My dearest sweethearts Valechka, Lenochka and Galochka!
I’ve decided to write to you to share the joy and happiness I experience today. It is today when the governmental commission has chosen me to be the first man sent into the Space. You know, my dear Valusha, I’m so glad and I want you to be just as glad as I am. Just because a simple man is honored to perform such important national task – to pave the first way into the Space!
Could I dream more? This is the History! This is a new era! I should go in a day. You will be going about your business at that time. Such a great challenge accepted! I would like to spend a little time with you, talk to you. But unfortunately, you are so far away. Nevertheless, I feel you near.
I’ve complete faith in mechanics. They shouldn’t fail. But sometimes a man falls down on the plain ground and breaks a neck. The same about it. But I don’t believe it myself. And even is anything happens, I beg you, and you first, not to go mad with grieving. Life is life, so no one can guarantee that tomorrow you won’t get under a car.
Take care of the girls, love them as much as I do. Grow them to be self-contained people, who are not afraid of difficulties or hard work. Grow them to be worthy of the new communistic society. The state will help you. As for your private life, follow your heart, your conscience. I have no right to claim anything. It sounds a little bit tragic. I don’t believe it myself. I hope, you will never see this letter and I’ll be ashamed of my fleeting weakness before myself. But if there’s an accident, you should know everything.
My short life was honest and productive. Back in the childhood I read Valery Chkalov’s words “If you are supposed to be, be the first”. That’s what I’m trying to be and I will till the end. I want, my dear Valechka, to devote my flight to the citizens of new society – communism – which we are stepping into, to our great Motherland, to our science.
I hope, in several days we’ll be together again, we’ll be happy. Valechka, please, do not abandon my parents; help them, if you can. Send my best regards and let them forgive me, that they knew nothing, though they didn’t have to. So, that’s all. See you later, my dearest and nearest.
Cuddles and kesses,
You father and Yura.
April, 10 1951