A day ago I received a comment from one of my readers which raised a subject that triggered the thought for this post. I contacted the reader to ask for permission to quote him and he graciously agreed:
” During the late 1960’s I was an American soldier serving in what was then known as West Germany. I had a German friend who told me on several occasions that I could not understand  what those times were like for those people. I am still trying to understand that and other things he told me. Just finished Children To A Degree and find that you have advanced my understanding remarkably. Thank you so very much. I definitely want to read the other books in that series. Gary”
The core of Gary’s comment was something that I encounter very often. People ask me or write to me that they have a hard time to understand the Germany of the 1930’s.
When I wrote my books I never considered that there would be questions in this regard. Please let me explain. First of all, the 30’s are now about 80 years behind us and as a reader of today we tend to look back with the combined knowledge of today. In other words we take phones, radios, television, internet and other means of communication and INFORMATION for granted. Not to mention the social networks.
Secondly our upbringing was totally different from today. I will try to paint you a picture.
All of our information came from Newspapers which were controlled by the government. Free speech was unheard of and there was zero tolerance for offenders. As a role model we had only our father or grandfather ( from fathers side of course, because our mother and her line of parents would never be considered). Female authority figures was a contradiction in terms. Radios were extremely expansive. I didn’t know of anyone owning a radio, besides my father. We were taught to respect our father and grandfather. However, to ask any question was a privilege which had to be earned. Speaking without being asked was unthinkable. None of my classmates parents nor my parents owned a telephone. Religion was not being taught. In school we were not only expected to excel, but is was demanded. Any kind of a slacker was severely punished, bordering on cruelty, or for that matter simply expelled from school. I could, without great effort, paint you a grimmer picture, but then you might think that I am pushing a personal agenda.
Not so. I merely try to point out that all of the above was the result of the mindset of our elders, and the rigidity of their upbringing made the atrocities of the Hitler regime possible. The technical lack of communication was another contributing factor.
Presently, I am working on a book which deals, in part, with the culture shock Karl experienced when he came to the USA. Not only in terms of the unbelievable wealth of the ordinary citizen but also in the freedom of expressing opinions.
Fwiw. My first book of “Harold” named “Postwar Drifter” is now with the editors. However, I am still struggling with a fitting name for the series.
Horst
Hooray!!!! another of your books at the publishers and I HOPE not to long a wait.
“Freedom of speech” is one of the many thing Making the USA so special – irritating as it can be.
I and My husband have read all your books with the exception of “Children to a Degree”. I had read many items on the children of Germany as a child and young adult and am still not sure I’m ready to relive those times in my mind.
As Germany had the best Generals (Rommel in particular) and the most advanced military equipment of the times the Allies winning the war was not necessarily a foregone conclusion. I had many anxious moments thinking of the end of the USA and what a sad, sad thing it would be for humanity and the world.
Feel the same now even with our horrible government and greed of these times.
Margaret
Thank you, Margaret, for your very much appreciated comment.
“Freedom of speech” Yes, let’s hope that nobody dreams up an excuse to regulate it.
“Political correctness” could be easily used for this purpose.
Thanks Margaret, be safe,
Horst
I am almost finished with Loyal to a Degree and I can’t seem to put it down. I am a young American girl and I have been to the museums, watched the films, and read about what went on in Germany but never from a perspective like yours. I am thankful that I have the privilege and opportunity to read all four in this series and any other books or series you write. I appreciate your books, how honest you are, and the wealth of knowledge you’re allowing people to have and the understanding you’re bringing to so many. It has helped me answer questions I’ve had since High School. I hope you continue to keep on sharing. I pray it blesses many others like myself because I’ve been able to recommend the series to many people already. Thank you.
Many Blessings,
Kristie
Hello Kristie,
Your gracious comment renders me speechless.
I am truly feeling humbled by your praise. Thank you so much.
If my books answered some of your questions, then I know that I was able to connect with you as my reader.
