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Jansje, an Unlikely Heroine

My book, Stranger Friends was the first story I felt compelled to write after I raised my five children. I was the only surviving member of my family who remembered how my parents invited social misfits, men and women of diverse nationalities and backgrounds and handicapped people to our home.

I have been carrying this second story in my head and heart since I was a teenager. I inherited The Autograph Book from my mother, Anna, who received it from her mother, Jansje. Though I never met my grandmother, I came to love and admire her through my mother's vivid storytelling.

"Listen to me now, Jansje," Anna said, drawing back on her pillow and looking into her eyes. "If I die and the baby lives, you must promise me you will stay and take care of the children. Don't let Everdiena take them."

Jansje's tears were coming in earnest now. "No, you won't die, you won't," she said, clasping Anna's hand.

"Promise me! Anna said, rising up from her pillow, grasping Janse's hand until it hurt.

"I...I promise." How she would fulfill this promise if the worst should happen, she had no idea. Everdiena would likely rather walk through the gates of hell than relinquish her grandchildren to a housemaid.