Letter from Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp, written in November 1942 by Josefa Kalin to her parents

My dearest! On October 9, I received your letter. It inspired me and was incredibly sincere and compassionate. Because despite all the challenges, you still do everything for me. I am incredibly appreciative of everything all of you do for me. Everything reminds me of you and your kind hearts. Renie thinking of me makes me happy, but Wladek has already forgotten about me, it seems. This makes me feel very ashamed because he especially should know how I feel since he has been through the same experience. The packages arrived here on October 1st and October 20th. The second parcel was sent in excellent condition, but the first was rotten from the inside, due to some spoilt pears. Dear Husiu! For your name-day, I wish you all the best and pray that God may enrich every aspect of your life and grant you excellent health. I also wish you luck with your devoted husband and children. You ask if I am healthy, my dear. I am fine and in good health. I am not depressed that I will spend my fourth Christmas alone and apart from you. But please send me a letter with your names for Christmas; it will truly be a Christmas gift to me. Do not forget to take care of yourself. From now on, if it is possible, write me only 30 lines, and send Vaseline. Finally, please convey my sincere greetings to all our friends and family.