Rachel's mother is a devoutly religious woman who seems outwardly strict but is a loving and caring parent. After Rachel is sent away to Kalaupapa, the letters from Dorothy stop not long after Rachel's arrival, and Rachel's letters to Dorothy are returned. For much of Rachel's life it seems that Dorothy has abandoned Rachel, but Rachel refuses to think of her mother that way and always remembers the kind and loving aspects of Dorothy. When Rachel is able to speak with her sister Sarah, she learns the true reason she does not receive letters from Dorothy.