My Opa, Cornelius Antonius Bisschop, was born in 1903 in The Netherlands. He wasn’t expected to survive–most of his siblings didn’t, but, despite being very premature and getting meningitis, he both survived and thrived.

When Opa was only 11-years-old, he became the “man of the house”. Getting a job as window washer, he supported his mother, half sister and sister. At 15-years-old he began to work for the Post Telegraaf Telefoon and stayed there for the rest of his working life.

My mother tells me that Opa was a good father, being fiercely protective, doing all he could to help his daughters become knowledgeable, independent, strong women. For me, he taught me how to roll a cigarette and stand on my head, albeit not simultaneously. Neither skill is in evidence today.

You can find out more about Opa by pre-ordering Brave Face at the link above.