040 3 March 1945

Dear Mies and Toon


I have been back here 2 weeks already, and there is more heating now than before I went away. The food has also improved, so our visit to the Governor was effective for which we are very thankful.

You may have heard that the Swedish Government has sent us flour and butter via the Swedish Red Cross. The baker used the flour to bake bread and every family received one large white loaf for nothing, yes one large white loaf as well as 185 gms butter, what a luxury to taste white bread again, it was a real treat. Some people here ate it almost in one go, and were quite ill after it. I was more economical, I first ate my usual ration, and then had just one extra delicious slice afterwards. They say we shall be sent more and also more from Portugal. We all feel so grateful. In the home here we do not suffer from real hunger, but because everything is without salt, fat or butter we have the feeling we have not eaten enough, and in no time at all one is ready for more. Added to which, there is no variety, sometimes we have the same things three days running. However it won't be long before all this is in the past, now that Turkey, Egypt and Syria have come into the war. Let's hope by Easter we will be free of this yoke that has been gnawing away at us for so long. Although the Germans are saying they would rather die than surrender, and if they are going to fight to the last man, then it could well last a long time. Every day boys and men are picked up, who haven't given themselves up. It is three years now since Ap's brother was taken, we have heard nothing since. He may not be alive.

Now that I am back home, I can feel myself getting better and stronger. I shall make sure that I am well when I eventually see you all again. I am keeping up my courage, and hope and trust that our prayers will be answered. It is bitterly cold and snowing. But things are gradually getting better, already the evenings are getting lighter. Although by half past eight, the whole house has retired to bed because by then it is dark. During the afternoons we sometimes play bridge, and in the mornings I am busy making a bag for you, which is now nearly finished. I think you will like it. Truus and Vic each sent me a birthday letter, they took ten to twelve day to get here. I am regularly in touch with Doortje and Bets. Bets very much wants to go to England, who knows what is round the corner.

And so - until March 20th Mies, perhaps by then there will be some good news, each day we hope for it. I hope you are all well. How are Tonny and Meisje, has Robert left school? When the war ends I can arrange for Tonny's trunk to be sent over. If only it were the case.

All the best, for the children and also for yourselves,
from your loving Mother

P.S. Ellen is still with Mies Raming in Venlo, who has lost almost everything. Dick has deteriorated considerably and doesn't look at all well according to Via.