2.10.44

Ria has her birthday.

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The table and the “Chair of Honor“ are decorated with flowers, as is the custom for the birthdays.  Countless girlfriends come in the afternoon as party quests.

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21.10.44

Oom Theo and Tante Nel Schlichting arrive for their first visit with their children and overnight as guests in Huize Elastiek.

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They find their children thriving and growing in their adopted homes.

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26.10.44

A black day !!

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It seems that this day will have a deep impact on family life. The Germans demand bicycles. Oom Jan cannot lend his assistance to this demand.  The occupying force, according to the laws of nations may demand vehicles, including bicycles. But Oom Jan has standing orders that he has to obey to resist any form of co-operation.  In this case, we can expect reprisals. The otherwise happy atmosphere in the house becomes understandably tense, almost somber, even if it seems that everything is taken care of as usual. The first sad shadow spreads through this happy and beloved home. The family has to be broken up. There are more than enough friends willing to take in all the family members. Furniture and provisions also quietly disappear. Everyone says ardent goodbyes with hearts full of gratitude.

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But suddenly, better late than never, a call comes from the higher authority, belatedly coming to their senses, “Bicycles may be delivered.” Slowly, but surely all the animate and inanimate inventory returns. Tante Jo makes a virtue out of necessity before the furniture returns and quickly seizes the opportunity to arrange a cleaning. Opportunity cleans up!