Attitudes:

“In thirty-five years [of studying/reviewing child abuse cases] I have never seen a pushback like this….I’ve seen the disfavor professional mothers are held in, but never this….The disrespect shown Elsa and her children must be seen to be believed.”

Source: Pediatrician; Head of Child Abuse Unit at his hospital; Professor, Harvard Medical School; served on Presidential Commission on Child Safety.

Mother and Friend...

Here is a photo of Elsa Newman, with her mother, Rose Newman. Rose Newman, with whom I spoke a few days ago, surprised me greatly when she informed me that she stands a mere 4' 8" tall. I mean...it had seemed to me that with all the things she's been through in life, she ought to be some giant of a woman, ready and able to take on the world and take whatever life hands her.

Instead, she is 4' 8" tall, but a heroic sort of giant inside, ready and able to take on the world and take whatever life hands her.

The two of us discussed what is the worst thing that can happen to a mother. She lost a son who was only 10 and a half years old, before Elsa was born. I offered that I suspected that the loss of a child is the most difficult thing that can happen to any mother. Mrs. Newman paused, as if my statement had taken her momentarily aback. Then she offered, "I used to think so too. But this is worse." Having a child in prison would be pain enough. But having a child unjustly imprisoned--that's what does it. Worse that losing one to death. And Mrs. Newman added emphatically, "She no more belongs in prison than I do!"

And so I write this--that would me me, Aine--in tribute to Elsa's mother, who is, after all, the first of Elsa's friends.