The children we have lost

Sir — I read the articles in your paper last week by Brendan O’Connor, Donal Lynch and Maeve Sheehan about the tragic circumstances that occurred in orphanages throughout Ireland. I can’t help but wonder what a huge loss it has been — not only to the families involved but to our country as a whole.

Each child has a purpose in life. Some may take longer than others to figure out what that purpose is. As parents we want to give our children the best chance to reach their potential. But the children in Tuam never had a chance — because they didn’t fit in.

But WHAT IF one of those children were to have grown up to be a doctor who would staff our hospitals today? WHAT IF there was a writer or poet among them who would have inspired us and given us hope?

WHAT IF one of those little children were to grow up to become an engineer who would help to build the roads and offices we use today?

WHAT IF they were a nurse or midwife who would assist in bringing new life to our country?

WHAT IF they were to become an entrepreneur who encourages us to think outside the box and bring new services and ideas to our society?

WHAT IF they were a farmer who brings food to our table?

WHAT IF they had a disability but went on to challenge us and inspire us like Christopher Nolan, Christy Brown or Mark Pollock?

WHAT IF they were destined to become a great sports person who would have given us a sense of pride as they compete for their county or country?

And WHAT IF they were destined to become a politician or leader of our country — would they bring in policies to protect our children?

To become a mother, a father, a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandmother or granddad is something no one has the right to take from us.

The tragedy of what happened in Tuam is not just a tragedy for families of these children — it is very much a tragedy for Ireland. Behind each set of remains found in Tuam there was a child a real person who would have become someone great.

Today our politicians have become judge and jury and they have to work harder to protect the rights of our children — whether that means providing drugs for cystic fibrosis, surgery for scoliosis, a place to call home, or a service to help those with disability.

Let’s hope that those in authority and those that are leading our country truly value our children because they are our future. Agnes McWey,

Mullingar, Co Westmeath