A lovely letter to Srila Prabhupada by Sally Agarwal…

A lovely letter to Srila Prabhupada by Sally Agarwal whom’s family first hosted Srila Prabhupada when he arrived in America.
When she left Swamiji at the bus depot, she cried thinking of him alone in NYC
——
Tuesday, Nov. 9th1965
Dear Swamiji,
We were so glad to get your letter. We talk about you often and wonder how you are, if you are lonely, if you are working, etc. and if you have a satisfactory place in which to cook. You said in one of your previous letters that you go some place to cook once a day. Does that mean that you have a hot meal only one time a day? If so, what do you eat for the other meals? Another thing, please answer–what are your plans? ‘Where is your next station? When do you expect to go there? When is your scheduled departure for India? We would like to know these details.

Gopal had your books shipped lest Friday, November 5, so you should have received them by now or very soon. We have been wondering if your negotiations with the booksellers and publishers have come to any settlement. Please let us know of any developments. You must know that we are very interested.

As to your questions about the children, they are in good health except for slight colds, but that is only passing. Brij is becoming very adept at standing and moving about holding onto the tables, etc. Yesterday he climbed up several steps to the second floor before he fell. He cried as though his heart was broken, but within the hour he tried again and did not fall. I found him on the fourth step looking down at me smiling as if to say, “See, mother, what I have done!” Hamla is almost as naughty as ever. She doesn’t seem to be after Brij so much as before. Perhaps, she tries to play with him more rather than just take toys away from him. At least, things seem fairly quiet for the present.

My parents came to visit us for the day last week. They had just returned from a short trip to Niagra Falls in Canada. I feel they are enjoying their older age because they are together, their family is well, and they have the money and income to do as they please. They can travel as they wish and have their desires. Their life-obligations are over and now they can relax. This is a far cry from your life, Swamiji. They have relaxed in their older age, and you have taken on a much harder job.

In one of your letters you mentioned going to California. Were you seriously thinking of making that trip? If so, let us know how your plans are proceeding where are you going to stay in California? and with whom? Also Canada and Detroit. Do you know that if you leave the U.S. and enter Canada you cannot reenter the U.S.? You would need a new visa for the reentry. Did you get an extension on your present visa?

Have you found the cold weather bearable? Even yet, it is not nearly so cold as it will become. We just heard on this evening’s news that all the electric was out in hew York City today. That must have been a strange sensation for. New Yorkers, but not for you!

Did you write to your son? Also, have yo, written to Babuji?
We hope you are well and we are waiting more news from you.

Love, Sally.