I guess I'm in the minority here, because I can understand why it would be difficult for her to try and raise her daughter within the Amish faith while exposing her to her biological father's outside world. Of course it seems that everyone here automatically assumes that the woman knowingly had an affair with a married man which may or may not be the case. Obviously there is more to this story and just because the dad is 70 doesn't mean that he should or shouldn't be a part of the child's life.

While I agree that both parents made bad choices, they have choosen to go their seperate ways. I think the biggest issue is what is in the best interest of the child not either parent. I mean joint custody is normal in our world, but even so, it is usually the children who suffer the most with the adjustments. 

So can you imagine the diffificulty and possible stigma for the child is she is forced to live a life with one foot in both worlds? Ummm, let's be Amish for 11 days and then an Englischer for 3 days and around and around it goes.

I just can not see any possible way that forcing a child to lead two lives that would be so opposite in world views would be good for her!

Pam