Dealing With Disabled Children
* Re “A Lifetime Sentence, a Cry for Help,” by Dr. Michael Arnold Glueck, Commentary, Dec. 31:
I am the grandmother of a 6-year-old who has cerebral palsy and mental retardation. She was born about three months premature because of a listeriosis infection that her mother (my daughter) had contracted. She had a one-in-a-million chance of survival when she was born and we called her the “miracle baby” because of her will and determination to live.
Since the day she was born she has brought nothing but joy to our family. Her every accomplishment is nothing short of heroic. We were told she probably would not walk, so when she took her first halting steps at the age of 4 we were overjoyed. She has overcome so many physical and mental obstacles. Despite her retardation, she reads, spells and “plays” computer. In fact her computer skills put the rest of us to shame.
I realize it may be wrong to condemn Richard and Dawn Kelso for their act in abandoning their son. I do not know them nor do I know the true circumstances surrounding their act. But I do condemn Dr. Glueck for portraying families like ours as “under assault.” Yes, it is difficult, and yes, our granddaughter may never have a normal life, but she has changed all of our lives for the better. No one gets a guarantee with their birth certificate. Any life can be touched by tragedy and illness. Should we give up? Who are we to say that these are lives that are not worth living? And, should any human being be tossed away like yesterday’s garbage?
Of course, attention should be paid to the needs of parents who have children with disabilities and I hope that our society will react with appropriate solutions.
DONNA LEVIN
Tarzana
*
Re “Man Accused of Abandoning Son Takes Leave From Work,” Jan. 1: My heart and prayers go out to all members of the Kelso family in Delaware.
This situation points out the critical need for emotional support and respite care for caregivers of severely, chronically physically and/or mentally ill people. At least Steven’s parents left him in a place where they knew he would be taken care of.
KATHERINE MINSK
Los Angeles