01-091 [Family]
1883.11.27 Calamba
From: Teodora Alonso
To: José Rizal
Rizal asks for family pictures — Maternal solicitude — God’s blessings on the Rizal family
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Calamba. 27 November 1883
MY DEAR SON,
On the 13th of this month we ate at your Aunt Betang’s house and on the 14th we slept there, because we three had our group picture taken to send to you so that you will not get sad. We happen to talk about your great desire to see our pictures. Even though it is hard for my eyes, I’m writing you, so that you may receive a letter from me.
It is very necessary that I tell you that, when you are not doing anything, you recall the time when you were yet very young, before you learned to read, you were devoted to the Holy Virgin, the Merciful Lady. She watched over you until you learned almost miraculously. I acknowledge that the learning that you have attained is due to the many rosaries you recited to her. May we not forget this.
Why is it that in one of your letters; it seems that you do not favor our praying in the church? I’m going to tell you that since you left this place, in addition to my special offerings for you, I urge fervently the saints to whom I pray to preserve and protect you.
Now, I’m going to mention to you one by one my new debts to our Lord. On 6 June 1882 Lucía delivered a baby boy who was named José, on 15 September 1882 Neneng gave birth to a boy who was named Alfredo; on 14 June 1883 Sisa gave birth to a girl who was given the name María Consolación; On 3 September 1883 Olimpia gave birth to a boy who was named Aristeo; on the 26 of this month Neneng gave birth to a girl also. Both girls are not yet baptized but they will be on Sunday. Here many die of childbirth but they went through it safely. The terrible cholera visited this place followed by beriberi and the destructive typhoon, But we were not affected, because of God’s mercy, who seems to have sheltered and supported us. Thieves stole ₱4000 from Neneng; she recovered it, except a small amount. Just see if it is not proper for you, my children, to help me to be grateful for all these debts, so that in the end we may be granted another one, which is that we may meet and be together again. Let us give thanks to the Lord. Your mother who wishes the welfare of your soul,
TEODORA ALONSO
P.S.
I gave your Uncle Antonio 2.5 pesos as my Christmas present to you.