Ilona Cole, Story 76–the last for a bit


Note: This is the last of the stories that Ilona had written for us for this little project where I posted her stories as a guest writer. If she writes any new ones, she has promised to share them with us again. So, after this, I will be posting a few poems and stories and blog/memoir insights on this page of my own writing, and if Ilona sends me another story, I will post it, and we will be sure to let you all know. Thank you all for reading these wonderful stories from Ilona and for giving Ilona so many wonderful comments along the way. Marcie


February 26 is My Anniversary

That was the day I arrived at the Sea-Tac airport after I received my visa and entry permit. November 1953 I married the wonderful man I had met while working for General Eisenhower

Ilona Cole, Story 75

I Lost My Way

Ilona, at age 21

As a child growing up before World War II my parents, my brother, sister and I being of Lutheran faith went to the beautiful Chapel by the Castle in my home- town of Darmstadt on Sundays. When I was eight years old, I was asked to join the choir. I felt honored to sing in the choir I loved the atmosphere which surrounded us in this serene and charming chapel filled with fresco

Ilona Cole, Story 72

My First Short Story at the Woodlands by Forrest Lake

I have lived here almost five years and not felt inclined enough to write a little tale. Entertainments and get togethers have not been allowed or encouraged by management for all tenants since Covid 19, and still now we are asked to wear our masks and keep the distance when we leave our apartments. A good ruling and policy, we can be proud, not having had any Covid cases. I have made quite a few friends here, gracious and friendly ladies who are interested in conversation with me about Germany during and after WWII, since I lived there during that time. Music and books we like. The camaraderie is nice, and I feel good and safe living here.

In the beginning of this month, a little note showed up by my front door about a competition for a d

Ilona Cole, Story 70

A Christmas Wish Fulfilled

The Lufthansa plane was descending over the countryside north of Frankfurt/Germany and soon we will arrive to be greeted by my sister Friedl and her husband Georg. My husband Hal and I will look forward to spending another Christmas in Germany. After we received our luggage and passed the customs check we finally got to hug my sister and my brother-in-law. We left the Rhine-Main airport in Frankfurt and drove to Darmstadt, Friedl