Undated Letter to Mom's Guardian
I'm not certain who this letter is addressed to but it is likely to the guardian of my mother and aunt in Holland. It referes to my Mom and my aunt in the third person and it is signed Bobsje, Carla and Elisa. Elisa is my grandfather and he always signed letters to my Mom and aunt with Vader (Father). The letter is full of foreboding about some tragedy, I suspect a family illness. Thanks to Karla Riach for the translation following the letter.
My sweetest darling,
With reference to Remembrance Day two years ago, the day before yesterday I wrote you a few words by the Red Cross. Rie wrote a letter to her family, also in reference to the dismal report which she told us about her father. You can all understand what’s going on in our souls; however we can still believe because we know God rules over us. But there is much sadness in our hearts. Carla and Bob can not yet understand what is going on, but their concerned eyes tell a clear tale when they see their Father and Mother are a little too quiet. This evening at the table I said to Rie that we all needed to draw strength out of the beautiful hymn: Never can our belief expect too much; Our Savior's words are certain; Look to your friends for power and strength; Look to your friend in Jesus. And hope that the pain will soften. (Keep in mind this rhymes in the Dutch Language) You know the rest of the words and I believe they are singing this song in many homes. I ask that you say them at night. Her father (I suspect Rie) must familiarize himself with the 5th verse of this prayer psalm which we will continue to recite for Rie in our home. But the Lord will relief us. I suspect that Gerard will attempt to remain calm because we are all at a crossroads. I this to him myself this week in 25 words or less. There was reason to celebrate today because we have heard from Adriaan that he received mother’s letter dated October the 9th. It appears the letters are arriving in a timely fashion. He wrote that there were several letters on the way. I hope that you have already received word from us. We are writing regularly to Albert, Bep, and Adriaan. Gerard continues to keep in regular contact with Albert to keep him informed and I will continue to do the same. We were extremely excited with the news of October the 9th. I can only imagine that there must have been quite some concern over the continued studies of the children. It was wise of you An, that you considered Gys and Okje, because their advise is something Annie would have had to put a lot of faith in. It was extremely considerate of them to find a solution for Gerard because on no account should their studies be deserted. If Anneke and Letty were no longer able to remain at Tadema it may have been a golden opportunity for them to attend a school in Utrecht or Amersfoort. Maybe this will be an option when Anneke is finished at Tadema next year. There is no place like den Haag that I would rather have the girls live. We are extremely thankful for what you have done for the children. I am thankful that in April we can discuss this at our leisure. Go ahead and discuss with Annie if it would not be sensible under the current circumstances to have the finances looked over by Gys, as he would do this with pleasure. It is understandable that Annie’s head is just not in it. I think it is just great that Catrien spent some time with you as well. She has a heart of gold.
It is a shame that we cannot share this time with them, however it does not look like this will take place anytime soon. We do hope however that it will not be too long. I believe that Jo and Adriaan are of the same opinion as things are going very well for them. Adriaan is getting a lot of help from his boss. The last I heard things could not be better. I’m not sure what the others, Oom H, and Oom M. think of the situation. We have not heard anything from them in last few weeks. The last I heard Oom M. was bedridden and suffered from extreme stomach pain and diarrhea and that he lost some blood due his condition. Do you have any idea how things are going for him? How are things with Rina? You wrote that she ended up in the hospital. We have not heard any results of the new baby. It is our sincerest hope that all is going well. Was Marius able to stay at his regular work? I’m sure that things at work will come to a stand still. I am thankful that Carel is not doomed to sitting still because I can only imagine that this would be very difficult for him. Some things need to be tightened up slightly however we certainly cannot complain here because under the circumstances things continue to go on as normal. Several different things need to be changed at the branch naturally however we do not hear any complaints about this. Let us focus on the positive. There are still so many, despite the current frightening situation. In one of your past letters you wrote that the elder van Dommelan had died. I am so pleased that I took the time to look him up in April, where all the memories of the past, especially those of father, came to the forefront. An writes that van Oppenhuizen will follow through with his obligations in regards to the will and I am so pleased that you do not have any concerns in this area. I have been wondering how all of this would work out.
By the time you receive this letter, it will soon be time for our darling Anneke’s birthday. With sincere love, on both cheeks, I plant for you a big kiss darling child. And keep a positive outlook. Through prayer we are still bound together. Each day we read a passage from the New Testament. It’s as if each verse is written especially for you. I encourage you to read from this book as well as Gerard and Letty. When we heard of fathers situation the day before yesterday we were encouraged by the daily words from God. Let us pray from his words. This letter is naturally meant for Catrien as well. Many kisses,
Bobsje
Carla
Elisa