Mom of pregnant daughter.

by MELANIE
(Toledo, OH, USA)

I went on disability retirement 10 years ago and lost contact with many of my friends from work due to illness. I recently (in past 3 or 4 months) reunited with them at a coworkers funeral. I was informed, that since most of my friends are also retired now, they meet every month for lunch. I have been attending monthly lunch get together, and I am absolutely thrilled that I have reconnected with my friends. I'm wondering if it is appropriate for me to invite them to my daughters baby shower. I worked with most of my friends for over 20 years and they have all met my daughter, at one time or another over the years.

My worry is if I don't invite them, they may be offended; or if I do invite them, I don't want them to feel obligated to attend, or purchase a gift.

Any advise you can provide, will be greatly appreciated.