Amy Winehouse's mom reaches out in desperate letter

By Stone Martindale Dec 9, 2007, 19:44 GMT

03/15/2007 - Amy Winehouse - Amy Winehouse at the Brush Tent at SXSW - SXSW - Austin, TX © Daniel Locke / PR Photos

There is nothing tougher for a parent to see their child suffer, be ill or worse.  Especially splayed out in the glaring lights of celebrity and fame, and at the mercy of unkind headlines and photo galleries showing them at their lowest.

Amy Winehouse is a great singer.  Amy Winehouse also does not have a grip on her life.  Pleople who love her are frightened for her.

Amy's mother has released a heartwrenching letter via News of the World, a tabloid that has run many before and after pictures, and "Amy then and now" galleries that show the ravages one short year filled with drug and alcohol abuse and poor company choices have done to the once exotic and normal sized chanteuse.

From the News  of the World website, a sample of the letter

Dear Amy,

I HOPE you understand why I'm writing this. We have spoken recently but many people will wonder why I haven't run down to whatever hotel you're staying in, scooped you up and taken you home for a hot bath and a steaming bowl of chicken soup.

It's because your father and I know what you're like, Amy.

We want to help you, but we know that unless you want to be helped— unless you come to us—anything we tried would be in vain.

So this letter is my way of making sure that you know that—that all you have to do is come to us, Amy, and we'll do everything in our power to get you well again.

After all, you are still my baby and you always will be....

...You were never a wayward daughter but you always had a strong will and a mind of your own—qualities your father and I were so proud of...

...Your father and I would like nothing more—wherever you are, whatever you need, we're here for you day and night. I hope you know that. We were terrified after we saw those pictures of you earlier this week, wandering the freezing streets of London at dawn in your underwear. All I wanted to do was rush into those pictures and wrap you up in a big, warm blanket....

...finally, the whole country thought our little girl was just as special as we knew you were.

When I was quoted recently as saying "Thank God Blake's inside" what I meant was that putting him in jail might help him to clean up HIS act and change HIS life.

It wasn't said out of viciousness or to upset you. If your relationship is meant to be, it will survive.

No mother likes to see her child suffering like that...

I want you back, and I'll make you fitter and stronger. I'd like nothing better than to have you home and help you put on a bit of weight with some wholesome home cooking...

You are a brilliant talent, of course, and if you get yourself well, you'll be able to go on and fulfil your destiny....

I just hope that, because of this letter, you do. Pick up the phone.
All my love, Ma