A Sept. 27, 1957 letter sent from Anna Paikens, in Latvia, to her daughter-in-law, Helena Paikens, in Minneapolis
Letter read in Latvian by Ilze Garoza
Translation
Hello Helena,
Dear daughter-in-law, thank you very much for the letter that I awaited for so long. Eidis wrote me that you were going to write me. I am happy that you are satisfied with my son. We reared him simply and firm. He was a very good son to me.
Eidis was 27 years old when he parted from me and he had never spoken against me. I think that he is also a good son to your mother. Dear Helena, about the stockings I don't know the size. I think it is medium size. Daughter, I am not that stupid that I would not know that one does not bake bread in the city. There aren't such owns in the house. It is good that you make simple food. Eidis is used to eating simple. Helena, little daughter, take your mother to yourself. It is bad for her to be alone at such an old age. It is better at children's. You are writing that Eidis is gaining weight, then he is a father's son. Because father also got well fed when he got married. But don't overfeed him with the simple food. Now you can write me in your own language, because I found someone who knows English language.
Pass my greetings to your mother. All good,
Mother-in-law