Letter from Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp, written in July 1942 by Josefa Kalin to her mother and siblings

My dearest loved ones, I always enjoy reading your letters. It is unfortunate that the most recent one, which I received on 17 of June, made me so anxious. I am aware of the extent of your loss but try not to worry too much -material things can be replaced. The biggest tragedy is losing your life and health because money could never replace those. I can think of no better example than Liutka. She felt as though she had lost everything, but the worst thing was when she lost her loved ones, and she would give up anything in the world to bring them back. Beloved Matresko, your Saint’s name-day is approaching, and there is nothing more I can give you than my overflowing heart and a bouquet of sincere wishes. First, I wish you the best of health, and that you live a long life filled with happiness. I appreciate everything you have done for me. God will surely see how faithful you are and repay you for all your loyalty and the way you have taken care of me. I am overjoyed that Renie remembered me during her own Saint’s name-day, and I sincerely appreciate her prayers. I am extremely upset about the packages I received on the 9th and the 20th of June, and I am sorry for saying this, but I must tell you that the bread was spoiled, and the only things edible were sugar and cake. Please try to keep the bread dry and cut it thinly. Please send more vegetables, as well as cherries like last year. You need not worry about me because I am in good health. Honestly, I am more concerned about you, so I want to hear a lot of news from you. I keep you close to my heart and look forward to the day I will see you once more. I want to close by sending you all my love and a thousand kisses.