The Editor, Sir;

I was totally moved by your front-page story in The Gleaner dated Tuesday, October 23, 2007, entitled "I want back my children." A picture of a mother with her four small children surrounding her told the story of a woman who is struggling to survive. I could not ignore the story.

In a time when many women are leaving their children to the mercy of the world, Karen Elliot has decided to stick with hers. While I can appreciate the efforts of the Child Development Agency (CDA), the help has to be two-fold.

Karen needs a shelter for her children so she can be with them. Due care needs to be observed in correcting a situation to prevent a further worsening of it. The report stated that a concerned resident said, and I quote, "From dem tek weh the children them, she just a walk up and down and a talk to herself and was almost a nervous wreck. She need help now man". Karen could possibly be driven to a nervous wreck (post-partum depression) and could end up incapable of taking care of her children if fit and proper help is not given to her.

This woman's need for help has touched my heart and I am prepared to offer whatever help I can give. I am calling on all well thinking Jamaican women, the Minister in charge of Women's Affairs, Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Food For the Poor et al to let us lend a hand to a wounded soldier who has fallen.

I am, etc.,

ROSIE HARDY

rosie_hardy@hotmail.com