Transcription of Document FFDoc-0712.pdf

Sunday 4PM

Dear Mother & Dad:

Have just re-read Bern's [Fletcher] letter to Joe - every reading brings the same tears. It doesn't seem real at all, or fair, that we should be sitting out here on the lawn, listening to Strauss when so many horrible things are happening to & through others - just so we can continue to sit in peace & safety. I keep thinking what a painful pleasure that letter must have given Bern - it's so plain to see she enjoyed talking about herself & Ray - as I do about the boys - but it must hurt immeasurably to know that now there will be nothing more of him but talk. There's only one consolation - their love & companionship must have been like ours; & while it's been severed she need never lose its memories.

Mom, your letters are wonderful. Everyone comments on all the clippings, enclosures, letters etc that you send along. I might easily be right there, you send so much of the news. Of course, I read all the enclosures first, so then I can get more out of your letter - which I always save till last. Makes me ashamed that I don't have any newsy news with which to entertain. Even commenting on all these things wouldn't amount to much:

1. Grace Quinn[?] doesn't shock me cause she's hardly part of the family we know. And you forget - I know Frank & Joe Quinn[?]. 2. Nothing to say about Felix, really, except that I'm sincerely glad he's back here with his family &, by now, his wife. I must hear all about the wedding. 3. Back to an old letter - what happened that Tom & Ellie are living in Bay Ridge. 4. How come the sudden visit from Julia & Ralph. 5. What's so amazing about Ronny's trip - I was making them steadily, long before 17. I think she knows how to behave & much as you may loathe to admit it, Pop & Mom, she's on her way up. Please let her be friends with you (& V & Betty in due time) as we 3 were. It's something I never would have missed. 6. You're slipping again - it was I who advised you to see Bing Crosby.

The 2 people you COULD get me off on are Joe & Frank - but right now (5:30 PM) am going to dress for the post movie - a bloody Marine Raiders. Will be back at 8:30.

9:45 PM Later than I expected - the show let out early & we went to the NCO for a sandwich & 3.2. Then back to a small portion of the second show with Hutch - cause her kid brother is in one of the shots taken in a Japanese language class on the Coast. Then home - into my PJ's & out here on the lower back porch where the bugs threaten to eat me alive or drive me into the dayroom. But it's so cool out here I hate to leave. And now down to Joe & Fan for a few lines.

Joe's past few letters have been one-pagers saying practically nothing. Had asked him if he'd like me to visit him on my next furlough. But he must have gotten turned down on one recently 'cause he practically ignored the suggestion - simply said not to mention them - They're so few & far between he's disgusted. So I wrote immediately & gave him gentle hell in a kidding sort of way for ignoring me. Am hoping to get a rise out of him soon. Also sent me a copy of their paper describing his latest shenanigans - I took heart, thinking he might be on the up grade. I don't know! He never told me how he was getting along, as he does you, nor what he does all day & I've asked him a dozen times. Seems funny that he should tell Fel about a discharge. He's never mentioned it to me, but I shall manoeuver around it, somehow. He may be over emphasizing the situation - maybe he wants her sympathy - maybe it HAS been suggested to him. I wish I know. And I wish I could really have a bull session with him. But this is the Army!!

Frank - will wonders never cease. I don't think I can say a word one way or the other, but being partial, very interested, spinster I should be very happy for him & Peg. Can only say that I think he has sufficient maturity & common sense, in spite of his youth, to know what will be best for them. You know he's always been one to think with his head, not his heart. I hope this time he tosses in a good share of both. If it does come to pass (can't be!!) I shall be cheated out of my first "own family" wedding & no matter how small it is, a big event in the Shields [?].  That will be my only regret. And speaking of weddings - just to be ahead of the game - they invariably cost $$$ ad infinitum. Little as it is, I want you to put at Frank's disposal any money of mine you have (I highly disapproved of your banking it, so shan't be disappointed if you found a use for it meantime) & tell him I still have $30-40 lying in my locker. He's welcome to any help I can give & bless 'em. Pop, you shouldn't be disappointed, now or ever, if your chickens try to pick their own way & fail to follow the lines you may feel will bring success. Seems to me the hardest part of being a parent is feeling you must in all fairness give your progeny free & reasonable rein to follow their own roads, when all the time you'd like to lead them down a path yourself, showing them how to avoid the rocks, & the ditches & the hard places. So you let them go & hold your breath watching them stumble over places you could have warned 'em about. But that's the way we've always been & I don't think we've gone to far afield. And we've always had the pleasant satisfaction of knowing that while you might disapprove, you'd still be there backing us up, come hell or high water. It's what makes you both truly great people.

Mom, I've had your $ put away since the 1st but never got to the PO. Will mail this in the AM but can't get a money order till noon so will send it along next mail.

What do you hear from Aunty. Answered her last promptly & a birthday card & an anniversary card but no word in weeks. How is her rupture coming?

Oh Yes - Sherman is all mixed up about some pictures you sent - afraid to keep them for fear you have no copies. What is it? Am going to tell her to keep them unless she hears otherwise.

Tell Salerno to write me. Now 10:30 & my eyes are closing.

Good night & Love, Dot.