To the editor:

Times are bad. The world is unfair. What to do about violence, divorce, alcohol, crime, drugs and suicide? I know a child who uses something simple to solve the problems of distress. She sucks her thumb and hugs the one she loves and trusts, her teddy bear.

Wouldn't it be nice if the people of the world could find a simple way to cope with the world we live in today? Maybe this small child sends a message: Find diversion, pick a beautiful rose and appreciate the blessing of its beauty and fragrance. Help someone who is in need. Search each day for its beauties of life. Make each day give you the humility to appreciate the good things that are there for you. Think of all the people, some young, in wheelchairs or disabled in other ways, who still smile and enjoy life in spite of adversities.

Wouldn't it be great if, like the child, we could suck our thumbs and hug a teddy bear? God keep them young forever.

This child sends a simple message: Don't let stress wreck your day. Trade the problem for something that will make the world a better place for our children. The sun will shine tomorrow.

CHARLES McNEIL

Vandalia, Ill.