Actually, it is less than four months since I summoned enough courage to acknowledge my true status as an FP to Fran (49-C-1 FPE; TVIA No. 25) and through her great compassion and wise counsel was able to 'see the light'. In the intervening months, through correspondence and personal contact, my circle of very dear valued friends in FPE has widened remarkably and has vastly broadened my horizons. Each of the girls has been exquisitely kind and helpful, asking nothing, but giving so much.

Less than a week ago, Laura made her 'debut' in dress at Marie's (14-K-2) which was not only enormously satisfying emotionally, but which brought a serene contentment in being just me! The real test is yet to come-attending a chapter party all decked out in my very best cocktail dress before the assembled members and spouses. This is the avenue of expression I have sought all my life. It has been a long uphill pull (that ego again), but the rewards of living FPE actively are so tantalizing that I cannot let any imagined fears stand in the

way.

Dear Cathy, I sense from your letter that you have been quite lonely and still feel that you must proceed slowly and cautiously into the fuller life of FPE. That is only natural. Believe me, if there is one trait that is common to all of the girls, it is the ability to respect a confidence. We are all quite vunerable and can be 'destroyed' by thoughtless persons. But to really communicate, one must get to know each other and personal contact is the only real way to build lasting friendships. I should like very much to become your friend.

I wish I could find words to express the very great happiness I have found in FPE. There is a new and fresh appreciation of people as they are, a feeling of contentment with my lot in life, and the simple joy of just being a lady in congenial feminine company. All of the agony has been worth it. My only regret is that I have waited so long. Please don't hesitate to become active--you will find all that you seek.

63

Laura