All the Hugs She Wants

I was deeply touched by Beverly Beyette’s article about Dorothy Polikoff, “Waiting for AIDS at 63” (Jan. 26), and I commend her on a very fine piece of writing.

I find it appalling that Polikoff’s family and friends have decided to believe rumors instead of facts about AIDS. Please tell her for me that she is welcome in my home any time. I will serve her tea and bake her cookies and give her all the hugs she wants. My mother is 10 years older than Mrs. Polikoff and in good health--but I know in my heart my family and I would never walk away from her at the one time she needed our love and touch.

Perhaps with the help of your article and Mrs. Polikoff’s courage, her life will be enriched by those people who will help bring love and understanding and, more than anything else, the facts of AIDS to the public.

PATRICIA BARRETT

South Pasadena