J.M.
Drente-Westerbork, Barracks 36, August 6, 1942
Dear Mother,
A Mother Superior from one of the convents arrived last evening with suitcases for her child and now offers to take some short letters along. Early tomorrow a transport leaves (Silesia or Czechoslovakia??).
What is most necessary: woolen stockings, two blankets. For Rosa all the warm underwear and whatever was in the laundry; for us both towels and wash cloths. Rosa also has no toothbrush, no Cross and no rosary. I would like the next volume of the breviary (so far I have been able to pray gloriously). Our identity cards, registration cards [as Jews], and ration cards.
A thousand thanks, greetings to all, Y.R.’s grateful child,
B.
<P.S.> 1 habit and aprons, 1 small veil
Saint Edith Stein
Letter 342 to Mother Ambrosia Antonia, OCD
Stein, E. 1993, Self-Portrait in Letters, 1916-1942, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Discalced Carmelite, translated from the German by Koeppel, J, ICS Publications, Washington DC.
We have so much to be grateful for
Indeed!
Moving to the point of heartbreaking, isn’t it?
Every time.