Dear Jurmien,
 

            America was once a place of hope.  While I was in Lithuania, I

dreamt of America every chance that I had.  I would fantasize day and night

about the opportunity that was in the land of freedom.  Alas, it is all a

lie.  I could not believe all that happened in this land.  All my dreams

shattered in an instant.  The land of opportunity only belongs to those who

cheat your money off of you.  It may seem very harsh in Lithuania but here it

is even more terrible.  I urge you not to come to this land and face what I

have this far.  If I had a choice never to set foot in this country, I would.

 The pain that I have gone through is worth no price.  Your family here has

gone through the most peril.  Death and survival go together in this land.

Beware your choices.  I wish I could speak to you about the horror that I

have seen and the pain that our family has gone through.  I will save all of

that for a later time when you are ready to learn.  You must always have, in

your mind,  the fact that you are from Lithuania.  Your roots will always

return you happiness.  That is all that I will tell you for now, but I have a

lesson to teach you.  Learn it, and learn it well.  Anything that seems too

good to be true is so.  Be good to your family and yourself.
 
 
 
 

                                        Jurgis