Letters Yad Vashem, Israël X.
23-8-1943
Beloved children,
The paper is poor and so is my fountain pen. I carry it with me all the time without a cap, so you must not hold it against me. During the past two weeks I received only one letter from Hans, with a postscript from Paul, and I gathered that you and little Charlotte had at least received my letter, just as all the lovely parcels have reached us. Unfortunately, the last two from Paul arrived rather damaged, so that only part of the contents was usable. That was bad luck! After all, one longs for clean things. The best way of packing is to do it so that when it is shaken, nothing moves.
The mail is delivered to us at long intervals because it must first pass through censorship; therefore one should limit oneself to one page, otherwise it will take even longer. Meanwhile, Chaja has returned to Amsterdam—perhaps Lientje has already spoken to her. If possible, give her my warm regards. This little person leaves gaps everywhere she has been: “Such a fine person, whom one so rarely…”
The Ledermanns are now fully acclimatized. Ille (Ilse) faithfully brings me my share of the parcels. We have had, and still occasionally have, lovely summer weather, and also less oppressive dog days, though that makes the familiar work suddenly feel heavy. The day before yesterday, 21 August, was Tata’s 81st birthday. Is she still alive? I almost hope not.
Sanne has tonsillitis and must remain in bed until she is free of fever. She is always very happy with the wonderful parcels from Charlotte (Dolly). She immediately puts on the blouses and shoes—everything fits, and she looks lovely.
There are no new developments, so I will close. We think and speak of you all every day. The longing remains. I hope you are well! Be warmly embraced with love,
Mutti
Beloved children,
The paper is poor and so is my fountain pen. I carry it with me all the time without a cap, so you must not hold it against me. During the past two weeks I received only one letter from Hans, with a postscript from Paul, and I gathered that you and little Charlotte had at least received my letter, just as all the lovely parcels have reached us. Unfortunately, the last two from Paul arrived rather damaged, so that only part of the contents was usable. That was bad luck! After all, one longs for clean things. The best way of packing is to do it so that when it is shaken, nothing moves.
The mail is delivered to us at long intervals because it must first pass through censorship; therefore one should limit oneself to one page, otherwise it will take even longer. Meanwhile, Chaja has returned to Amsterdam—perhaps Lientje has already spoken to her. If possible, give her my warm regards. This little person leaves gaps everywhere she has been: “Such a fine person, whom one so rarely…”
The Ledermanns are now fully acclimatized. Ille (Ilse) faithfully brings me my share of the parcels. We have had, and still occasionally have, lovely summer weather, and also less oppressive dog days, though that makes the familiar work suddenly feel heavy. The day before yesterday, 21 August, was Tata’s 81st birthday. Is she still alive? I almost hope not.
Sanne has tonsillitis and must remain in bed until she is free of fever. She is always very happy with the wonderful parcels from Charlotte (Dolly). She immediately puts on the blouses and shoes—everything fits, and she looks lovely.
There are no new developments, so I will close. We think and speak of you all every day. The longing remains. I hope you are well! Be warmly embraced with love,
Mutti
My darling, 26 August 1943
Today your dear letter arrived, which delighted us beyond measure. And now your birthday is coming soon (4 September—you will be turning 18). You know what I wish for you. My dear, you do not have it easy. I hope and wish that you will be able to deal with your difficulties with the same calmness and caution as before.
You must not think that we are in low spirits. When I powder my face after shaving, I already think of you. And when the parcels arrive, we stand around them deeply moved. The fact that Sanne is in bed with inflamed glands and that I am being treated for stomach pains hardly affects our mood. We do not need to tell you how grateful we are—you can surely imagine it without much effort.
Stay healthy and cheerful, and give our greetings to all your loved ones and ours.
From your
Franz
(Letter from Franz Ledermann to his daughter Barbara, who is in hiding in Amsterdam.)
My dear ones, 11 September 1943
I regret that I must write from bed. My stomach pains simply will not subside; therefore, the somewhat offended attending physician referred me to specialists. They pumped my stomach, which caused them considerable concern, and at the hospital it became clear that it appears to be a tumor in the duodenum.
