My sweet Ruthie,

Today this letter is just for you, on your fourth birthday. I wish everything wonderful for you, my darling, everything I can imagine. Be a very good girl and listen to what your dear papa and your dear mama tell you, and you will become a fine girl. I know you will. I wish I could buy you a birthday present. Maybe your mama will get you a nice dress and she will say it’s from me. That would be a present for both of us and would make me very happy. My sweetheart. Be healthy and good, and grow up big and strong, and for today let me give you a thousand greetings and a thousand kisses from your oma, who loves you more than anything in the world.