Page 39

Willi is about 21 here

Erholung zu Hause

A homecoming to Villingen: family welcome, becoming a godfather, and estrangement from old friends

Diary page 39

Translated from Willi's German.

Recovery at home The whole family gave me the most heartfelt welcome. It was on this visit that I first set eyes on my dear little brother Bernhard, who was already two years old. At Easter I drove with my dear parents to Tuttlingen, where I got to know my brother Adolf's first wife. At the same time I became a godfather, for they had just had their first little daughter. Aunt Hassler I found still hale and hearty. A small illness kept me at home longer than I had intended, but under Auntie's loving care I was soon well again. I met many of my old comrades, though I have to say they had all changed and remained strangers to me inwardly. I met Elsa and went out with her a few times, but when the petty squabbles started up again I withdrew rather abruptly. Lien I saw only once. All in all, apart from my parents' home, nothing draws me back to Villingen any more. Mother has grown very nervous, and Father pleased me greatly, though one reads a good deal in his careworn face. My brothers Friedrich and Alfons have grown big and strong. Adolf's life is not a golden one yet, although his wife suits him very well. From Theodor I heard news of his marriage.

People: Willi Distel, Adolf Distel, Bernhard Distel, Friedrich Distel, Alfons Distel, Theodor Distel, Tante Haessler, Elsa, Lien

Places: Villingen, Tuttlingen

Interesting facts