The Personal Memories of Sr. Anna Bittner, DW, Part 7

Sr. Anna with her religious studies class at St. Mathias Church, Brooklyn, NY.

Theresia got sick one day on her way home from school and she collapsed. Mom carried her home and devotedly cared for her, nursing her back to health. I was sick twice. Once, I went into shock after being frightened by a dog. Another time I severely injured one eye at play. Mom was always there with such care and concern. Mom nearly died during my birth. I weighed only about 2 ½ pounds. I couldn't be breast-fed. She sustained my life by spoon feeding me with herb teas, using the oven as an incubator. Remember the temperature had to be kept evenly using wood and coal, care beyond bounds.

Mom died in childbirth on February 22, 1944. Jacob just a few hours old also died. My sister Theresia was in the hospital with a ruptured appendix at the time of my mom's death. John was not able to get home on time for the funeral. My Dad's sister, Aunt Barbara was with us then, giving help and support. Every Mother's Day, her and my birthdays are remembered with deep gratitude for my gift of life.

My sister Mary was sickly. She worked in a candy factory for many years. On payday she often brought treats and surprises home. When I was around 6 years old, she tried to teach me to tell time, yet I showed no interest at all. After her death I felt guilty about it for a long time. The last weeks of her life were very frightening for me. She'd scream and hallucinate for hours on end. Mary died on March 19, 1944, just 5 days before her 21st birthday, and less than a month after the deaths of my mother and Jacob.

What anguished filled times for my Father. There was always a special bond between Theresia (Resi) and me. She is 7 ½ years older than I. After our Mom's death I looked on Resi as a mother figure for quite some time. Our love for each other is genuine and strong. She always inspired trust and confidence. Resi is just beautiful and special in every way. As the years passed, our fondness grew. Growing up, my greatest fear was losing her. Some of that fear of course was based on the fact that we were separated during the war times.