AMSTERDAM
Dear Mies and Toon
The year is almost over, and still no sign of peace.
We had a very pleasant Christmas. Christmas Eve I spent with the Deltijl family, who also live here. We endeavoured to make it as cheerful as possible by treating ourselves to an extra cup of coffee with real milk, and also a few sandwiches with real ham, in the meantime playing a game if patience. At 12 O'clock we went to midnight mass. On returning to our rooms at about 2.30 am, we found a delicious cup of real tea waiting for us plus a few biscuits. Then to bed for a nights sleep.
On Christmas day I had my mid-day meal with Ap's mother, together with Ap and his wife; my unmarried sister in law, Claudy, and another lady and gentleman. We had some delicious goose followed by homemade apple tart, accompanied by a glass of Burgundy. I stayed the night owing to the dark evenings. The day after Christmas I went to Tanta Anna. So once again it is all over, and in another few days 1943 will also be at an end. Will next year bring deliverance? Please God yes, we cannot carry on like this much longer.
Phientje Bos's husband had only been back here a few weeks, when unexpected he received instructions to return to Germany immediately. They did everything possible to try and keep him here, but in vain. Three days after he had left again for Hagen (Sauerland) he returned suddenly one evening, having been declared unfit for work, and given an extension of his sick leave up to January 12th. So he still has a few more weeks in which to regain his strength, although he gets no salary or benefit. Between us we have been able to collect enough to make up his salary; with no money they could not possible manage.
Fortunately my health is good, and I do my best to keep it that way, so I may see you all again at least once.
Vis is in hospital at the moment, also for a goitre operation. Ton's operation was so successful, that it gave Vic the courage to have it done too. Each day I wait to hear that she has had it. What courage they have. Just imagine, it is such a big operation. They all live so far from each other at the moment, and can only visit each other with difficulty. Truus is the only one back in her own house, but for how long? No-one knows. The Germans built a stone shelter in her lovely garden, for their military. Everything in the Hague is destroyed. When walking there one has no idea any more, in which part one is.
Dear children and grandchildren, have courage, and continue your prayers for this peace which we are all longing for so much.
I wish you all a happy 1944, and hope we will all see each other again soon.
With a big kiss and also for the babies,
Your loving Mother and Grandma.
