Today’s letter is actually written by Dot’s mother, Ruth, on the typewriter in the Fix-It Shop. She uses the reasons of speed and efficiency to justify her use of this impersonal medium and says “I understand that even Emily Post says it is quite alright to do so in 1945.” She promises that Mr. Chamberlain’s response will come at his first opportunity, but she will answer indepentdently, even though Mr. Chamberlain is her ‘boss’.

She writes “Dottie was quite naturally very upset at the bomb shell which fell into our midst when Eleanor got word that Don had married a nurse at Camp Devens. My heart ached for both El and Dot. When one has lived as long as I have one begins to see that many things that seem hard to bear are really for the best. But it’s hard to deal in platitudes when the heart is breaking. You have heard from Dot and perhaps seen the bewilderment reflected in her letters. However she is right with you in your plans and I am sure you will find it easy to dissipate any misgivings she may still have when you arrive.

We  have tried hard as parents to help the children to learn how to make their own decisions, – for we want them to lead their own  lives – not that we want them to have happier lives than we have had – but because we feel they can only be happy if living according to their own notions. We are behind them every step of the way – not as a crutch – but as an interested spectator. When that big decision of choosing a life mate is involved, more than ever the decisions should be their own – according to the dictates of their hearts – with perhaps a few remarks from the head! Love is the only firm foundation on which to build a home and a life partnership, and that is something that no one else can decide for you. Therefore Dart, my word for you is that if you and Dot are in love with each other you have my heartfelt blessing on your plans, and I shall do all in my power to aid and abet them.”

Wow! What a writer! And what an incredible parent!

She continues the letter with family news: Gordon’s arm has improved enough to lift a coffee cup; the girls went sailing with the Millers this afternoon; Arthur Chamberlain has just about decided there is enough work to do at the lake cottage that he will close the shop for a week in August and tend to the work at the lake; Betty has two weeks vacation coming and intends to ‘rub it in’ with El and Dot, who are just lucky to have Saturdays off from work.

Speaking of Saturdays off, the Fix-It Shop is theoretically to be closed on Saturday afternoon, but Ruth has been unable to lock the door because there’s always someone walking through it. Now she’s been informed that she has a flat tire and must tend to it.

She closes with a very gracious paragraph. “We are anxious for you to know, Dart that, quite aside from Dot’s opinion of you, we think you’re a pretty nice Sailor and we are hoping your seas will be smooth, literally as well as figuratively speaking. Every good wish for your safety, comfort and speedy return to home waters.