On Friday morning we got a call from the Department of Social Welfare in Angono. They had rescued a little girl and asked, ‘Can we admit her to the little children’s home?’

‘Yes, of course.’ But we were not prepared for what we saw when they brought little Cindy to the home. She is three months old, and when she arrived she was caked in filth. Three baths later we were still loosening the grime around her tender eye sockets.

She is malnourished to the point that she feels like a premature baby in your arms—only 4# 9 oz. Her eyes stare blankly, but she is responsive and feeding well.

Her mom is a minor who is mentally challenged. She was just not able to care for an infant. Cindy’s Lolo (grandpa) cradled her in his arms and was in shock with all that had changed in his world that day. He obviously cared for her and seemed happy that someone was going to provide for his precious bundle.

We are now contacting all the breast- feeding mothers we know because Cindy needs the best milk in the world — Mom’s milk.

We don’t know what health challenges she will face, but she needs our prayers as she is by no means clear of danger.

We have found that the best way to support the children in our home is to establish a fund in their name for the expenses during their stay at the little children’s home. If you would like to contribute to Cindy’s care, please contact us at afterthales@yahoo.ca