Andrea Yates will, I believe, ultimately be found "guilty but insane". The 64-year-old mother of five with whom I work (and who also raised her children in similar isolation, but had a little more space between births, another factor not discussed here) agrees with me. She said, with a thoughtful look, that she remembers days when she didn't think she could go on.

Andrea Yates killed her children. She ought to be confined for that. But she asked for help, over and over, and there was nobody there. Who are the accomplices in this crime? Who the hell listened to Andrea Yates?

Regards--
Mary Anne

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True and good points, Mary Anne!

My two are one and a half years apart. Yes, I was busy. What kept me going was knowing that I was there for them, to teach and care for them. I was often tired, but looking at them and knowing that my work was paying off kept me going. She definitely needed help. The housework alone can drive anyone crazy, but, that's always second. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can do that to their own children. Mrs. Yates had so much to live for... four beautiful boys and finally, a beautiful baby girl.

She definitely needed physical and emotional support.

Marcia