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The End of the War
Papa just came home from work. He says he has good news. He said the World War had finally ended. "This is great news. But we must leave." he said. He believes Germany will fall into war again. He wanted to go to America, where he heard that it is the land where we can be free. Mama thought he was being crazy, told him the war was over. I don't know if my siblings would be able to handle the journey, especially Emma, who has just turned 3 the last week. -
The Democracy
Germany had just become a democracy. President Friedrich Ebert had signed the Democratic Weimar Constitution to make it official. Mama believes this is a step towards the country's redemption, Papa is still stubborn about leaving, but he hasn't voiced his thoughts about the matter in a while. -
The Death
We were all in the living room when it happened. We've waited for him to come home so we can eat together as a family. "I wonder why he's so late." After an hour past dinner time, my siblings had started whining about being hungry, I was too. Mama just let us eat but she waited for Papa. 3 hours later, someone knocked on the door. My mother opened the door and there was an officer, "Are you Anton's wife?" he asked. After a few mins, she quietly shut the door and dropped to her knees and cried. -
The Decision
Mama changed her mind about leaving. Ever since Papa's heart attack at work, she has been quiet, maybe thinking about Papa. She thinks leaving was what he really wanted so that is why we are leaving. I think this is a wise decision after thinking about it for a while. Germany's economy has not been good since the war and I think a fresh start in a new country will help. -
The Journey
On this day, we boarded a ship to America. The trip took what felt like forever but it has only been just over a week. We waited this long because we wanted to have as much money as possible for this trip and make sure we have all the documents necessary. Mama got us second-class seats. She did not want us uncomfortable on such a long trip. However, it didn't make the trip any easier. -
The Arrival
I woke up to people rushing to the deck of the ship. "Come! Come!" Emma said as she tried to get me up. When we arrived at the deck, I found a huge statue. "It's Ms. Liberty!" I hear someone say to someone else close to me. Ms Liberty was huge, and it was quite a sight. Our ship was going straight for an island right behind her, and so did other ships. This must be where we would show our papers. -
The Island
We entered Ellis Island. There were people everywhere trying to get in. The building we entered was huge, yet felt small. There were people everywhere and I just felt surrounded. I felt uncomfortable with the men and women who were supposedly there to inspect us like objects. I hope life in America is easier. -
The Next Chapter
It has been quite the journey of moving to the States. For a while, we lived in a small place in NY. Me, my older brother Leon and mother (when possible) worked our butts off to live a prosperous life. School is different, but not really. Maybe it's because I miss my friends from Germany. There are a few Germans in my school and I hang out with them. I guess it's alright there. Papa used to help me with school work back in Germany. Mama couldn't because she was always tired when I got home. -
The Restaurant
For a while, we missed German food. There were barely any places to go to eat our home country's cuisine. However, Mom is a very good cook and is improving. I said one night that the food was great and that she should open her own restaurant because the German people miss their food and I'm sure they would love her's. She smiled and we continued eating, but I knew the idea stuck with her. A couple of months later, she has taken out a loan to start her business. So far, it's been going great! -
10 years later
It's been 10 years since we settled. After the last entry, I haven't really gone back to the journal since I've been so busy with school and Mom's restaurant. Speaking of that, it has been doing very well. The people in our area love it, especially the Germans. 6 years ago we had moved out of my apartment. 3 years ago I had met my current fiancé, James who is from New York and we'll be married in about a year. Life has been good, and I think Papa was in his right mind to come here.
