NOTE: This letter was written by Nastya Korolik. She sent it to Anna Sokoluk, who emigrated from Ukraine to Canada and later moved with her family to Detroit, Michigan. It was translated from Ukrainian in April 2001 as follows:

29 March 1965

Dear friend Anna,

I received your letter, and thank you and I ask you not to be angry that I didn’t reply for a while because I had a reason for delay – I was waiting for the weather to warm up so I could make a picture of me and you could see how I look right now as I got older.

Anna, it is warm here now, but we didn’t start any farming activities yet on our own lots – just on the "kolhoz" fields people are sorting out potatoes. Anna, you asked me about Marina, our neighbor, whom did she marry – maybe you remember this guy – he used to go to the school with us – Vasiliy Hodak Cugutak from Branivka. He is also right now in America in that city where my husband and son are and this city where they and Marina’s husband live is called Philadelphia. Marina had four sons, one died but the other three are alive and she now lives in Branivka. Anna, you asked me if I visited my son to look at him – I didn’t because it’s very far away and it’s very cold there – the snow starts to melt only in June and you have to go there by airplane, but I have a weak heart so I’m not sure if I could do it – my son is visiting me here every two years with his wife and son – he has just one son, and he lived with me for two years when he was little and now my grandson is eleven years old.

(Confusing information about a friend and some money were written here.)

Anna, this is true that we have electricity here and building very nice houses. You asked me if I wanted to come to America – the old person doesn’t need to go anywhere. But big Marina is thinking to go to her husband and if she would get there – she could tell you everything. I’m sending you my and Marina’s picture and I’m smaller and Marina is bigger – so you will be able to recognize us. Just don’t make fun of us because our clothes are not so stylish like yours – you are a pretty lady, I’m ending my letter now.

Me, my children and my grandson are wishing you well, happy long life and also to your children and grandchildren, and Marina congratulates you with all her heart.

Your friend,

Nastya Korolik

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