043 2nd May 1945

Dear Mies and Toon

Thank God. Yesterday, on Princess Juliana's birthday we heard the news. There were notices everywhere announcing the death of Hitler, and telling us that Himmler had sent a peace offering to the English and Americans. Hitler wouldn't have survived 48 hours after the capitulation. The people in the street are telling each other not to shout victory too soon, but to remain cool and calm, until we hear an official confirmation. Today, May 2nd, it was made known that Russia has accepted the peace offer. So we are now waiting for an announcement. We are already receiving parcels from England. What a relief. We are behaving like kids, so excited, it is hard to believe it is all true. The Germans are`already walking around the streets without their guns.

3rd May
This morning the news was different again. It now appears that Himmler is not Hitler's successor but that Admiral Doenitz is claiming he was the one appointed by Hitler just before he died. so who do we believe? In any case, even if they continue fighting in Germany, Holland will be liberated within the next few days. At the moment the sky is full of aircraft bringing food, and the people are standing in the street, on the balconies, at the windows, and on the roofs, waving their white handkerchiefs furiously. We shall all go crazy, and dance and sing with pleasure, when it is officially declared. Long live freedom!! We shall go to bed tonight with the feeling and the thought that perhaps tomorrow morning we shall see the Tommies marching along the street.

Mies, your bag is ready, and is sitting waiting for me to bring it to England.

This afternoon, I shall visit Joh and Wies Winkel, whi have been able to provide me with black market goods, amongst others, 400 Gms milk powder for 20 Guilders and a piece of toilet soap for 25 Guilders. I was able to exchange a pair of perfectly new shoes for a Kg of sugar. The sugar would have otherwise cost me 160 Guilders. Sugar is so necessary, it is an excellent food, especially when there is no meat, fat or butter to be had.

And now Mies and Toon, how are the children getting along? Is Tonny still nursing? Is Robert still at school? He must be quite a young man by now. How are Hans and Pegs and their families? I pray every day that you may all be spared, and that we may all meet again at least once more. What a lot we will have to tell each other once we can start corresponding again. That is why I have written all these letters, to let you know about the more important things that have been happening here. And what shall we arrange, will you come here first, or shall I come to you? Each year that passes adds another one to my age, and I won't be able to make the journey so often physically speaking. I want to see you all so much, and am so curious about the great grandchildren.

Now dear Mies and Toon, next time even more cheerful news, and so with God's help, we go step by step, and get a little nearer to seeing each other again.

With love and a big kiss for all
from your loving Mother