I have always taught my children to "love your neighbor"--not "label your neighbor."

I was bothered to the point that I have to say something about the May 14 letter titled "The gifted Sendak was gay: Why not say so?" criticizing an editorial which did not include that label.

When Maurice Sendak passed away, he was known as a wonderful man with a very creative side, which allowed him to write an amazing story for kids. The fact that he was gay has nothing to do with that!

I have two children. One is a college student who has many straight friends and gay friends. When she introduced us to them, she introduced them as her "friend," not her "straight" or "gay" friend.

I love them all. Why? Because of their character, how they treat people, and who they have become--not because they are gay or straight! Why some people feel the need to label others is beyond me.

Let us learn to love our neighbors again, not put each other on sides and let who you sleep with determine if we will like you or judge who you are. Your character speaks volumes over this!

How we treat others and how we make this world a better place is far more important to my family and me than who you chose to share your life with.

Can't we get past the sexuality and look deeper into the souls of our neighbors and learn to treat others the way we want to be treated?

As far as Mr. Sendak goes, he was a writer who touched the lives of numerous kids, not a "gay" writer!

Patty Wheelehan

Spotsylvania