have to, households rely on us financially and many have careers we love.”
Looking back at what was right at the time; many families lived a frugal life – depending on dad’s income only – we just couldn’t think of leaving the baby with a caregiver. I am sure many moms had careers they love.
Kristi, we wish you and your family all the best. May your new baby come into this world healthy and into a world that embraces the new but also is willing to learn from the old.
Congratulations. We will miss you when you take the time off to be with your family.
Heidi Bumann, Surrey
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Re: Weighing in on maternity matters, May 6 letters.
I was quite surprised by letter-writer Eve Henry taking offence to Coun. David Chesney referring to his partner as his “Caribbean queen,” as being somehow a race issue.
The Caribbean is a region – not a race. Does one take offence to Elton John’s touching tribute to the late Princess Diana when he sang, “Goodbye England’s Rose” or when the Irish celebrate St. Paddy’s Day or the Scottish celebrate Robbie Burns Day?
Chesney’s affectionate referral to his partner speaks to her heritage – not the colour of her skin.
Cyndie Richards, White Rock