Joachim, Rainald and Ducky
My sister Friedl lived in Darmstadt/Germany and had a very nice husband Georg and two adorable sons Joachim, then, during my visit and the time of this story, 6 years old, and Rainald soon to be 4 years old. It was my first visit to Germany in 1957 when I got to see the little one, Rainald. He was born the night I had left Germany and was flying to the United States to join my dear husband Hal. When I arrived at the Frankfurt/Germany Airport they, my sister and both boys were there to await me. We had a wonderful visit together it was so nice to be with my sister again. It was very devastating leaving her behind when I left Germany. After a few days of visiting and conversations we made plans to go on a picnic by our favorite lake. We stopped at the bakery and purchased good crunchy rolls had butter and cheese and also some little tomatoes, fresh strawberries and bananas, a thermos with good coffee and some lemonade for the boys. Friedl had baked a wonderful cake and we packed some of it into our basket.
We took the stroller for Rainald in case he would get tired after the walk from the end of the streetcar to the lake, but mostly for our basket. It was a sunny and beautiful day late August. We found an empty bench and made it comfortable for the four of us. On a big beach towel we unpacked our basket. The boys wanted to go down by the lake to look at the ducks. They loved ducks. After our delectable lunch, we went for a walk and let them watch all the ducks in the lake. Of course they all came out of the water thinking they would get some food.
I had noticed several times during my stay that Joachim and also Rainald would address my sister as:
I think you will all enjoy Ilona’s latest story about her sister and nephews– it will put a smile on your face as it did mine. Marcie
Yes, smile indeed! Such a sweet and home-like tale. What a delight to amble through a couple of days with our dear Ilona and her family. Ilona always make us feel as though we are right there in the story with her. I will never think of “ducky” the same way again! (Long necks are a sign of beauty. Friedl was no “ugly duckling.” On the contrary! She was a woman of extreme beauty — just like her sister!)