because we not know each other, but you are first man I interested in for being together for all lifetime. I hope that does not make you afraid. We do not know each other but I know and not afraid.
I only been with one man. He Russian mine engineer and good and honest man. I tell you we had sex very often. I hope that not make you jealous. In a way, I loved him. But I not loved him completely. Not as I will love my husband. Now, when I look at your picture, I sorry I had sex with him. But I did and I sorry I did. I should not. I hope you forgive me. Please tell me and I feel better. The man is gone. I already have not seen him three years.
When I was little girl, I lived with my grandmother, my babushka, with our tribe. It was simple life. I attended small school in village. Government teachers from Yakutsk taught me to read and write Russian language. I wished very much to learn. I learned quickly and teachers told my babushka she must take me to Yakutsk for better school. She did. My family worked very hard so I could be in school. It not normal because Yakut girls often not attend normal schools. I had very good success and my tribe is very proud.
I also very good artist. My cousin, Ludmilla, attended government school already because she good artist. Government schoolteachers saw I better artist so I also attend government school. My babushka and I worked hard at any honest job to get extra money. My family also to us food and little money. They still very good to us and often bring to us horse meat and reindeer meat and vegetables.
I learned very quick at school. I worked very hard and learned speak Russian better than Russians. I also learned speak English. I very glad I did that. Now I talk to you, Mr. Michael Valentine of United States of America.
I went to Institute for Teachers and became schoolteacher. Now I teach English and Russian for advanced students. I also teach students how draw pictures.
I live with my babushka and we love each other very much. I want to say I must take care of my babushka until she dead. I must leave my life before I let her suffer. Please tell me I can care for my babushka. I beg you tell me that OK for you. We poor, but we happy. I am much happy since I received your letter, Michael Valentine. Thank you again. But, if you not accept my babushka, then I cannot be with you. Please, please, please tell me you accept her. I cannot leave her. It impossible for me. I want meet you and be with you more than I want live, but I must care my babushka. Please tell me that acceptable for you. She wonderful old woman and very much fun. Please, please, please say is OK.
The last thing I want tell you is I honest woman. You must know I tell you truth. I adult and know people believe I crazy to hope in man I not know and who lives in America. But I feel this good. I hope you feel this good also.
I sending you another picture. I must wait until I receive money to send more pictures. But I promise to send.
So, Michael, Misha, Mr. Valentine, please know that I think about you very often. I will read your letter many more times and look at my beautiful pictures of my Misha. My babushka also thinks you are a very handsome man. Please do not be angry, but when we saw your pictures, we both said that if you were a horse, you could satisfy many mares in a single day. And I must tell you, and please do not be angry, when I look at you I think thoughts an unmarried woman should not think.
Also, please to answer these questions. We confused about things you said and things we saw in my beautiful pictures.
I am hoping,
Natalya Ivanova Bombla
Yakutsk , Siberia
Questions
Why ‘tundra’ on your truck? Tundra in the north of our country.
What ‘rounds?’ You said you went five rounds with your friend.
Where beautiful fireplace you and your brother and his family standing in front of? We both love it.
What ‘in the millions’ mean?
What ‘knocked out’ mean?
He put down the letter and laughed. He brought the letter up and then put it down and laughed again. He suddenly noticed he was sitting down on the floor with his back against the wall and he laughed again. He looked at the picture and laughed.
“Not beautiful enough? Hell, woman, I…” Then he dropped the picture and laughed. He brought the letter up and put it down. He brought the picture up and said, “I’m going to marry you. We both know it.” Then he stood up and walked to the computer. He stopped and started to call his brother. Then he stopped and tried to remember where his camera was. He found it and started walking next door. Then he stopped and put the camera on the table. Then he walked next door and knocked. Ludmilla answered.
“Yes, Mike, what is it?” He started to talk but could only laugh.
Five days later, Natalya received a letter special delivery through FedEx. It was from Michael Valentine of Sacramento, California and was delivered to her door. That was the first package she ever received that she didn’t have to pick up at the post office.
She opened it and took out the thick letter. It was typed written again. She looked at the first line. It read ‘Dearest Natalya.’ She flipped the pages and looked at the last line. It read “Love, Mike.”
She dropped to her knees and began crying. She knew this would happen. She knew beyond doubt that her dream would come true. Years of frustration came out in sobs. Her babushka ran to her. “What’s wrong, Little Bird?”
She looked up with tears streaming down her face. She smiled and said, “It will happen, Dear Heart. I know it will happen. He will come here and save us. I know it!” Then they hugged each other and both cried. After a few minutes, they sat down side by side on their ancient sofa. Natalya was sniffing, wiping her eyes, and laughing all at the same time.
“Which should we do first,” asked her babushka, “the pictures or the letter?”
Natalya smiled, wiping away more tears. “The letter. I want to read what he says.”
Her babushka nodded and smiled. “I can be patient.”
Natalya smiled and they hugged again. She opened the letter and read.
Dearest Natalya,
I agree with you. People will think this is crazy. We have never met and it seems we are from different worlds. But I know, I just know we are meant to be together. I don’t know how I know, but I know.
She put the letter down and wept.
“Are those good tears, or bad tears?” asked her babushka.
“They are heaven’s rain of joy, Dear heart.”
“Well, hurry up. I am an old woman.”
They embraced one more time before she continued.
First, I want to get something straight, or I want there to be understanding between us. You are a million times more beautiful than I am. I will not hear any more argument about that. Also, you are a very intelligent woman. I was only a policeman. I hope I am not too stupid for you.
Next, you have no reason to ask my forgiveness for the Russian engineer. That is in the past. Now, and I hope this does not make you mad. In my mind, you belong to me and I belong to you. What has happened before makes no difference. What is important is what happens now between us.
Next, please know that I will gladly accept your babushka as my own and promise you I will take care for her for as long as she lives. Your family has been very good to you. I want to help them, also.
Natalya, your letter means so much to me.