MAKING DIFFICULT CHOICES

It was with much anticipation that we prepared for the big move from Holland to Canada the winter of 1953-54. Finally in April 1954 everything was ready-the furniture was packed, and all 11 of us, Mom, Dad, six girls and three boys, were decked out in new clothes. But then we had to face a very difficult farewell from friends and neighbours, but most of all from Opa and Oma (Grampa and Gramma), How we loved them! They were so old already, Opa,78, and Oma, 80: would we ever see them again? I am sure it must have been hearth-breaking for them to see us all go, but they never held us back. "Go!" they said." And when you are settled, send for us." After one year of working as a farm hand, Dad bought a farm on Lakeshore Road. On the land was a big, old farmhouse and, lo and behold, a very nice apartment, too. Of course we could well use the room with nine children. We talked often about Opa and Oma (Grampa and Gramma) so far away; was it responsible to have them come to Canada? There were so many concerns: they would lose their pension and health benefits and we would have to take care of that; Mom and Dad were struggling to build up a small business; money was very scarce. But according to God's Word; we must first seek to do what is right, and God would give us all that we needed. It seemed so right to have them come, and the invitation was made. It did not take long to get all the details worked out, Uncle Bill had signed for their work permit, and Dad had signed for a house. They came by boat along with their crate of earthly possessions. Soon Opa and Oma (Grampa and Granmma) had moved into our apartment. It was a delight to see! It was as their cozy little house in Holland had been transplanted to Lakeshore Road. We had such good memories of the few visits we had with them in the old country, but now we could visit every day! They took great interest in all that what went on in our family and on the farm. They watched as Dad tried to change the fruit farm into a nursery as we went to school, and as we dated. These activities filled their lives with joy, and it worked out well for us, too. It was such a warm feeling to see them sitting in their bay window filled with plants, waving at us as we came and went. We could also share celebrations, like Oma and Opa's (Grampa and Gramma) 55th anniversary. For children to have grandparents living so close in our immigrant society was quite unique. Often couples, lonely for their own parents, would visit us just to get a taste of "home." It added a dimension to our lives and it taught us to be patient and listen to stories they would tell over and over again. After Opa (Grampa) died of a hearth attack at the age of 80 Oma ( Gramma) failed rather fast and Mom and Dad moved her right in with them. However, after her stroke, she became quite helpless and passed away at the age of 85. But she had the comfort of having at least some of her children and grandchildren see her off to her heavenly and permanent home.


Voorhout	Sassenheim	Alkmaar	Anna Paulowna	Baarderadeel	Krabbendijke


ONTARIO	CANADA