SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The parents of a woman who died, leaving her toddler alone for almost six days, thanked Sacramento County Child Protective Services Friday in a letter.

The 2-year-old, identified only as Noah, was found alive Thursday. Authorities said they think the child was able to survive by eating food within his reach.

Lisa Gonzales, 36, had serious health issues, the letter said.

"We wish to express our gratitude to the Sacramento County Child Protective Services for their prompt attention and response to our request to bring our grandson Noah home. The CPS professionals worked diligently to ensure that Baby Noah received the proper medical attention and care that he needed. CPS worked with other agencies and jurisdictions to ensure that, given medical clearance he could come home with us last night."

"Noah is doing fine. He is a healthy, active and intelligent little boy that will be protected and loved by his families and will remain in our care. As we help him adjust to a new life, we ask only for your sensitivity and consideration to our request for privacy as we cope with our loss," the letter stated.

Gonzales' parents said in the letter that their daughter resisted any attempts that would change her ability to remain independent and to live as normal life as possible with her son.

A social worker from CPS went to a house in the 3000 block of Judah Street to investigate allegations of child neglect. When she knocked on the door nobody responded and the door was locked, but the worker heard crying from inside the house.

Funeral arrangements for the mother are pending.