Object numberM2016/036:016
DescriptionThis is a letter from Mania to Stenia dated 13/08/1939. It details some events in the daily life of Mania and her daughter Stefcia, seeing friends and travelling, what Stenia’s mother and other sister were doing, Stefcia getting sick and getting better. Mania implores Stenia to look after her son, ‘Romuczek’ and hopes that she is healthy and happy.
Production date 1939-08-13 - 1939-08-13
Subjectmigration, loved ones' contact, establishing new life, keeping in touch, War in Europe, family life
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- height: 170.00 mm
width: 130.00 mm
Language
- Polish My dearest all,
By receiving your letter you have given me enormous amount of happiness, but I am not sure I can reciprocate to the same extent. Believe me my dear, the reason why I delayed with my response, it was because I have known you are receiving news from home every week, therefore I allowed myself my dear to relax. I know you have understood me but only you and Toma need to experience what I have achieved. We need to believe in life in Australia and of course to see the little sweet Romulek. I was this summer with Rachela Frydland in Michalin. This is where Mrs Tola lives. I assume this is her name, Mrs Rega Wajsand, she is Rachela’s cousin. Rega also has a boy Rysio, I don’t let him out from my hand I had the impression I was holding Romek. Stefcia and Rysio they also remember Romek. This is how they spoke of Romek “this little blonde boy”. I spent nine days there where Stefcia became sick as you know. Thank God I packed all our belongings and have returned to Warsaw. Just before our departure which was supposed to be in May Stefcia became sick again with whooping cough. Do not concern yourself with that, look after Romek. I have a feeling that this is not fatal and it seems it is in a very light form. I am extremely happy and feel once they will depart that will strengthen her. Unfortunately I had to return and I need to tell you she contracted angina but thank God today bless her soul, she is healthy and I will not go away because my season has started. Our mother Dorka and Fela spent some time with aunty Hela. They felt very well there. They even put on weight. They constantly thought of you. I do not know why but it must be something in their hearts, after all they are just mothers and they know what it is to have a child. The most important my dearest that you have a good life and write weekly because this is what makes them happy.
My dear you have no idea how much I would like to let you know there is so much stupidity. About myself it’s not important, dear here everything is the same in spite of the fact that one year went by, you departed Warsaw on 11 August. I pray to God that there should be peace in the world. May we hope that we see each other one day, no matter what will happen in that respect you should be happy that you are in a foreign country. With us we do not know our fate. With God’s help it should turn out well without a war that is our dream. Every human being now my dear may have the same concern. My dear I worry you may have headaches because you need to keep your glasses on, without concerning yourself how you look. Dear you must remember first of all you look after your health. Your health is most important to be a happy mother and remember you need to look after yourself so it will be okay. My dear I am extremely happy to know that Romek is coming along well. May he grow healthy and give the family much happiness. It was a good decision of yours that you took him to a doctor. At home we saw a photograph of Romek with Ben, his father Hawic? showed our father the photograph and that probably is good. My dear could you please send us your photographs of how you look today. I have sent you the photo of Stefcia. Once again I am writing to you with honesty that everything is like it was. Father is working, Mum as always, dear Matenka, spoiling us, only you my dear are missing. I have to confess as long as there is work we are busy with our enterprise. In our second room I am more comfortable, the kitchen and lounge room are always spick and span so there is much more comfort. At Heniek’s there is now many military work because of the temporary situation. That’s all. Write to us frequently and my sincere and heartfelt wishes and big kisses I am sending to all.
Mania
P.S. Sincere greetings from Heniek and Stefcia for you, Ben and the sweet Romulek.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Prof Ron Penny AO