Readers of the Erie Times-News reacted strongly to the story about 2-year-old Thomas Graves, who survived for nine days inside an east Erie apartment after the death of his 36-year-old mother, Tammy Graves. The headline on today's front-page story by Gerry Weiss, "Boy's survival 'miracle'," prompted five readers to call and ask what they could do to help the child.

Weiss reported that a next-door neighbor, who was having a barbecue picnic in her backyard, noticed Thomas standing by the back window inside the apartment. He was smiling, and she tried to encourage the toddler to get his mother and come outside. But, seconds later, the boy vanished and nobody saw him again for the next eight days.

Not until Jordan saw flies hovering around Graves' front door, and she smelled what she thought was "old trash and rotten eggs," did she call the police. Upon entering the apartment, investigators found Tammy Graves' body in an advanced stage of decomposition. They also found Thomas, alive but dehydrated and malnourished, Weiss wrote. No foul play was suspected and no signs of drugs or drug use were found in the apartment.

The boy was naked from the waist down, wearing only a dirty T-shirt. Maggots were lodged in the toddler's ears and nose, officials said. The apartment floors were sticky, from either spilled juice or human waste.

Weiss reported that the wooden cupboards throughout the kitchen were open, investigators said, as the boy foraged and scavenged for any means to survive. "God had to be with that child," 82-year-old neighbor, Berneice Smith, told Weiss.

Several readers said they were riveted by the story because of the child's strong survival instincts. "It's very sad, because of the death of a young mother," said Alice Healy, "but I'm amazed by that little boy's will to survive."

Weiss' reporting, as well as that by Sarah Weber, who broke the story in Monday's Erie Times-News, featured minute details that helped explain to readers what happened. Several callers questioned why the mother's name was used in Monday's editions -- before it was released by authorities. Reporters and editors discussed the matter at length before going ahead with the woman's name, who was positively identified at the scene by neighbors.

In typical Erie fashion, many readers who followed the story in the Times-News were touched by the plight of the little boy. Several called to offer clothing, food, toys and financial assistance.

It's a story that captivated Erie residents since it broke Sunday. I suspect many more readers will want to know what happens to Thomas Graves, who is currently staying with relatives.

-- Kevin Cuneo

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