So, for six days, examinations are being carried out, and if the results are as the specialists expect, I will have to follow a diet and remain in bed in the hospital for a period of four to six weeks. One does not like to think ahead about such a length of time. Because of this, and because of being confined to bed, my mood has completely vanished—one might say it is rather clouded.
You know with what kind of grim contentment I used to withdraw into myself in times of misfortune, but here I cannot deceive Ille (Ilse), as I have no reason to do so. Here, at least, I can finally give free rein to my feelings. Yet the invisible burdens have increased significantly.
Otherwise, now that the pain has subsided, I do not suffer; I simply lie in bed all the time and am well nursed and cared for. But of course it is terribly tedious. Nisso Simons lies opposite me, and the only bright moment is visiting hour in the evening. Ilse also brings me my share of your wonderful parcels. So far I may eat everything except meat, though I fear this may change after the six weeks of examinations.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks as well for all your lovingly and practically arranged packages. What you write about yourself interests us deeply—you cannot be too detailed. It is, of course, bitter not to be able to sit at the family table for the time being, but perhaps this too will pass.
Paul, please also accept my sincere thanks. Mother, as always, is wonderful, and because of my condition I feel quite inadequate.
Give our regards to all loved ones and friends, and receive a warm embrace from
Franz
(Letter from Franz Ledermann to his brother-in-law Paul Citroen.)
Wie is Nisso Simons?
Today your dear letter arrived, which delighted us beyond measure. And now your birthday is coming soon (4 September—you will be turning 18). You know what I wish for you. My dear, you do not have it easy. I hope and wish that you will be able to deal with your difficulties with the same calmness and caution as before.
You must not think that we are in low spirits. When I powder my face after shaving, I already think of you. And when the parcels arrive, we stand around them deeply moved. The fact that Sanne is in bed with inflamed glands and that I am being treated for stomach pains hardly affects our mood. We do not need to tell you how grateful we are—you can surely imagine it without much effort.
Stay healthy and cheerful, and give our greetings to all your loved ones and ours.
From your
Franz
(Letter from Franz Ledermann to his daughter Barbara, who is in hiding in Amsterdam.)
My dear ones, 11 September 1943
I regret that I must write from bed. My stomach pains simply will not subside; therefore, the somewhat offended attending physician referred me to specialists. They pumped my stomach, which caused them considerable concern, and at the hospital it became clear that it appears to be a tumor in the duodenum.
So, for six days, examinations are being carried out, and if the results are as the specialists expect, I will have to follow a diet and remain in bed in the hospital for a period of four to six weeks. One does not like to think ahead about such a length of time. Because of this, and because of being confined to bed, my mood has completely vanished—one might say it is rather clouded.
You know with what kind of grim contentment I used to withdraw into myself in times of misfortune, but here I cannot deceive Ille (Ilse), as I have no reason to do so. Here, at least, I can finally give free rein to my feelings. Yet the invisible burdens have increased significantly.
Otherwise, now that the pain has subsided, I do not suffer; I simply lie in bed all the time and am well nursed and cared for. But of course it is terribly tedious. Nisso Simons lies opposite me, and the only bright moment is visiting hour in the evening. Ilse also brings me my share of your wonderful parcels. So far I may eat everything except meat, though I fear this may change after the six weeks of examinations.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks as well for all your lovingly and practically arranged packages. What you write about yourself interests us deeply—you cannot be too detailed. It is, of course, bitter not to be able to sit at the family table for the time being, but perhaps this too will pass.
Paul, please also accept my sincere thanks. Mother, as always, is wonderful, and because of my condition I feel quite inadequate.
Give our regards to all loved ones and friends, and receive a warm embrace from
Franz
(Letter from Franz Ledermann to his brother-in-law Paul Citroen.)
Wie is Nisso Simons?
My dear Lizzy (Barbara), 26 August 1943
This is to be my birthday letter to you. I think of all those other birthdays that we were able to celebrate together, when I chose gifts for you with so much love. Now you have become the one who cares and gives—but my heart is with you, and I am glad that you are there, and that in a way you are there for me as well.
I wish you, with all my heart, everything that can bless a person: happiness with your friends, joy in your work, and love for life with all its beauty and richness. May everything be a blessing to you. I embrace you warmly, and on the 4th we will be together—in a deeper way than usual.
