Family First

by Cindy Hsu
NEW YORK (CBS) ― We asked you to share your thoughts about the death of seven-year-old Nixzmary Brown and received such emotional responses. In the newsroom we have access to countless interviews, pictures and details about the case, and yet one of my colleagues said he didn't realize how many people this story touched until he read your comments.

I wanted to share just a few… and encourage you to keep writing to us about any story that touches you.

"This child had no voice. No one to help this child. Not even her mother.

We need to make an example of NIXZMARY for NIXZMARY. We as a nation can clean up a city in six months from 911and rebuild city from disasters. And we could not even save this little girl. The system failed her. We failed her.

These children have no voice. They are the innocent. We save animals and strays and give them a place. Why did this happen to her, she must NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am sure that this is still going on with other children. No one would believe that this could happen but it did. So how could I not believe that there are many other children that are in her place."

Mary Olesky, Howell, NJ

"I can't believe a mother would allow this to happen to her child. All for a man!... I can only imagine the pain this child went through. As a mother myself it hurts to imagine the torture this little girl went through. Where were the neighbors and family didn't they see this coming? I only hope the mother and step father suffer sever damage for the rest of their lives."

Danielle Quinonez, Florida

"I am disgusted at this whole thing. I, too, am a Puerto Rican and a mother of TWO, and I want everyone to know that we are extremely outraged and ashamed at this family. This funeral was surrounded with family members and no one read the signs?

"No one figured out why she weighed so little? Grandma confessed that her daughter had a mind of a 12-year-old and did nothing to be sure these kids were OK??? Come on!!! Go bless this poor child and may she rest in peace..."

Millie, Mattituck

"My heart aches at what happened to Nixzmary Brown. As I walked in the wind and the rain, I kept saying to myself that God and the angels themselves must be weeping sad tears for this little girl who suffered such a horrifying death.

"While a child's death is a tragedy, I hope this horror can be a catalyst for permanent change. In the past ACS's stance was when in doubt, take 'em out; and put these babies in even more horrific conditions when they place them with foster parents or group homes. I hope ACS as it revamps itself, tries to stay the course it set for itself previously, preservation of the family by assessing what a family at risk needs and providing the services.

"I myself and my family were the subjects of ACS investigations as well as recipients of services as recent as 2004. While my children were not in imminent risk of harm, the family was in need of services and I accepted them gladly.

"It is my hope, and I pray that as Commissioner Mattingly goes about the business of revamping the agency, he does not lose sight of the fact the especially in my neck of the woods (Bedford-Stuyvesant), when a parent gets a knock at the door, it is not the witch hunt that was conducted in years past, but a hand that offers hope and help to those families that need the most."

MichAOL

"It is a tragedy but now that's it's done, let us focus on those dear innocent children that are being abused daily, let us find a way to save these children from such insanity. The devil has gotten a hold of so many, let us pray to our sovereign God who is merciful and ask that he protect our children and to guide those in power who can make a difference. Let us save our children. It is our responsibility. A caring mother of two... "

Name Withheld

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