Undated Partial Letter - Jan. 1, 19??
The letter below was addressed to Mom and Tante Ank. The date is January 1st but the year is uncertain. Probably 1940 or 1941. Thanks to Karla Riach for the translation following the letter.
Darling girls,
Our last letter was 14 days ago, when we had just received the news about Father F. Yesterday we commemorated the last day of the year and our thoughts were with you all. This evening at 6:30 we celebrated communion in the popular church led by W. De U. He quoted the text from the thirteenth chapter of the book of the Lord. They could not have chosen a better scripture in these very difficult times. God’s unchangeable faith on behalf of us all is what we are left with. For this reason we can draw support and gain strength through all our difficulties in this uncertain future, throughout the world, which is of invaluable importance. We are now at the start of a new year. With new courage in God’s power and strength we will move forward, for which we all can build up our faith. A week ago we heard news from her whose birthday is two days later than old Uncle Carel. They were tender words, with evidence of deep faith. If we look to her as an example, then we can all feel strong and we can trust in the future. My thoughts are in the coming year which will be the last year for Anneke at Tadema. Be strong my darling child. We sent our (verjaarswenachen) 14 days ago. Our Letty will then be going to the fourth grade. If it is at all possible it would be good if your education at Tadema could move forward and be completed. It will be a shame of course that Letty and Anneke will not be together daily, but the time will go fast and we are not sure if we can be with you or if we will be forced to turn around. We are so pleased that R. Gerard studies are so first rate. It is a completely different format of study then in den Haag. In the past I was a member of the S.S.R club, just have a look in the 1915 calendar. Is Catrien still going to work at the office? We have not heard from Albert in weeks. I will write to him that if something has happened where he is, he is always welcome to be with us. For the time being it is peaceful here. For the past month I have been undergoing some tests as I feel somewhat weak. I am having some problems with falling again due (?) for which I am receiving injections. For the past few weeks Rie’s health has been declining. I believe this has been due in part over her concern for Father. We are all very concerned and take this to bed with us at night. There is much sympathy, from the people Father used to work with as well. This was evident at a meeting last week, where Father used to be chairman of the board. In part their pain is our pain. Last night we received a letter from Bob and his wife. It is difficult and possibly out of the question for them to go on vacation. They cannot get permission to leave the country. They were hoping to go to cooler climate as well as keeping an eye on Heleentje, in the general area where she used to live. Everything is going well for the children here. They are still on vacation. Monday is the first day of school.