My mother's name is Rosita. Long before she was ever known as my mother she lived in other countries had a life very different from my own. This photograph was taken of my mother in February 1955. She was born in Germany and much of her early childhood was spent with her German grandmother. At times I forget that my mother came from so far away. I forget that her first language is not English, as mine is, but German. She lived in France as well before finally coming to America-San Francisco to be exact at the age of 9.
My mother's parents were not yet married when she was born. Her father, who was in the army at the time was transferred back to the states in '51 when my mother was only three years old. While there he wrote letters to my grandmother and my mother. He also began to attack the mountain of paperwork that would eventually have to be conquered to marry my grandmother.
His letters were written in English because he could not write in German. His daughter, born in Germany could not understand English. Her mother had to read the letters to her and translate them as well. My grandmother virtually taught herself English by listening to others and looking in books and magazines. To write her first letter to my grandfather she looked in magazines to find the right words to express herself. The picture and letter below are one of the letters he sent. The photograph, taken in Los Angles in 1952, was sent across and entire ocean to send a message his family.
̉To: Rosita, my little love.
Hi Sugar, I think mama has a picture like this already, but I want you to have one too. You may keep this and remember that I love you, and I want you to take good care of mama for me. Papa hopes to be there real soon, till then be sweet for me. give mama a big hug and kiss for me.
By: Danielle Herman
Last Update: Aug. 30, 1995 11:45PM