January 9, 1918

My dear own child:

Thank you darling for the various letters which gave us a
profound joy. On Christmas eve I received the perfumes and letters
which you, little child, had sent as early as October. Thereupon
once more some perfumes through little N. I am sorry that I did
not see her, but we all saw some one who could easily have been the
brother of Tiatenka; he had exactly the same gestures. It caused
the soul to vibrate with joy. Papa had noticed him from alar; he
was tall, handsome, bare headed and shod in red felt boots--as they
wear them here. He made the sign of the cross, bowed deeply and
jumped up with joy reminding us that he had seen us in Kiev.

Tell me, my own, did you receive various little parcels which
we sent you through several friends, with sausage, flour, coffee,
tea, noodles and other presents?--letters and photos through the
son-in-law of M.F.G. I am anxious because it is said that parcels
with food are being opened. The same source advises not to send
"registered" mail which attracts more attention and hence the mail
is easier lost.

Today I start numbering the letters and you should keep trace
of them. So far we were unable to hand over the silver saucer and
the little bell of Lily. We all congratulate you heartily on your
namesday; may God bless and comfort you, sustain you and bring you
joy.

I embrace you tenderly and caress your little head and kiss
your suffering brow. The Lord God will not desert you my own, even
now; he is merciful and will save our dear beloved country. Remem-
ber the Old Testament; all the suffering of Israel for their trans-
gressions. Has our Lord not been forgotten. It is for this, why

Do not fear to say, it is worse to be in the unknown. I gave her
name in the church too the day of the New Year--one must pray for
her that she should be in every respect as required; and do not err.

It is 10 months that I have not seen him. Little mushrooms do not
exist any more. Every thing has passed and will not change any
more,- one has to start a new life in self oblivion. It is time
to finish, my darling. May Christ prevail with you. Greetings
to all yours. Kisses to Mama and tender congratulations once more.

I am in a hurry to finish the drawing and to enclose it. I fear
that you are passing again through terrible days. Rumors reach us
about the massacre of officers in Sebastopol. I fear for N.P. He
is there with his brother.

Your old Mama,