Saturday, January 11, 2020
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When Nona and James came to Hanau/Germany in 1955 because of James' military service, they lived on the second floor of my parents' house. They had just been married and were ready 'to adopt' Brigitte, the two-year old daughter of their landlords as their interim child for the time of their stay.
Children usually do not remember a lot from their early days but in this case it is different: Brigitte's parents were busy with their daily work where every penny had to be earned by hard work to maintain their newly built house and provide food. (Remember: It was only eight years after World War-2 in which Germany had been largely destroyed). With her new American 'step-parents' little Brigitte enjoyed many days of tender care and strong affection. These loving two young Americans never refused to play with her and especially Nona took her downtown or to the commissary or other facilities for Americans while James was working.
I loved my 'Tante Nona' (as I called her) very much as she never turned me down when I sought her attention. Ever so often I asked her for a Bonbon (German word for candy), a very precious delicacy for a German kid at that time, and she surely gave me one. I had always been shy towards other persons than my parents but these two young Americans had gained my full trust. In retrospect it were also Nona and James that had a large share in laying the foundation for my future career as a translator since they taught me the first words of English. My Mother had told me that I had been very helpful as an interpreter between my parents and Nona and James.
The coexistence between our families in my parents' house in Hanau almost 65 years ago laid the foundation for a unique long-lasting friendship between our families rekindled by many visits to our homes in Missouri or Germany. Every time we met, the families had grown, but we felt that love and understanding had not changed a bit. My parents passed away 20 and 12 years ago. Now, with a heavy heart, we must say good-bye to Nona, a wonderful person, a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and last but not least my beloved American 'step-mother' and good friend to my husband and children. We love you and we will miss you badly. Auf Wiedersehen, Tante Nona! Ruhe in Frieden.
