Support for Irvine Heir’s Marriage

Regarding the story about Joan Irvine Smith denouncing her son because of his marriage (“Irvine Heir Risks Inheritance to Wed,” Sept. 26):

Run, Joan, run! Do not walk! Run to the nearest phone, call your new daughter-in-law and embrace her into your family. Then gather your friends and family to “receive” the newlyweds. Celebrate:

The joy of their love;

The privilege of having a son so healthy, talented and robust;

The satisfaction for rearing a son who has learned to make his own decisions;

The fulfillment of seeing your child live to adulthood;

The blessing of having a woman of accomplishment at your son’s side;

The hope which is present in this new union.

Your son needs you now. Need is not just bad times. Need can be wanting those closest to you to share your happiness. When you turn your back on your children’s dreams, you turn your back on your children. If you are concerned about money, any intelligent lawyer can produce a trust program which will keep the money away from this love of your son’s. But don’t let another person come between you and your child. There isn’t enough money in the world to fill the resulting vacuum.

Run, Joan, run. . . . Today, as fast as you can. Make that call now.

MARCIA BRUCE

Irvine

* This article (“Irvine Heir Risks Inheritance”) touched my heart and reminded me that children are a gift to the parents and to the world.

We’ve only heard one side of the issue about Morton Smith possibly losing his inheritance from Joan Smith. But we, as parents, must remember to cherish the precious moments we have with our children and that they are not our controlling possessions. Having the strength to go forward in life independently is a natural process and necessary.

Good luck to the newlyweds!

KRISTIN THATCHER

Irvine