The rainbow never sets

Sometimes we were allowed to go with her as a special privilege.

The church in Stþeszew was small. It stood on the main road to Posen, just past the market place on the left. It was the only protestant church this side of Posen, and my parents, grand parents, and the Tieman's from Strykowo and Tante Joni von Treskow, were the major contributors. Onkel Werner as an elder, and Vater on the Council provided valuable leadership.

Our Confirmation took place on Easter Sunday, 25 April 1943. It turned out to be a solemn occasion, so soon after Opa's funeral, but our parents tried to make it a memorable day. Mutter had selected a verse from scripture for each of us which was read, before Pastor Fetzer laid his hands on us. My verse was to guide me throughout my life. Looking back, it had become the most influential word from God for my future. It was Mark 8:36:

'Does a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not!'

We received lots of presents, from parents, aunts and uncles, but I do not think that I was ready then for confirmation. I liked going to church, it meant a lot to me, and gave me a strong sense of belonging, but at that age I was not ready yet to make a serious commitment.

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In May, Günter and I went on our first bike ride home. As soon as school was over we left. We made good time through the villages we usually passed by train, and in Stþeszew we took the road straight to Schönsee. We arrived there in less than two hours. Somewhat puffed, but very proud to have arrived earlier than by train.

"We must do it again," I urged. "Wait 'til we have pedalled back on Monday morning. Maybe you won't be so keen then."

He was right. It was a bit of a slog, and we decided to ride our bikes only on special occasions. It was much easier to go by train and have our bikes with us there.

Soon after Opa had died, Oma wanted to swap homes with us. She did not want to live in the large house all by herself.

"You can all live together then, with Tante Ruth and her family. There is so much more room here."

"But what about all your things?" "I don't need them all. I'll take what I can fit in the small house, and the rest can stay here. You will see, it will be quite cosy there."

She was right. She took her heavy drapes and curtains, with the furniture of the salon and the lounge, and it all looked very nice. Fräulein

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