Believe me, there is no greater reward for a writer.
You should also know that your kind words give me the fuel (and the guts) if you will, to write a bit more detailed about the culture shock Karl experienced when he came to the states.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to convey your feelings.Your blessings are more appreciated than you will ever know.
Take good care, Kristie, and all the best to your future,
sincerely,
Horst
Dear Christian Horst,
I am amazed at the good attitude you had during those times.
I realize that your father and grandfather receive much of the credit yet without freedom of speech and news controlled by the government it was you who made the choices.
I have read your first three books in this series and will be reading “Partners To a Degree.” I am especially looking forward to the book your working on about Karl and his culture shock.
I was born in 1929 and fortunately for me my grandfather immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1904. My background is Jewish but I became a Christian in 1958.
The reason I said this is because I’m bringing a series “Thriving in Babylon” by Larry Osborne based on the book of Daniel to my Bible Class. Your story and your attitude during these times,influenced only by your grandfather and father, you not only, like Daniel, survived the times of Nazi Germany, but you thrived.
What a good influence this book is for today’s younger generation. At times things can get discouraging but by Christ we can know the end.
Hi Harold,
Thank you for your elaborate comment..
It is interesting, (for me) that you referred to my attitude at the times of self reliance.
Well, that was kind of simple because it was really the only thing I was able to control.
All the other happenings were forced circumstances.
Thanks for giving me a “heads up” on ” Thriving in Babylon” . Have to look it up.
All the best to you,
Horst
,
Just finished Children to a Degree and Loyal to a Degree. I feel like I have been awakened to a part of WWII that I had not ever considered before. Thank you for educating me.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughtful comment.
When I wrote the books I never considered to educate anyone. My purpose was simply to give a voice to my friends who didn’t survived.
But believe me, your kind words are greatly appreciated.
Be safe, Brenda,
Horst
I love learning and read all I can about various histories of people and the world. I was born in 1940 and my father was in the U.S. Army, but it was segregated at that time. In our small town country school which was not segregated, we were not taught about American slavery let alone the atrocities of WW II. At home, we had a tough upbringing compared to today’s children. We had no radio or TV. We were brought up to respect all adults and especially parents and grandparents, went to church, walked everywhere,no snow days to stay home from school, worked in the summers, ate what was served, etc. I realize our parents raised us as they may have been raised and at times it was rough. We survived. I am always happy to learn as much as I can about other lifestyles and your books have taught me more about Germany’s youth than I had ever heard. I am awaiting your next book because I read these straight through from book 1 to book 4. You are an excellent writer. Congratulations.
Hello Christine,
Thank you for sharing with us your upbringing. You mentioned that you were born in 1940 and therefore you know that there is simply no way how we could compare these years to today. Sure, we can talk and write about it, but will the younger generation listen and learn? I mean, it would prevent some of the future tragedies. But I think that it is part of our human nature that we all want to do our own mistakes. Sometimes I shake my head in disbelieve when an older person tells me that if he could live his life again ……… he would do everything exactly again. Either he lived a very blessed and peaceful life ….. or he hasn’t learned a darn thing.
Thanks, Christine, for telling me that you are looking forward to my next book.
Hopefully, I will not disappoint you.
Take good care,
Horst
Dear Mr. Christian,
Even as a voracious reader, rarely has a book series captivated, informed and left me panting for more, than your four book, “To a Degree…” series. I grew up in post WWII USA. For one year, we lived in the Philipine Islands where the ravages of war were still found everywhere you turned. My father had been in WWII. All of this piqued my curiosity about all phases of the war, however the European Theater in particular.
What was daily life like for the average citizen? What percent of the population bought into the Third Reich and what percent stayed mum in order to stay alive? These people endured things and had to do things that people in a free country could never relate to or even understand. My life has been an easy life filled with love, peace, and abundance. One of the reasons I delve into this history is that I was only one generation away from having lived the life you described. Never, ever, do I want to take the blessings of my life for granted, or the hard work and sacrifices of those who went before and made it all possible.
