So begins the emotive letter that the Bramleys sent to the media last week, purporting to speak for their foster children. A desperate, strange love. They speak of 'our daughters' as if the force of their desire gives them a right to parenthood.
Children are the most complicated kind of possession.
The girls' biological mother, Jackie Bennett, added her voice to those of the Bramleys, saying that she 'would try and see if I can get you to keep my children'. Their natural father, Paul Duckett, went on ITV's This Morning to dispute this, calling the couple criminals trying to exploit the public's feelings. His version of parental 'love' means he wants to regain custody of his natural daughter, thus splitting the half-sisters and depriving them of the one constant in their lives. The Bramleys' neighbours joined the debate, saying they are good parents and loving. Jennifer's brother, Dave Bodle, urged the social services to review their decision.