Dear Ann Landers:

I simply must respond to the woman who wrote that she is terrified of having a child who isn't  right.'

As the mother of a son with multiple handicaps, and a member of an organization composed of more than 90 such families, I'd like to say that even if it happens, it's not the end of the world! It's not easy but where else can you get such an abundant return on a small investment of love?

Caring for such a handicapped child is not something you can think about and say, "Oh sure, I can handle that." It can only be taken one day at a time, from the first, time you realize your child is different, through all the various steps of adjustment, learning, helping, and most of all, loving.

You can return a car if you buy a lemon, but it's just a piece of machinery. Your child is a helpless, trusting, unique individual who will require more care and attention than if he were "normal," but he will make you a better person, a happier person, a giver instead of a taker, and the world can use more of these.

Let me quote a prayer of St. Francis de Sales: "Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today, will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it." -

Margie Signore, Corresponding Secretary, Parents Association For Cerebral Palsy Children

Only you could have said it so poignantly - and thank you.