Today your letter of 5 August arrived, with the expired bread coupons. So do not send those anymore, but rather a German bread or a rye bread. And do not deprive yourself of anything for our sake.
I am doing well, but Sanne developed tonsillitis fourteen days ago, was up again for three days, and then came down with glandular fever—an infectious illness affecting the glands in the neck. This can last a long time, and she is lying in bed with warm compresses, wrapped in your headscarf. She was delighted with your things and will later dictate a letter to you. For that she climbs into her third-tier bed.
Franz is walking around with stomach pains, growing thinner, and is being cared for. For the time being he has been prescribed a child’s diet. Betsy is in Isidor’s barrack. Sal is staying with Heinz—they had already played chess together before they knew who the other was; Franz discovered them there. Sal has injured his hand and therefore cannot write. He sends you his warm greetings. We see him often.
Grandmother, to her sorrow, did not think of your birthday when reading your letter, but she sends you her heartfelt greetings. The heath is in bloom; it grows deeper in color by the day, and I look at it, and at the trees and the roofs in the distance, and at the clouds and the play of colors across them.
I kiss you and all your loved ones.
Yours,
Ilse
(Who are Betsy, Isidor, and Sal?)
This is to be my birthday letter to you. I think of all those other birthdays that we were able to celebrate together, when I chose gifts for you with so much love. Now you have become the one who cares and gives—but my heart is with you, and I am glad that you are there, and that in a way you are there for me as well.
I wish you, with all my heart, everything that can bless a person: happiness with your friends, joy in your work, and love for life with all its beauty and richness. May everything be a blessing to you. I embrace you warmly, and on the 4th we will be together—in a deeper way than usual.
Today your letter of 5 August arrived, with the expired bread coupons. So do not send those anymore, but rather a German bread or a rye bread. And do not deprive yourself of anything for our sake.
I am doing well, but Sanne developed tonsillitis fourteen days ago, was up again for three days, and then came down with glandular fever—an infectious illness affecting the glands in the neck. This can last a long time, and she is lying in bed with warm compresses, wrapped in your headscarf. She was delighted with your things and will later dictate a letter to you. For that she climbs into her third-tier bed.
Franz is walking around with stomach pains, growing thinner, and is being cared for. For the time being he has been prescribed a child’s diet. Betsy is in Isidor’s barrack. Sal is staying with Heinz—they had already played chess together before they knew who the other was; Franz discovered them there. Sal has injured his hand and therefore cannot write. He sends you his warm greetings. We see him often.
Grandmother, to her sorrow, did not think of your birthday when reading your letter, but she sends you her heartfelt greetings. The heath is in bloom; it grows deeper in color by the day, and I look at it, and at the trees and the roofs in the distance, and at the clouds and the play of colors across them.
I kiss you and all your loved ones.
Yours,
Ilse
(Who are Betsy, Isidor, and Sal?)
My dear darling, 26 August 1943
By the time this letter reaches you, it will almost be your birthday. My dear, you know I would much rather have told you this in person, with a little present. It has not often happened, has it, that we could not celebrate your birthday together, and so it feels a little strange to send you a birthday kiss instead of planting a good hard one on your cheek.
And the present—or rather the presents—that I have received from you this year instead of you from me! Variety is necessary. What beautiful things you have sent me! First came those shoes. Naughty girl! Weren’t those lovely shoes originally yours? I seem to remember you had only just received them. You mustn’t send things you need yourself! Of course I was absolutely thrilled with them, and they fit me perfectly. Everyone here admires them! And that sweet little blouse—what gorgeous fabric. I made the sleeves a bit tighter and only wear it when I want to look my very best. The scarf as well—ditto, ditto. Although I am now wearing it in bed.
I am ill again since Sunday—glandular fever. I have a large, painful gland accompanied by headache and a high temperature. This morning at half past seven I had 38.4°C. Annoying, isn’t it? The doctor says it may last three weeks. I am writing this in bed, which is difficult, as you can see. I am wearing the scarf now, filled with cotton wool, looking as if I have mumps.
That belt is also lovely—such good quality again. And the well-known patience game made me and the whole neighbourhood very happy. Only that soy game I don’t understand. Pity, isn’t it? The sweets parcel was wonderful! I was already ill then, and it was gone within two days! Oh, what excitement when I receive a parcel myself!
