Letter to May Chandler from Her Grandfather, Harrison Gray Otis

July 24, 1910

My Dear May,

You have reached a milestone in your life’s journey - that milestone upon which is written these significant figures: “Eighteen years” - figures which are of high consequence and peculiar interest to a young woman; for you are now a woman.

I congratulate you upon your anniversary, upon your past, your present and the prospect of the future, and sincerely wish you a useful, successful and happy career in life.
You have had the benefit of a parentage and training of an exceptionally good quality. Your fond father, who is well nigh impossible for even you, as yet, to appreciate in that high and full measure which are his due on the merits, is a man among men. Such men as Harry Chandler do not grow on every bush, and you are thrice blest in being one of his children. He is, first of all, a good husband and a kind father - generous, indulgent without being unwisely so, ever thoughtful and solicitous for the welfare of his family, and absolutely dependable in every way. He loves his wife and children above all else save his Country and his God, and is justly proud of all these.

He is, moreover, a man of character and integrity - a bright, brainy, brave and resourceful man, capable of large achievements in the broad domain of affairs. He is perforce a manly man, standing well among his fellows. He has strength, decision, and force of character, coupled with amiability and those other personal qualities that endear men to their fellows. And he is the best man friend I have on earth.

And your mother - my own daughter - she has all the good qualities as a woman that are possessed by your father as a man. She is love and loyalty personified. She has superb and finely developed character in the sacred and incomparable domain of the home - the hope for the nation and of the race. She graces and anchors her home as few women are capable of doing; and she has a more even temper, a more level and a better balanced and a more amiable heart than any woman I ever knew. She is a precious possession of her husband and children, and you may well cherish her as you do as a human pearl above price.

With such parents as are yours, my dear grandchild, and with the distinctly promising qualities that you yourself possess, coupled with the good beginning you have already made in life, and the fine initial equipment which you have acquired for the contest that lies before, I have faith to believe that you will win, because I have faith in you.

Go on with your education as planned. Be a good student - you are one already - but do not over-study. There is no permanent good to be gained from it.

Have faith, confidence and hope. Be steadfast, and true to all obligations at all times. Cultivate level-headedness and a perennial, all-pervasive common sense, which is superior to genius (whatever that may be.) Put energy and conscience into your work, and have more fun as you go along down this alleged vale of tears. And God be with you always, dear May!

Harrison Gray Otis