Only recently has there been much in the way of story telling of the aftermath of living in immediate post war Europe, Germany in particular. I have learned from several books how children were isolated from the world and knew only what they were told. As well as how difficult things were for the populace. We need to know this information to truly understand the absolute destruction war brings which we in the US have always been sheltered from.
This destruction also brings opportunities to redefine lives and countries as was written with detailed, skillful story telling, filled with candor. Your comparisons of the life in East and West Berlin as well as the very different roads taken by Karl and Harold demonstrate this very well. I was most surprised that clever but sensible Harold entered a life of adventure, danger and intrigue while fearless, bodacious, street wise, Karl entered a sensible and more peaceful life.
I am making the assumption that most of this series is autobiographical. At any rate, I want to thank you for returning to what must have been very painful memories to reach out to others with these stories. It so my hope is that you will write many more such books.
The characters were captivating and I felt I was right there with them. Looking forward to your next book about Karl’s perspectives on building a new life in post war America.
Sincerely,
Janice W.
Hi Janice,
Thank you very much for your kind comment and your compliments.
You are correct in your assumption that the “degree’ series is autobiographical and getting the memories sorted out was not an easy task.
I really wanted to write the books in a “balanced” way which was more difficult than I anticipated. It’s more than an effort to stop and rewrite and then rewrite again, when the memories take over. Yes, I will write more books about Harold and the vastly different cultures he encountered. By comparison it was easy for me to adapt to the American lifestyle. How could it not be? However, what constantly and even today, amazes me is that the American citizen does not seem to know how blessed he is to live in this great country.
Thanks again, Janice, and all the best to you.
Horst.
Dear Mr Christian
I wanted to thank you so much for your book!
I read Children To A Degree in one long sitting
I simply could not put it down until I finished it completely
As a lover of history I have read many accounts based mainly on the side of The Allies
The Nazi side has had so little to read that is not propaganda
Luckily there is a TV channel devoted to history that has had a lot of interesting things not taught in school about WWII
My late Uncle Joachim (John) told us stories rarely of his life as a boy even younger than you during the war in Berlin
His Father left to fight for the Fatherland and never returned
His Mother “Mamushka” being left with 3 small children in a country losing a war they did not understand
How even as a small boy he knew the dangers of saying anything ever anti government or Hitler because you would be killed for doing so
Yet there were many as he called them “Smart Germans” who were actually quietly and extremely carefully anti government like the character Karl’s Father and Grandfather
Most Americans have never heard of the severe depravations and dangers endured by the general population of the German people during the war ever
Uncle John still could execute a perfect Hail Hitler even after living in the US for majorty of his adult life
Uncle John told me how as children they gathered near where the SS Officers were quartered to get food from their trash bins in order to eat
The threat used instead of the Boogie man with naughty German children “The Russians will get you”
Nightmares of surviving in their beloved destroyed Berlin with the dreaded Russians actually in the city
Cruelties even as small children they were subjected to by the victorious Russians
Your amazing book allows the reader to see Germany as it was through the eyes of a German child who lived it
It is fascinating and yet tragic at the same time
Stories like yours should be told even though that war is now over 80 years ago
The world needs to be reminded how essential to a thriving democracy
free speech still is
Especially now in this century with “political correctness” already limiting how many people speak and act with fear of being non conformist dangerously being instilled in our society
I can’t wait to read the rest of your books to find out what happens during the final days of the war and after to Karl, Harold and their families
Your book made me realize what a privileged childhood I had being born in the United States in the 1960’s
Thank you again so much for your writing
If I had not read your book I may not have realized how blessed and privileged I was and am
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for your interesting comment and for your compliments.
You are definitely right by stating how blessed and privileged we are by living in the United States.
The same as the healthy person does not know how wealthy he is …. until an illness strikes.