Those shoes from Pl. were also wonderful. They fit me like a glove. I now have quite a shoe shop already. Although two pairs of low shoes are not even that many here in Westerbork, because you wear out soles incredibly fast here, especially when you are an orderly.
This morning we received your letter of the 5th. Ugh, such a finger caught in a door can really hurt badly. Was Bea disappointed? You see, I knew all along you would get on with your Mannie. Congratulations, Manfred, on “the girl of your heart”—or is she not that? Will you give her a bunch of tulips again this year? But now you probably won’t be so shy anymore, since there won’t be so many people around.
Oh yes, Lottie (Barbara), I still need to ask you for a shopping bag and a tea strainer, and to tell little Louisje that her honey cake was unforgettable. Is she back again? The weather has been nice lately—she has been lucky.
I also have to send you warm greetings from Uncle Heinz, with many kisses and birthday wishes, and further a lovely birthday and an incredible number of kisses from your
Suusje
P.S. I still thank you for Willy’s Offer. I already knew it, but it was beautiful again. And Manfred, you will also receive a letter from me for that “extra occasion”—aren’t you just delighted?
Goodbye, my dears…
Who are Bea and Louisje?
By the time this letter reaches you, it will almost be your birthday. My dear, you know I would much rather have told you this in person, with a little present. It has not often happened, has it, that we could not celebrate your birthday together, and so it feels a little strange to send you a birthday kiss instead of planting a good hard one on your cheek.
And the present—or rather the presents—that I have received from you this year instead of you from me! Variety is necessary. What beautiful things you have sent me! First came those shoes. Naughty girl! Weren’t those lovely shoes originally yours? I seem to remember you had only just received them. You mustn’t send things you need yourself! Of course I was absolutely thrilled with them, and they fit me perfectly. Everyone here admires them! And that sweet little blouse—what gorgeous fabric. I made the sleeves a bit tighter and only wear it when I want to look my very best. The scarf as well—ditto, ditto. Although I am now wearing it in bed.
I am ill again since Sunday—glandular fever. I have a large, painful gland accompanied by headache and a high temperature. This morning at half past seven I had 38.4°C. Annoying, isn’t it? The doctor says it may last three weeks. I am writing this in bed, which is difficult, as you can see. I am wearing the scarf now, filled with cotton wool, looking as if I have mumps.
That belt is also lovely—such good quality again. And the well-known patience game made me and the whole neighbourhood very happy. Only that soy game I don’t understand. Pity, isn’t it? The sweets parcel was wonderful! I was already ill then, and it was gone within two days! Oh, what excitement when I receive a parcel myself!
Those shoes from Pl. were also wonderful. They fit me like a glove. I now have quite a shoe shop already. Although two pairs of low shoes are not even that many here in Westerbork, because you wear out soles incredibly fast here, especially when you are an orderly.
This morning we received your letter of the 5th. Ugh, such a finger caught in a door can really hurt badly. Was Bea disappointed? You see, I knew all along you would get on with your Mannie. Congratulations, Manfred, on “the girl of your heart”—or is she not that? Will you give her a bunch of tulips again this year? But now you probably won’t be so shy anymore, since there won’t be so many people around.
Oh yes, Lottie (Barbara), I still need to ask you for a shopping bag and a tea strainer, and to tell little Louisje that her honey cake was unforgettable. Is she back again? The weather has been nice lately—she has been lucky.
I also have to send you warm greetings from Uncle Heinz, with many kisses and birthday wishes, and further a lovely birthday and an incredible number of kisses from your
Suusje
P.S. I still thank you for Willy’s Offer. I already knew it, but it was beautiful again. And Manfred, you will also receive a letter from me for that “extra occasion”—aren’t you just delighted?
Goodbye, my dears…
Who are Bea and Louisje?
