01-040 [Family]
1882.09.26 Calamba, Laguna
From: Saturnina Rizal
To: José Rizal
Sra. Neneng wants to send Rizal a diamond ring— Rizal wants his family to write him in Tagalog.
* * *
Calamba, Laguna
26 September 1882
DEAREST BROTHER,
I have read that you want to hear the Tagalog language, or our language, in order that you may not forget your origin and we your siblings. Papa always says, whenever we talk about you, that perhaps you will stay there so long that you may not see each other before he leaves this world. I was going to write you long ago, but I thought that my letter might reach Barcelona ahead of you. Moreover, every time I pick up your letters. I cannot hold my tears, especially the first one you wrote on your departure in which you said that you passed by here Monday morning when you were going down to Manila and as I was sleeping you did not see me anymore. And then Mama says that you are carrying little money, so that I’m always thinking of how you are getting along. For this reason, I want to send you a diamond ring and write me to whom I should send it, so that it may reach you there. We are well, thank God; I have no ailment of any kind; what I don’t know is whether I shall get over the difficulties ahead.
With regard to the town fiesta, what I can tell you is that Sra. Julia with the whole family and others from Sta. Cruz stayed here a long time — two weeks. Aunt Betang did not come because she had guests she could not leave behind. I’ll write you longer later because the bearer is in a hurry.
Your sister who loves you dearly.
SATURNINA RIZAL