All the best to you,
Horst
Horst,
I have now read all four of your “Degree” books, and awaiting more of your great writing and your experiences. Your product knowledge and perspective of those times
Is great readng. I was born white middle class and safe, in 1936 in Pennsylvania-Appalachia. Volga German and well read but your stuff is brand new to me.
Thank you.
Earl
Hi Earl,
Thank you for your comment.
You are the first Volga German I heard of in the USA. By contrast I met a few of them in Germany after the war and I was always impressed by their “down to earth values.” You can be proud of your heritage, Earl.
Thanks for your compliments and encouragement and all the best to you,
Horst
Thank you for your fine book, Children to a Degree. I am starting Loyal to a Degree.
My father, retired US Air Force was born in 1937 so was a bit young while.living during WW II.
We are well traveled & I lived in Germany from 1962 through 1964 – 2.5 to about 4 years of age. Later we lived in Turkey for 3 years. People in the US are woefully ignorant of our high quality of life.
During deploents to Iraq & Afghanistan I was able to assist some of my fellow National Guard Soldiers contextualize their experience & exposure to those places in a way that aided in their appreciation of our blessings.
Thank you for your openness concerning your experiences. Thank you too for your contributions to our country as a positive & loyal citizen! 🙂 This is what has made America special, the spirit & attitudes of her Citizenry – thank you for furthering the education of so many!
Hello Larry,
Thank you very much for sharing with us your interesting childhood and your thoughts about our great country.
You are correct by stating that many people take the abundance and wealth of this country for granted.
Let us hope that we are able to pass it on to our children.
And, thanks Larry, for your kind compliments.
All the best to you and yours,
Horst
Hello again Horst,
How interesting to read the above comments and your replies. Being on “opposite sides” during the war, I find it remarkable how much we seem to have in common in our outlook on life. My husband is the same age as you and I am 3 years younger. Like you we lived through the war and our families were deeply involved in one way or another. As children, our experience of the war, however was totally different from yours. For example, only 1 bomb dropped on my home town but regular sirens, a large army base and a P.O.W. camp in Derek’s home town. Relations between the locals and the P.O.Ws were very friendly – and still are. I have enjoyed reading all your books (several times), I look forward to your new ones and am grateful for our friendship. You certainly have your finger firmly on the pulse of my memories.
Yours,
Audrey
Hi Audrey,
So nice to hear from you again. I really appreciate your comments Yes, it is interesting that we have common cord in our memories.
I am happy to read that you experienced “only” one bomb. For what its worth, I think that even one bomb is too many.
We could most certainly have done without them. This also led to my resolve ( many many years ago) to appreciate each and every day.
All the best to you and yours,
Horst
Dear Horst, I have just finished, ” Children To A Degree”. I enjoyed it very much, and I hated to see it come to an end. I was very taken with the characters and the times in which they lived. I was about that age during the war but obviously safe and sound in the U.S., so I was able to empathize with these “kids” as I clearly remember those days. I have read many books regarding the war and found this one different. Delightfully so. I had a German upbringing as both of my parents were of German heritage, so I don’t find the discipline of that time very different from the discipline I received at home. Even though my mother spoke German fluently she refused to teach me, probably due to the political situation in the US, but in later years I was in the Army in Germany (1956-57) and traveled extensively in Germany as a violinist with the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra. Perhaps you might have heard one of our performances as we played in Berlin at the Hochschule fur Music where the Berlin Phil was playing before their new concert hall was built. I have been back to Germany several times and am going again this summer. I was interested that in your book you mentioned Goslar in the Harz mountains. This was the town in which my great grandfather was born and raised before he came to the US.just in time to be drafted into the Civil War. I still have relatives who live in Bad Harzburg whom I intend to meet for the first time ever this summer. One of my cousins? flew FW-109’s in the Luftwaffe during the last two years of the war, Karl-Heinz Rusack. I digress… I can’t wait to read your other books in the “To a Degree…” series. One small criticism. You should get a better editor as there were several words which were either misspelled or used incorrectly. I believe that a published book needs to be perfect. I’m sure other Germans would agree:) With all best wishes and can’t wait to read your other books, Richard N. Rusack
Hello Richard,
Thank you for your interesting story about your upbringing and your experiences in Germany.
