042 6th April 1945

Dear Mies and Toon

Once again Toon, I wish you a Happy Birthday in writing, and I hope that you may live many more years to enjoy your family and all that you hold dear. My wish to see you all again has so far not been fulfilled. How much longer must I wait?

Things here are very precarious. If it lasts much longer, many people will die of hunger and deprivation. If you think about it 600 Gms of bread (3/4 of a loaf) per week, that is three thin slices per day, plus some watery porridge, means that each day we get weaker, and even that small amount of essential food is often stolen, People say that the Germans can no longer get away from here, and in the Honderhoeststraat they are saying that if the allies come, they will have to leave there homes within half an hour, because that is where the fighting will occur, just by and on the Museum Plein. Oh! Oh! What will happen next, and how many more people will be killed? Here n Amsterdam we will be the last to be freed.

We are hoping to get another small loaf each this week, from the Swedish Government. We are giving some of our meager rations to our fellow countrymen, some bread or anything else that can be spared. I never knew what it was to be hungry, but now everyone knows.

18 April 1945
A few days have passed since I started this letter. This morning I went to buy myself a lettuce, to get some vitamins into my system. I keep swaying from one side to the other, it is not dizziness, but I believe loss of balance. I have also started to take a tonic, which should help to strengthen me. It is often recommended by the doctors.

I have just heard that the Germans have blown up the afsluitdijk, which means they can no longer get away. They think no doubt that it will stop the English from coming in, but I am sure the English are clever enough to find another way. Seyssinkwart has fled the country, and took with him a whole convoy of stolen goods. The moment he realised the English were close on his heels, he ran away like a mad man, leaving behind all his treasures. The water level here has risen so high that it has overflowed the Wallinkant. The cellars along the canals are all flooded. we will probably have to remain indoors for the next few days.

The food coupons have been stopped, except for bread. And shops are now selling everything at black market prices, which are much more than one can afford. 1Kg of Chicory is 3.50, a cauliflower 1.60, and 1Kg sugar, when obtainable, is 150 Guilders etc. etc.

Now Mies and Toon until another time, and once again, all the best,
with love also for the children
from your loving Mother