Words of love and gratitude
Author: Edith Eriksen
This letter was written by Edith to her mother Meta in March 1954. She was responding to a letter where Meta had spoken about wanting peace, clearly preparing her daughter for her death, which came to pass just a year later.
Tweed Heads 8.3.54
My dearest Mum, a few days ago I received the “group letter” from Karlsruhe, from my brothers and from Mucker, how it touched my heart - it was also from you, dearest, because it was your wish the letter should be written. I long so much to be with you, so I would not just have to send you words in writing again, when I so would like to hold you in my arms and once again thank you for the great and warm love you so undeservedly have shown and given me throughout my entire life. Even now, as your life has been restricted to that quiet room, this love flows undiminished and happily.
When you also express your longing for peace and quiet, it is that you want to make it easier for us to think about saying goodbye to you. I love you so much, my Mum, and my heart hurts when I think I wasn't blessed to see you again in all this long time. But you should know I will always think of you with joy and gratitude to have had such a mother. I will also endeavour to follow your path in my relationship with Sverre, with Marie and my dear brothers. You had no loving mother as a role model. You thought it all out yourself, accomplished and achieved it, how I admire you for that!
Dearest Mum, I want you to know that even when you no longer are with us, you will always be with me until the end of my life, in the words you spoke and fell deep into my heart, all the beautiful things you have made for us and which we treat with love and care, in community with my brothers. How infinitely grateful I am for all of this and how rich it makes me!
I'm so terribly sorry, dearest Mum, that I so often have been unfaithful with my writing. I knew what it meant for you and yet I didn't fight my weakness and you often waited a long time and in vain for news from me. I know you forgive him, but I can never forgive myself and I deserve to have this punishment.
Dearest Mum, I will write again in a few days and tell you about what is happening. This little letter is just intended to bring you my deepest thanks for everything you have been to me, dear one! I am unable to put my thoughts and feelings into words - I've never been able to - but I want you to know that I'm in with you in my thoughts.
I hug you and kiss you deeply, my dear, good Mother!
Your Edith