I am sorry to say that I did not attended your 1956 concert in Berlin. (I immigrated to the US in 1954)
And when you visit Bad Harzburg this year please say “hello” from me. I still treasure some memories about this place.
Your criticism is well taken and I agree with you.
All the best and be safe, (Germany changed dramatically during the past three years)
Horst
Hello, I am so excited to hear that there will be two more books about Karl and Harold .Even though ,I think that time in history was very hard and sad, I truly learned a great deal from Karl and Harold. And it stole my heart about the children waiting on there parents at the station in Berlin .
I plan on reading the last book again right before you release the next book.So I can pick up on the life of both of the main characters…. Thank you —
Hi Deanna,
I am sorry that I missed to answer your kind post. You wrote it on March 17th and we have now April 29th. I really don’t know how I missed it.
I am gratified to read that you referred to the plight of the children in Berlin who returned from their “safe” camps in the country side, to a burning city. I really don’t like to remember atrocities and much less do I wish to write about.them. But I wanted somehow to give a voice to the victims.They never had a chance to speak up. Most of them did not survived. Believe me, Deanna, I had to tone my story way, way down. Especially my thoughts about the adults (teachers ) who were supposedly in charge of them.
We can only hope that the future leaders of this world are willing to learn from the past. It most certainly could not hurt.
All the best to you, Deanna, and thank you very much for your kind compliments,
Horst
.
I read the To A Degree series last year and I thought it was so well written and eye opening. My perception of those who were living in Germany during that time totally changed, especially from book to book. I’m so excited for Postwar Drifter.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you very much for your continued interest.
It took me a long time to arrange the notes Harold left me and to sort out my own scribbles from our meetings after the war.
Postwar Drifter follows Harold’s way in Russia and I hope that I was able to convey his experiences as well as his feelings during this time.
In the meantime I also started my first book about Karl’s life after he had met up with his family.
Should you have any questions pertaining to the time period after the war, please ask away and I will be happy to answer.
Thanks again,
Horst
I’ve never written to an author before, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading “Children to a Degree”. I found the little details you wrote about daily life and the characters’ viewpoints to be fascinating. I’ve always been interested in stories about WWII, and your perspective of a young German teenager is a completely different view than the “typical” story. I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to write about your and your friends’ experiences. Your first hand account has a freshness and vibrancy that couldn’t be imagined by an author that hadn’t lived through it. The three aspects that are most interesting to me are the roles and expectations within the family (such as the views about women), the level of maturity and responsibility that the boys had at such young ages, and the extent to which nearly all aspects of life were affected by the Nazi regime’s policies. As an American from a much younger generation, I have great difficulty imagining how such things were the norm, and yet they were. Thank you for such a clear view into the past.
Hi Julie,
First, I like to thank you for your very kind compliments and secondly I like to thank you for taking the time and posting on my site.
You are right, coming from a younger, and you state that you are of a much younger generation, you have some difficulties to imagine our daily life in the Thirties.
Looking back I would be a fool to think that the past was any better, but, and this is a big BUT, it was most certainly different in all aspects.
In one of my future books about Karl (the outline is already done) I will describe the culture shock Karl experienced when he came to the US in the Fifties.
Some of it will surprise you, some of it will make you laugh, but I know that most of it will force you to think. Hopefully in a constructive way.
Take good care, Julie, and thanks again, enjoy today, it’s important.
Horst
Dear Mr. Christian,
Thank you so very much for continuing story of Harold and Karl. Postwar Drifter offered so much toward the understanding of post war life from “the other side.” What a complex and dangerous life Harold has chosen!