Mijn lieve allemaal, 20-9-1943
Met ongeloofleijk vreugde werden de verjaardagspakketten door ons ontvangen, die ongewoonlijk op tijd aankwamen. Wij zaten met z'n vijven bij elkaar en hebben alles met tranende en lachende ogen opengemaakt. Dat laatste vanuit het oogpunt voor de liefde waarmee alles zo inventief uitgezocht en voorbreid was. Charlottes vaardigheid daarin wordt steeds beter, wat ik ten zeerste bewonder. Onze gedachten zijn elkaar zeker tegengekomen. Wij probeerden ons voor te stellen hoe jullie de dag beleefd hebben en hopen daar spoedig alles over te horen. De Wassenaren hebben ons zeer verblijd. Wij wachten nu met spanning op post, die nu zeer druppelsgewijs binnenkomt. Van paulientje heb ik een kaart gekregen van jullie wandeltocht.Dat moet heerlijk geweest zijn, en dat zij mij in deze vakantie periode niet vergeten heeft doet mij deugt. Hopelijk hoor ik gauw ook weer van Paultjes bijzonderheden. Wij weten helemaal niet hoe het daar gaat, evenals hoe het bij Hans is. Lotte's roze brief aan Franz en Sanne heb ik met grote opmerkzaamheid gelezen. Zij schrijft niet in een 'roze' stemming. Niet verwondelijk na alles wat zij meegemaakt heeft. Wij wensen dat alles weer op het rechte pad komt, maar wij leven weer in grote onzekerheid. Sannes klierkoorts schijnt tegen de verwachting in bijna over te zijn. Nu krijgt zij een tandarts behandeling en ziet er een beetje smalletjes uit, maar is weer aan het werk, terwijl Franz zijn maagonderzoek nog niet afgelopen is. Om 5 uur moet de brief naar de post. Omdat mijn hulp ziek was, heeft mijn werk zich zo opgehoopt dat ik nauwelijks tijd had om te schrijven. Met de hoop dat spoedig uitgebreid nieuws van jullie allen krijg. Ik omhels jullie met liefde en groeten ook van Franz en Heinz.
Jullie Mutti
Met ongeloofleijk vreugde werden de verjaardagspakketten door ons ontvangen, die ongewoonlijk op tijd aankwamen. Wij zaten met z'n vijven bij elkaar en hebben alles met tranende en lachende ogen opengemaakt. Dat laatste vanuit het oogpunt voor de liefde waarmee alles zo inventief uitgezocht en voorbreid was. Charlottes vaardigheid daarin wordt steeds beter, wat ik ten zeerste bewonder. Onze gedachten zijn elkaar zeker tegengekomen. Wij probeerden ons voor te stellen hoe jullie de dag beleefd hebben en hopen daar spoedig alles over te horen. De Wassenaren hebben ons zeer verblijd. Wij wachten nu met spanning op post, die nu zeer druppelsgewijs binnenkomt. Van paulientje heb ik een kaart gekregen van jullie wandeltocht.Dat moet heerlijk geweest zijn, en dat zij mij in deze vakantie periode niet vergeten heeft doet mij deugt. Hopelijk hoor ik gauw ook weer van Paultjes bijzonderheden. Wij weten helemaal niet hoe het daar gaat, evenals hoe het bij Hans is. Lotte's roze brief aan Franz en Sanne heb ik met grote opmerkzaamheid gelezen. Zij schrijft niet in een 'roze' stemming. Niet verwondelijk na alles wat zij meegemaakt heeft. Wij wensen dat alles weer op het rechte pad komt, maar wij leven weer in grote onzekerheid. Sannes klierkoorts schijnt tegen de verwachting in bijna over te zijn. Nu krijgt zij een tandarts behandeling en ziet er een beetje smalletjes uit, maar is weer aan het werk, terwijl Franz zijn maagonderzoek nog niet afgelopen is. Om 5 uur moet de brief naar de post. Omdat mijn hulp ziek was, heeft mijn werk zich zo opgehoopt dat ik nauwelijks tijd had om te schrijven. Met de hoop dat spoedig uitgebreid nieuws van jullie allen krijg. Ik omhels jullie met liefde en groeten ook van Franz en Heinz.
Jullie Mutti
Transkriptionen
Nr 77
8./9.43
Mein geliebtes Paul-Lienchen und Paulieneke!
