A Last Word on Toya Perkins

For the gentlemen from Riverside and Burbank who were so quick to criticize Toya Perkins (Letters, June 4), I hope neither of you ever needs a handout or a hand up. What would you know about the emotional struggle that Toya may have been going through, or her decision to keep her child? I once had the sad experience of helping a young girl give her child up for adoption. It was heart-wrenching. I’ll never get over it.

I read with interest about Toya Perkins’ dreams, disappointments and motherhood. The generous offers of support, including time and money, renewed my faith in people willing to help people they don’t even know.

Elizabeth Reeve

Lake Arrowhead

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Even though I’m old enough to be Toya Perkins’ mother, I can still identify with her pain. I had an abusive childhood, and I continue to carry that pain and may never shed it, despite seeing many therapists who thought they could fix me with a piece of Scotch tape. When I didn’t “blossom,” they gave up on me. Toya is going to need a lot of support--not just a pat on the back. Please don’t get mad at her for having a baby.

Donna Vega

Los Angeles