Moved by piece on adoption

Re “You’re adopting who?” Opinion, May 21

What a heartwarming and totally pragmatic piece on adoption. All too often we question the reasons why couples adopt instead of praising them for seeing the need and having the willingness to share their love and care, especially for children with extreme needs. Not since the late Frank del Olmo wrote about his personal experiences with his autistic son has a piece so forthrightly and sensitively told of both the sorrows and great joys of raising such a child. It takes special people to accept special children into their lives, and puts to shame “natural” parents who are unable to employ such exemplary parenting skills with their own “normal” children. Being a retired teacher with experience in including autistic children in a mainstream classroom, I can fully appreciate the challenges involved.

ELLIE DOUD

Van Nuys

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In response to the opening question, “Why would anyone adopt a badly abused, autistic 6-year-old from foster care?” the answer should be for that very same reason: Because he is a badly abused, autistic 6-year-old from foster care. My admiration and respect for the strides Ralph James Savarese’s family has made together.

BARBARA KOWALSKI

Alhambra