BRAVE FACE

The inspiring WWII Memoir of a Dutch/German Child

Frits in the Army

In those days, there was conscription of all young males of 18, with the usual exceptions. Frits did not qualify for any exception. He was not very pleased to enter the armed forces. I am not sure what the pay was, except that it was enough to buy a daily packet of...

When I Met Frits

1952. It was Sunday afternoon at the Ann en Wim Smit Dance School. Excitement rose as the new pupils came in, one by one or in small groups. I was lucky to be there. Five days ago, I had turned 17, and I was given permission to follow the intermediate ballroom classes...

My Dad, Pappa

On this day in 1903 my father was born. Were he alive, he would be 120 years old. He died at the age of 77. Although far too young in my mind, he far outlived expectations. He was not expected to survive. There were no baby ICU’s in those days. My grandmother heated...
Lessons from a WWII Survivor

Lessons from a WWII Survivor

Mothers are good at giving advice—especially mine. Even though I’m grandmother to eight children and she’s 88, Mom regularly reminds me, “Enjoy who you have when you have them,” “Make the best of what you have,” and “Love your children passionately.” When she said...
Research: My Sweet Spot

Research: My Sweet Spot

What do asthma, cell communication, good science, history, and genealogy all have in common? Research! And me. I’ve spent many happy hours engrossed in studying all of them. For Mother’s Day, I bought myself a gift. Okay, those who are snickering, did you never buy...

Mother’s Day

Today is Mother’s Day (2023). Before I was married I knew that I wanted to be the mother of a large family. The 12 children didn’t happen, because 5 turned out to be plenty. But here I am, a happy old lady with a very large family. You see, when I was very young, it...

I’m in Portugal

Since I’m only 88 years young, I decided that another transAtlantic trip was in order. My son Michael, his wife Theresa, and my daughter Jody are with me. We’re not even halfway through our time, but we’ve visited the beach, tasted amazing food, seen...

Coincidence? I Don’t Think So!

This morning my adorable three-year-old grandson Facetimed me. “Grammy, did you know that yesterday was Daddy’s birthday?” “Why, yes, I did.” “But it was also _____’s birthday!” “Wow! That’s an amazing coincidence.” Once I’d explained what that word means, we went on...
Out With the Old?

Out With the Old?

The book I need to promote. The book that will be out in April, 2023. The book that is being illustrated now. The book that will be illustrated next. The book that is being edited. The hero of Unforgivable, the book I’m writing right now. The heroine of Becoming...

I Was First!

FIrst, the money mogul Mark Zuckerburg stole my name: Meta. Today, I learned that I am no longer the one and only Brave Face. Apparently, Princess Kate has that name now. it seems that those with money get away with whatever they want. We were never promised that life...