041 19th March 1945

Dear Children

Firstly, many happy returns Mies, I hope that next year, if I am still alive, I can give you my birthday wishes in person.

The longer the war continues, the more critical the situation becomes. It cannot go on like this much longer, people are dying daily from hunger, cold and misery. On March 13th I dreamed that the war had ended, and I was in England in a large hall full of people. I knew no one. The next minute someone entered, and it was Hans, dressed as a chimney sweep. He came up to me and said "Hello Grandma, how are you?" but he didn't shake my hand as he was all dirty. I said "Now I must quickly go and send a telegram to St Bernardus to tell them I have arrived safely". Then alas I woke up and found myself in Holland in my own bed. We are hearing from all sides that things are going very well, but there is no sign of it ending yet, and when will those devils, the Bosche, go away and leave us? Prayers are being said continuously. Today, the Feast of St Joseph, the whole of Amsterdam have been asked to pray that we may be liberated from the war and the hunger and disease it has brought with it. We have been asked to do the Stations the Cross, and take part in a silent procession through Amsterdam, during the next nine days, which I plan to do each of the days, in the hope that by Easter we will be freed of this heavy burden, the occupation. The need is so great, we have nothing left, except for the barest of absolute necessities. The stoves which were on during the last few weeks, are once again out, there is no more coal, no more wood, no hot water, no lights, no fat, meat or butter, only four slices of dry bread per day. Luckily this week we are each getting a small loaf, next week again a wonderful white Swedish loaf. The small loaf for this week is from the Red Cross. At night we go to bed hoping that the war will be over when we wake up in the morning. And it will happen one day. It just cannot last much longer. Oh no! I am not losing heart, God allowed this war to happen, he will also bring it to an end.

Bets came to see me last Sunday, and she brought me 200 Gms of oil which I mix in with my food. I was so thankful to receive. She still hopes to go to England again, given the opportunity. Who knows?

Now Mies dear, I wish you a good day, to-morrow I shall be going to communion for you.

A big birthday kiss
from your loving Mother