Letter from Dora

I just received this note from cousin Dora in the Ukraine.

January 26, 2009

My dear Dan, Yvette, Richard, and Sandy:

I received your letters, the photo of all of you, and the photo of Tracy’s little daughter Sheila, a splendid little girl. May she grow up in good health and be a joy to you all. You all look great.

At the bank I received the $350 you sent to me. Thank you so much for caring, for your generosity, and for paying attention to me. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and a deep bow. Your kindness knows no bounds, for which God gives you and Yvette good health and long life. You live surrounded by your loved ones and in turn surround them with love.

To my regret I am quite alone here, the last of our generation of Yakhnoviches in Russia. David and Rakhil are gone. Tamara, Mikhail, and Gennady and their families live in various countries. They call me and write to me.

Your country is also going through a difficult period. The crisis has seized all countries, including our Ukraine. We hope your newly elected president will change things for the better. In my old age I am left quite alone.

I get information and help around the house from social workers. They do everything I ask of them and take care of those things I can no longer do. My age is taking its toll. On June 23 I will be 88 years old. Thanks to your assistance I don’t live in poverty as so many here do. I’m glad I can stand up on my own and hope things don’t get worse.

I am so glad that you write to me, know who I am, and remember me.

You can take pride in your children and grandchildren. They all are successful in life.

Greetings from me to Steven, Robert, and their families, and also to Evelyn and her family, and to all my other relatives.

I wish you robust health, happiness, success, and prosperity.

With love,

Dora