Saga Of The Bum Puppy

In February 1945, Ned fell down a hatchway aboard the LST-909 and broke his ankle.  This is a cartoon he drew to show his parents how the break was treated aboard ship. 

The following is a letter from Ned's mother in response:

66 Park Ave., NYC
11 March - Sunday


Dearest Ned,


Daddy and I were shocked, as you may imagine, to learn about your broken ankle.  You poor fellow!  And no Mommy to take care of you!  We are awfully sorry Ned.  Thank heaven it was no worse.


Please express our deep gratitude to Dr. Peterson and Warren Craig for being so kind to you.


That you withheld the bad news is much to your credit.  All that time we were worrying about John's wound.  If we had known the two of you were laid up it would have been awful.  And by this time you must have heard that Grandma has been very ill, and that I have spent the better part of three weeks nursing her at Jim's house.


She is some better but that does not mean much.  I don't know how on earth we are going to get her to Sharon for the summer.  If it were only God's will to take her, I should be very happy.


Your letter of 2 March was a knock out.  Your five point plan is tremendous and wonderfully worthwhile.  It tickles me that your red head is so full of wonderful, interesting, constructive ideas.  By all means start with the education.


And speaking of examination, you are doing alright for yourself this very minute.  The constant thought. you are giving your future, plus the fine, really fine books you are reading, show improvement in every swell letter.  Keep it up.


Your sketches are amazing.  That medical report is a honey, and probably unique in naval history.  I love it.  We are with you every step of the way.  Hope I get a chance to show them to Paul Brown.


The three sketches of yourself are awfully well done.  The one of you reclining in your bunk is a peach.  It is so completely relaxed.  How did you know what the sole of your left foot looked like?  It is perfect.  Goodness knows I have seen it sticking out from beneath the sheets for years, and not always lily white.  I would know that foot anywhere in the world!


Today, Daddy and I went house hunting along the Sound at Larchmont and Mamaroneck and found exactly nothing.  It is a cluttered section and the houses are expensive.  What to do?  What to do?  We can't make up our minds.


What do you think would be a good idea for this far flung American family?


Your ever-loving Mommy