AMSTERDAM
After Tonny's birthday to-day, the birthdays once again will be behind us; and so it goes on. We are still getting older. Thus Miesje was 22 on the 28th of May; Hans, born in 1916, will be 28, Tonny born in 1918 is now 26, Peggy born in 1920, is 24, and Robert, I think, was 16 last December. Now I do notice that I am old. I recall so well when you were 16 Mies, you were at the High school, remember? and I often used to come and meet you. Where has the time gone to? and even now, during the war it flies. Sometimes I think, that as a family, we really haven't had many celebrations, only when Hans came of age, and then I was present, and how? I remember that splendid dinner with music. Phil Adair and van Eedenburg were both still alive then. Things will be so changed when I next see you.
My first wedding, yes, that was very festive. But see how it turned out!!! If all had gone well, then we would have been married 53 years this year. We didn't celebrate our 12 1/2 year or our 25th year anniversary. And your wedding day , what was that like?? I couldn't be present at your 12 1/2 and 25th anniversary , and more recently, at Hans' and Peggy's weddings. It makes me sad sometimes, and gives me the feeling that I am very alone in the world. But if I will be lucky enough to see you all again just once more, then that will compensate and make up for all I have missed.
On July 1st, Anny Bos will have been 25 years with the bank. They will have a "do" in the evening and celebrate as best they can in the circumstances. She has been home for 5 months with sciatica, and although she has had treatment, nothing seems to relieve it. Next they are going to try radiotherapy in the hope that that will help. Marie is at home now, and helps her mother. She really had no option as Tanta Anna is not worth much these days. She has worked herself into the ground. Next September she will be 79, and I often wonder how she has managed to keep going without any help, which these days is impossible to get, money or no. Everyone works for the Germans, they have no choice, if they refuse , they are sent to Germany. When shall we be liberated from these barbarians? I think the war will soon be over, but it is taking so long. It has caused so much hardship and poverty, and the people have lost all their motivation. If God were to deliver us, our problems would still be with us, but at least the war would be over, and we would have to adjust to a new life, and set to work to rebuild all that has been destroyed, and that is by no means inconsiderable hoor!
Dear Mies and Toon, and children, until next time, and then perhaps we will be more cheerful. A big kiss for everyone, and let us hope we will see each other soon.
Your loving Mother.
