The Editor, Sir:

I read the story 'Deborah Francis defies abuse' in the Outlook of February 4, and I was extremely touched by her bravery and the strength she had to forgive both her stepfather and mother.

When I read her story I realised how lucky I was to have had a great stepfather. He was respected and loved not only by myself, but all his four stepchildren. All of whom are well-rounded citizens between Jamaica, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Our stepfather taught us to love, to have a good laugh and to feel free to cry. He would never reprimand us physically because he did not believe in physical punishment. He told us never to fight, but instead we should argue with each other to win our point of view. Hence, we grew feeling free to express ourselves, using this freedom as a weapon in any given situation.

His favourite gem to us was: "Let dogs delight to bark and bite for God has made them so. Let bears and lions growl and fight for it's their nature too. But little children you should never let such angry passions rise. Your little hands were never made to tear each other's eyes."

This letter, therefore, is to say to the world that Clifford Stanley Gordon (Coolie) of Malvern in St. Elizabeth was a great father, and his memory will live in our hearts forever.

Thank you for publishing this letter.

I am, etc.,

JUDY MARSHALL