Heute sollt Ihr mal einen Brief von mir haben. Ihr schickt immer so goldige Pakete, die so voll Liebe gepackt sind, uns aber meistens nur teilweise erfreuen können, da so vieles kaputt ist. Die ersten Pilze waren total verdorben, von den weichen nur ein Teil zu gebrauchen. Brot darf nicht zu fest gepackt werden, es schimmelt. Eier sind meist zerquetscht und dadurch schlecht. Die Trauben in der Käsebüchse hinüber und zerquetscht, dadurch auch alles andere feucht. Es ist eine Jammer um Geld und Mühe und Liebe und tut mir mehr f. Euch leid als für uns. Sehr dankbar, Lienchen bin ich für die schönen Seiflappen, auch die alten. Und ich freu mich auf die Socken f. Sanne.
Inzwischen kamen auch die reizenden fra. Büchlein und P´kakarten(?) an Omi und Sanne von ihrer Wandertour. Herrlich, daß sie das so genießt. Leider kommt so wenig Post an und dann so alte überholte. Schreibt Karten mit Absender. Gestern kam Bärbels Brief vom 17.8. mit der Beschreibg. von Margas Geburtstag und der Einlage von Eva Rosins Brief, den ich Frau Rosin gab. Vielen Dank. Es muß ja sehr schön gewesen sein. Wie verlief wohl ihr eigener Geburtstag? Ich dachte viel an sie. Euer Roggenbrot ist prachtvoll, das deutsche nie trocken, wenn´s hier ankommt. Bitte lieber Roggenbrot. Die Zitronen, Äpfel, Birnen ideal. Die gr. Birnen von Omi waren unbeschreiblich aromatisch und saftig und tadellos. Sanne hat hier heute einen guten Wintermantel von jemand bekommen. Sie hat 12 Tage im Bett gelegen, ist nun wieder im Dienst, aber noch müde und dünnbeinig. Ich habe nie gewußt, wie man durch Essen auflebt. Wenn Pakete kommen, werden wir immer ganz vergnügt. Selten waren wir so guter Stimmung wie am Geburtstagsabend, als Lottis herrliche Sachen verzehrt wurden. Sanne verändert sich dann vollkommen.- Franzel liegt nun im Krankenhaus und findet es gräßlich. Bisher hat er noch keine Diät, da der Saalarzt ihn noch nicht untersucht hat. Aber aber an unseren Paketen wird er kaum teilnehmen können, was den Genuß daran erheblich herabsetzt. Ich kann ihn zw. 4. u. 5. und zw. 7. u. 8. besuchen. Zw. 4 u. 5 bin ich im Dienst, der mich aber grade um die Zeit aufs Krankenhaus hereinführt, da ich dann dort Essen f. versch. Säuglinge hole, so kann ich ihn dann auch sehen, wenn auch kurz. Gute Bücher u. Zeitschriften für ihn sind jetzt sehr am Platze. Deine letzten kamen grade richtig. Den Brief schreibe ich immer in der Mittagspause. Man hat hier immer zun tun u. kommt bis spät nie zur Ruhe, da außer der Dienstzeit alle priv. Dinge zu erledigen sind u Zustandshaltenden(?)Sachen. Man ist sehr müde, aber schläft dann auch herrlich trotz Flöhen, die man so halb im Schlaf im Waschraum fängt und ersäuft, danach schläft man weiter. Omi hält sich fantastisch, wie wird un beschreiblich bewundert. Genießt Ihr das herrl. Wetter? Paulchen, ich würde gern was von Deinen neuen Arbeiten sehen. Seid alle 3 innigst umarmt von Eurer Euch lieb. Ilse
Sehr freuen wir uns mit den Beckers, von denen ??????? ankamen. ????????? ?? zu haben?
Transcription by Paul Enck.
My beloved little Paul-Lienchen and Paulieneke,
Today you should receive a letter from me. You always send such lovely packages, packed with so much love, but unfortunately we can usually only partly enjoy them, as so much arrives damaged. The first mushrooms were completely spoiled; of the softer ones only a portion was usable. Bread must not be packed too tightly, as it molds. Eggs are usually crushed and therefore bad. The grapes in the cheese tin were ruined and squashed, which also made everything else damp. It is a pity about the money, effort, and love—and it pains me more for you than for us.
Lienchen, I am very grateful for the beautiful washcloths, even the old ones. And I am looking forward to the socks for Sanne.
In the meantime, the charming little booklets and postcards(?) for Grandma and Sanne from hiking trip have also arrived. It’s wonderful that she is enjoying it so much. Unfortunately, very little mail arrives, and when it does, it is often outdated. Please write cards with a return address.
