Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2018 21:10:05 +0000 (UTC) From: Simon Michael Namenwirth To: "ernstmeyer@earthlink.net" Subject: allthewaytowisconsin Dear Jochen, I want to thank you for making the trip to 'the farm' and help honoring Marion's memory. The reason it took me so long is my reading of the Correspondence between Cousins. I'm not sure I was supposed to, but I did. It really is a fascinating document, and this for different reasons. I read it as portraits of the two cousins, and for its own sake. As far as its central focus is concerned (family relations), I don't have a whole lot to contribute. Of course I knew some of the characters, although long ago and for a relatively short time only. I was surprised not to find any reference to Fritz' activity as a porter (apparently lugging suitcases for years at one of the New York railroad stations, while studying for his credentials as an accountant). This must have been demeaning for a proud man who was already deeply hurt by his rejection as a true (German) citizen. I knew about the historical tensions between the brothers' families, although when I appeared, there seemed to be more friendship than enmity. I remember my visit(s) to Konnarock as quite harmonious and certainly stimulating. Well yes, mixed marriages, baptism, run through Jewish history. Tolerance, or intolerance, generally speaking, may not explain the personal, or tribal, response. It runs very deep. I know, because my second wife Hester was not Jewish. The response of my tolerant parents was mixed at best. The result of mixed marriage is all around us and has been fully documented. You, your sister, your son and all the kids, my children, are all walking examples of a large class of people who aren't quite sure who they are, where they came from. There is no end to the issues the two of you raised. Let me therefore finish with an observation of my own: Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, even Wagner, appear regularly in your text. And don't get me wrong. I love and admire the great Johann Sebastian as no other. But where is Mozart? He isn't mentioned once in the volume, if I recall correctly. And this appears to be no accident. Where is his measure, his kindness? In life 100% is far more than we can bargain for. Dear Jochen, I admire your courage to travel all the way here, I admire your courage to keep digging. May you find what you are looking for. Best wishes, Micha