While I agree with some of what you have said, I would give this movie much higher praise than you have. And it seems to me that any mother who willingly leaves her child deserves the criticism that she gets. Perhaps, Linda was mentally unstable. Perhaps, not. One thing is certain. Chris went on to raise his son the best way he knew how, and ultimately overcame the many challenges that faced them. He wasn't perfect, but who is? The movie wasn't perfect either, but it was awfully good in my book.