Looking forward to so much more. I’m anxious to learn more about Karl coming to America. What prompted the decision? How did he chose where to live? What did he think of Americans and American culture? Was he shocked be the degree to which the country was insulated by the horrors of war as experienced by Europe and Asia and did this make him resentful? How was he received by Americans? I could go on…
Thank you again,
Janice W
Hi Janice,
Thank you for your kind comments and questions.
If I would answer all of them it would make one of my books obsolete,
However, Was Karl ever resentful?
No, matter of fact he left Germany with the solid resolve never to return. Later in the seventies he did so very often on business, but that’s another story.
How was he received by the Americans?
Better, much better than he was received in West Germany after he left Berlin. It was as if the West Germans were upset about the Berliners for holding out so long. They didn’t understand because they encountered a civilized enemy.
Yes,Janice. The American always treated me as an equal. More about this in my upcoming books about Karl.
Take good care, Janice.
Horst
Dear Mr Christian,
I’m so happy that I came across your blog through my Amazon account. I received so much insight regarding everyday life during WWII. I definitely understand why you wished to tone down (deeply)your viewpoint. My sister-in-law’s mother was a Hitler Youth herself and rarely talked about this time in her life. After reading a lot about WWII from a number of viewpoints, yours is the first that I have read from a child’s. Thank you so much for a well-written book. I look forward to reading your other books.
Have a great day and enjoy the upcoming summer! God Bless you and yours.
Hi Cindy,
Welcome to to our small blog community. It seems that we all enjoy the same values and also thankfulness for being able to live in this great country.
Let’s hope that we are able to pass it on to our grandchildren.
Thank you, Cindy, for your kind compliments and it is my hope that my future books will live up to your expectations.
Thank you for your personal wishes and blessings.
Allow me to wish the same the you,
Take good care Cindy,
Horst
Dear Mr. Christian,
Along with the many others who have already expressed their appreciation, allow me to add my thanks to you for telling your story.
Others have already commented on the fact that yours is a perspective on this era we would not otherwise have. You provide insight into the hearts and minds of those who simply struggled to survive the hellish times roiling all of Europe. You are careful with how much detail you put into a scene, making the picture all the more vivid. I could not stop reading the Karl books and have just now finished your first Kellner chronicle.
A few thoughts after reading:
– Among many other insights, the Karl books helped me understand the transition from the Nazi times to the Soviet times, at least from a Berliner point of view. Western historians seem to focus on one or the other milieu without walking the reader through how the times changed. Your story bridges it well.
– In the book about Harold it ironic that the same German technology which created the war machine which nearly crushed Soviet Russia into dust is the technology (via captive German talent brought back after the war) which allowed the Soviets not only to rebuild but also to step into a world of jet fighters and other advanced innovation.
– It’s helpful to hear how you compare our own times to those times. The current rising tide of irrationality mixed with political power has certainly got us looking for historical clues.
Mr Christian, you have an amazing set of tales to relate and I am eagerly anticipating the next! If you ever decide to do a speaking tour, please let us know. I also live near Sacramento and would surely attend. Wir sind aufrichtig dankbar fur das was Sie geschrieben haben.
– Kyle
Hi Kyle.
I am sincerely sorry that I somehow missed my reminder to answer your comment in a timely manner.
Please accept my apologies.
First of all, I like to thank you for your extensive comment. I really appreciate your interest in my stories about nearly forgotten times.
Your kind remarks towards specific points encourage me to continue writing in the same vain.
(As a side note: It isn’t easy to write in a “balanced” way, you know?)
I also like to thank you for your expressed interest in attending a speaking engagement. I will most certainly let you know if and when I am in your neighborhood.
Finally, thanks for your German remarks. You are very kind.
Mit besten Gruessen,
Horst
Just finished Postwar Drifter. Couldn’t put it down. What an amazing journey. Thank you.
Hi Donna,
Thank you for your kind comment.
If you enjoyed the book, you made my day.
All the best to you,
Horst
I just finished Post War Drifter (for the third time) and anxiously await your next book(s).