Yesterday Bärbel’s letter from August 17 arrived, with the description of Marga’s birthday and the enclosed letter from Eva Rosin, which I gave to Mrs. Rosin. Many thanks. It must have been very nice. I wonder how her own birthday went—I thought of her a lot.
Your rye bread is magnificent; German bread never gets dry when it arrives here. Please, more rye bread. The lemons, apples, and pears are ideal. The large pears for Grandma were indescribably aromatic, juicy, and flawless.
Sanne received a good winter coat here today from someone. She was in bed for 12 days, is now back at work, but still tired and thin. I never knew how much one revives through food. When packages arrive, we always become quite cheerful. We were rarely in such good spirits as on the birthday evening when Lotti’s wonderful things were enjoyed. Sanne changes completely then.
Franzel is now in the hospital and finds it dreadful. So far he has not been given any diet, as the ward doctor has not yet examined him. Unfortunately, he will hardly be able to share in our packages, which greatly reduces the enjoyment. I can visit him between 4 and 5 and between 7 and 8. Between 4 and 5 I am on duty, which, however, takes me to the hospital at just that time, as I fetch food there for various infants—so I can see him then as well, even if only briefly. Good books and magazines would be very appropriate for him now. Your last ones arrived just in time.
I always write this letter during my lunch break. There is always so much to do here, and one never gets to rest until late, as outside of working hours all private matters and maintenance tasks must be taken care of. One is very tired, but then sleeps wonderfully—despite the fleas, which one half-asleep catches in the washroom and drowns, after which one continues sleeping.
Grandma is doing fantastically; she is admired beyond words. Are you enjoying the wonderful weather? Paulchen, I would love to see something of your new work.
All three of you are warmly embraced by your loving
Ilse
We are also very happy with the Beckers, from whom … arrived. … to have? (illegible parts)
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Nr 77
8./9.43
Mein geliebtes Paul-Lienchen und Paulieneke!
Heute sollt Ihr mal einen Brief von mir haben. Ihr schickt immer so goldige Pakete, die so voll Liebe gepackt sind, uns aber meistens nur teilweise erfreuen können, da so vieles kaputt ist. Die ersten Pilze waren total verdorben, von den weichen nur ein Teil zu gebrauchen. Brot darf nicht zu fest gepackt werden, es schimmelt. Eier sind meist zerquetscht und dadurch schlecht. Die Trauben in der Käsebüchse hinüber und zerquetscht, dadurch auch alles andere feucht. Es ist eine Jammer um Geld und Mühe und Liebe und tut mir mehr f. Euch leid als für uns. Sehr dankbar, Lienchen bin ich für die schönen Seiflappen, auch die alten. Und ich freu mich auf die Socken f. Sanne.
Inzwischen kamen auch die reizenden fra. Büchlein und P´kakarten(?) an Omi und Sanne von ihrer Wandertour. Herrlich, daß sie das so genießt. Leider kommt so wenig Post an und dann so alte überholte. Schreibt Karten mit Absender. Gestern kam Bärbels Brief vom 17.8. mit der Beschreibg. von Margas Geburtstag und der Einlage von Eva Rosins Brief, den ich Frau Rosin gab. Vielen Dank. Es muß ja sehr schön gewesen sein. Wie verlief wohl ihr eigener Geburtstag? Ich dachte viel an sie. Euer Roggenbrot ist prachtvoll, das deutsche nie trocken, wenn´s hier ankommt. Bitte lieber Roggenbrot. Die Zitronen, Äpfel, Birnen ideal. Die gr. Birnen von Omi waren unbeschreiblich aromatisch und saftig und tadellos. Sanne hat hier heute einen guten Wintermantel von jemand bekommen. Sie hat 12 Tage im Bett gelegen, ist nun wieder im Dienst, aber noch müde und dünnbeinig. Ich habe nie gewußt, wie man durch Essen auflebt. Wenn Pakete kommen, werden wir immer ganz vergnügt. Selten waren wir so guter Stimmung wie am Geburtstagsabend, als Lottis herrliche Sachen verzehrt wurden. Sanne verändert sich dann vollkommen.