My mother was born during WWII and was three years old when it finally ended. Over 80% of her home town (Mannheim, Germany) was bombed out. Food was rationed and items such as coal, yarn, and fabric were difficult to come by. My mother told me that her mother was a beautician and she would barter with neighbors for yarn, fabric, and fresh fruits and vegetables. One neighbor would give her yarn or fabric and in exchange her mother would cut the other family's hair. Her father was a carpenter and would assist people in home repairs in exchange for coal, wood, or other items needed. Her mother would sew their clothes and crochet & knit their scarfs and mittens. Money was scarce but my mother said that she knew no other way of life and did not feel the "stress" of it; she believes this is due to the love and security she felt from her parents and siblings. My mother's sister was very sickly and had severe chronic asthma. My mother told me that all of the neighbors would help look out for her and would run to get the "neighborhood" doctor when he was needed. She does believe that had that time not been so poor that her sister may have fared better with her health. She remembers the chocolate factories opening when she was in Kindergarten and every 3-4 months each child in school would receive one bar of chocolate wrapped in parchment paper. She said it is funny the things you remember but to her there was no other way of life.
CHILDREN OF AFGHANISTAN
The link below is an article I found on the children of Afghanistan and the many stressors they fight on a daily basis. This article is their cry for help. Everyday children live with war, poverty, sickness, death of family members and parents, having to relocate, as well as the affects of war such as lack of food and clean water. Children are injured in bombings and in hidden land mines. The United Nations (UN) is continuing its efforts to minimize these effects. The article contains letters and drawings from children of Afghanistan crying out for someone to listen to them and help them.
http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/Afghanistan-s-20Children-20Spreak-20to-20the-20UN-20Special-20Session.pdf
Hi Toni, what an awesome experience to have your Mom. I always stand in awe when I meet a Holocaust victim, World War II vet or anyone who has real life experience to share!
ReplyDeleteToni,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to me how much we take for granted in America. We need to be reminded, often, of the struggles people face every day. Thank you for sharing this very personal story. Thinking about the hurting children of the world, what are some ways you and your family help others?
Hi Toni,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, war has a huge impact on children and their development. The link for the article that you shared was very moving and powerful, thanks for posting it! It is so sad to think that there are children in the world who live with such violence and hardships but it is beautiful how much hope they have and it is wonderful that the UN is helping to give them a voice! Thank you for sharing!