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Today we see firsthand one of the challenges of sending mail from Vienna to the U.S. Helene wrote three letters to different family members, all on the same page to save on postage and paper. It appears from what she writes that she sent this letter along with the one we saw on July 23. The first part of the letter is to her children Eva and Harry. The second is to her cousin Bertha and the third is to her nephew Paul. Note that the censorship number next to Helene’s note Bertha is different from that for the ones in German – clearly there were censors with a variety of language skills. This probably made it take even longer for the letter to reach its destination. Apparently, mail to England was impossible at this point so she sends birthday greetings to her nephew Robert in London via his brother Paul.
Vienna, 26 July 1940
My dear children! Twice a week we have the topic of debate if we should keep writing letters even if we do not receive an answer. Papa defends his negative stance and while I agree with him in principle, I defend my yes opinion and give as justification for that that we live in abnormal times. Since we both want to be right, I just keep on writing, tirelessly writing, and Papa consistently posts my letters. It seems like none of them have gotten to you anyway. So, you can see why numbers 42 and 43 are in the same envelope. Eva’s letter is the last news we have had (July 3). We haven’t heard a single word from Harry since June 10. Not a single word, not even his dying word. We got a card from Mila yesterday in which she informed us that Paul had sent by telegram, that they still have the same address for the time being, but that they might leave and travel further into the interior of the country. (?) Otherwise, there’s really nothing worth mentioning from here. Everything is going the same way it always does. Really nothing at all gets in the way of the monotony of our existence, the disappointment of getting absolutely no mail from you at all is the exception. Since I intend to write to all of our dear ones today as far as my weak brain will allow it, I am going to close with hot kisses and a big hug.
Mutti
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Dear Bertha! News I have not to say, I only can say the same, always the same, thanks! Sometimes, when I get mail regularly, I don’t feel the separation with my children as grueling, but in days - like these - life is dreadful. The power of imagination produces phantasm very terrible and my nice visions are gone suddenly. My limbs execute their moves mechanically, my mind has not anything to do with it. In the morning and at noon (the time when our mail carrier visits our block) I awake out of my lethargy, to fall back, when no letter extricates me. How long will do it?
I hope you, George and your children are well. Sure, they will spend their holidays with you. Do they not? Hoping to hear well news soon, I remain yours truly
Helen
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Dear Paul! For such a long time I heard nothing from you and I am so hungry for a few lines which really don’t need to say anything except that you’re doing okay, but only if it’s true. I am so afraid for you that I cannot really describe to you how afraid I am and I even don’t want to. Tomorrow is Robert’s birthday and please give to him my good wishes. Although I’ve heard from the other side that there has been a disruption in postal deliveries, my fears are not set to rest so easily. Please write soon. With letters it’s like the lottery. If you have more tickets, you have more chance of winning. Even if you do not have the foolish luck to play once and win the grand prize. My letter of today seems rather like a lottery ticket. You have each a quarter of it and this is of no value.
Many kisses
Helen