They are wonderfully written, and they help me to explain to MY kids what went on in history.
Hello Thomas,
Thank you very much for your comments, and your kind compliments.
Hopefully, my future books will live up to your expectations.
Thanks for your continued support.
Horst
Hello Horst,
“… I wanted somehow to give a voice to the victims.They never had a chance to speak up. Most of them did not survived. Believe me, Deanna, I had to tone my story way, way down. Especially my thoughts about the adults (teachers ) who were supposedly in charge of them.” (Reply to Deanna 2016.03.17)
Perhaps the victims might be better served, on occasion, by telling it as you experienced it directly. Horst, it’s clear hard times are coming back. In toning it down, do you think some of the the lessons might be filtered out?
We haven’t heard from you in some time. I do hope you are well. I’m very much looking forward to your next books, on either Harold or Karl.
I’ve been dealing with cancer: chemo, radiation and all that fun stuff for close to three years now. Those oncologists don’t mess around. You ask them to tell you straight. They do. You can go home and the cancer will kill you quickly and painfully. Or you can take treatment. The treatment is brutal. It will kill the cancer. Then it will continue working until it kills you. Radiation never stops. You know what? Even that summary was sugar coated. As time passes I discover more changes and restrictions imposed by my declining condition.
Why am I telling you this? It’s because your experience as described vicariously through Karl and Harold really inspire me. The switches were set long ago. True. Karl adapted. His life was not toned down; not by his father, his grandfather, his teachers or German society of the era. Life on life’s terms. No sugar coating. (except on Berliners! )
If you are well, and the long silence has me concerned, I do hope your next books will be ready in the near future. In any case please take care of yourself.
Hello Tealeaf,
Thank you very, very much for your continued interest in my books.
But, first of all, I am truly sorry to read about your condition.
Cancer is truly a grim challenge, even if you are in the best of a mental attitude, and if you are like any normal being, it is extremely difficult to live with yourself. The constantly changing doubts and hopes, wandering through our minds, even during our healthiest years, take their toll, regardless of our constant effort to replace them with constructive thinking.
In a very small way, I know what I am here trying to convey. My wife was diagnosed with cancer over twenty years ago. Thankfully, she mastered the illness with the help of a gifted surgeon and a very supportive doctor. However, the mental effort rested squarely on her. And, it was not easy.
I don’t think that this is the correct forum to share our sorrows, therefore I will contact you directly through your email address, hoping that I am able, for a moment or two, to ease your burden.
In regard to your other comments, I have to agree with you that we are on the road to unpredictable times. No, toning down will not filter any experiences or lessons learned. You are definitely right about this one too. However, I felt that there were already too many books written on the atrocity committed. I wished for my books to be read, and not discarded as another “me too” account.
And, if you need to know, my private thoughts about the German teachers of 1939 to 1945, never changed, nor will they ever.
I saw with my own eyes what they did, and failed do.
“And, what are you present feelings?” You might ask. “It’s over!” would be my answer.
I am now almost 89 years old, and I can tell you in all honesty, that none of my age group, who survived Berlin or Dresden, wants to remember.
“Don’t you know that it is over?” they ask me.
It’s sad, but true.
Otherwise, I am doing fine, thanks for asking, Tealeaf.
I think that I told you already, that after living nearly fifty years in California we decided to leave the State.
And, the move was strenuous. The biggest toll was the interruption of my writing. Sure, I am getting back in again, and besides of presently finishing my book of Karl’s Journey to America, I also started to write about the workings of a mature mind. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not attempting to write a medical assertation. Far from it. No, this will be a very brief observation of “What works, and what doesn’t”.
The other book about Harold’s experiences in Russia is temporarily stuck in the sixth chapter, but will continue as soon as I find Harold’s and my own notes. Yes, they survived the move from California. But, where they are, is a bit of a mystery.
Tealeaf, I wish you well with all my heart.
Take good care,
Horst