- Franzel liegt nun im Krankenhaus und findet es gräßlich. Bisher hat er noch keine Diät, da der Saalarzt ihn noch nicht untersucht hat. Aber aber an unseren Paketen wird er kaum teilnehmen können, was den Genuß daran erheblich herabsetzt. Ich kann ihn zw. 4. u. 5. und zw. 7. u. 8. besuchen. Zw. 4 u. 5 bin ich im Dienst, der mich aber grade um die Zeit aufs Krankenhaus hereinführt, da ich dann dort Essen f. versch. Säuglinge hole, so kann ich ihn dann auch sehen, wenn auch kurz. Gute Bücher u. Zeitschriften für ihn sind jetzt sehr am Platze. Deine letzten kamen grade richtig. Den Brief schreibe ich immer in der Mittagspause. Man hat hier immer zun tun u. kommt bis spät nie zur Ruhe, da außer der Dienstzeit alle priv. Dinge zu erledigen sind u Zustandshaltenden(?)Sachen. Man ist sehr müde, aber schläft dann auch herrlich trotz Flöhen, die man so halb im Schlaf im Waschraum fängt und ersäuft, danach schläft man weiter. Omi hält sich fantastisch, wie wird un beschreiblich bewundert. Genießt Ihr das herrl. Wetter? Paulchen, ich würde gern was von Deinen neuen Arbeiten sehen. Seid alle 3 innigst umarmt von Eurer Euch lieb. Ilse
Sehr freuen wir uns mit den Beckers, von denen ??????? ankamen. ????????? ?? zu haben?
Transcription by Paul Enck.
My beloved little Paul-Lienchen and Paulieneke,
Today you should receive a letter from me. You always send such lovely packages, packed with so much love, but unfortunately we can usually only partly enjoy them, as so much arrives damaged. The first mushrooms were completely spoiled; of the softer ones only a portion was usable. Bread must not be packed too tightly, as it molds. Eggs are usually crushed and therefore bad. The grapes in the cheese tin were ruined and squashed, which also made everything else damp. It is a pity about the money, effort, and love—and it pains me more for you than for us.
Lienchen, I am very grateful for the beautiful washcloths, even the old ones. And I am looking forward to the socks for Sanne.
In the meantime, the charming little booklets and postcards(?) for Grandma and Sanne from hiking trip have also arrived. It’s wonderful that she is enjoying it so much. Unfortunately, very little mail arrives, and when it does, it is often outdated. Please write cards with a return address.
Yesterday Bärbel’s letter from August 17 arrived, with the description of Marga’s birthday and the enclosed letter from Eva Rosin, which I gave to Mrs. Rosin. Many thanks. It must have been very nice. I wonder how her own birthday went—I thought of her a lot.
Your rye bread is magnificent; German bread never gets dry when it arrives here. Please, more rye bread. The lemons, apples, and pears are ideal. The large pears for Grandma were indescribably aromatic, juicy, and flawless.
Sanne received a good winter coat here today from someone. She was in bed for 12 days, is now back at work, but still tired and thin. I never knew how much one revives through food. When packages arrive, we always become quite cheerful. We were rarely in such good spirits as on the birthday evening when Lotti’s wonderful things were enjoyed. Sanne changes completely then.
Franzel is now in the hospital and finds it dreadful. So far he has not been given any diet, as the ward doctor has not yet examined him. Unfortunately, he will hardly be able to share in our packages, which greatly reduces the enjoyment. I can visit him between 4 and 5 and between 7 and 8. Between 4 and 5 I am on duty, which, however, takes me to the hospital at just that time, as I fetch food there for various infants—so I can see him then as well, even if only briefly. Good books and magazines would be very appropriate for him now. Your last ones arrived just in time.
I always write this letter during my lunch break. There is always so much to do here, and one never gets to rest until late, as outside of working hours all private matters and maintenance tasks must be taken care of. One is very tired, but then sleeps wonderfully—despite the fleas, which one half-asleep catches in the washroom and drowns, after which one continues sleeping.
Grandma is doing fantastically; she is admired beyond words. Are you enjoying the wonderful weather? Paulchen, I would love to see something of your new work.
All three of you are warmly embraced by your loving
Ilse
We are also very happy with the Beckers, from whom … arrived. … to have? (illegible parts)
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