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Sent: Wednesday, 30 August 2000 6:51 AM
Dear Harald,

Now I have some sad news. Hedwig is in hospital with double pneumonia. You can imagine what was going on here.

When you were here, she was in top form. I had not seen her that merry for a long time. The following week she started to complain that she had no energy, and her bones were hurting. But somehow it wasn’t bad enough to go to the doctor. She is very stubborn in that way. Then the weekend arrived. Gerd wanted to visit with his children, to say goodbye, seeing he has to go to Sydney. That was last Sunday. But she said that she feared she was not well enough, so she cancelled the visit. That happens regularly. When she isn’t feeling well she cant cope with visitors. So that was ok. But then the drama started. She had a terrible Asthma attack. That continued right through the night. At 11 Peter called the doctor. He gave her an injection and prescribed Antibiotics. I spent the entire night running in and out of her room. There was no improvement. In the morning I called Susie. Hedwig looked dreadful. She could hardly talk. Without any ado, Susie called an ambulance. They arrived within 5 minutes with 2 cars, one for the emergency and the other one for transport. Hedwig didn’t even have a chance to freshen up. Hedwig complained. Susie said: “I don’t care, you are going straight away to the hospital”. I was very proud, there spoke her father’s daughter! Not even Inge could have managed that!

So they took off. I stayed here, I didn’t want to risk a heart attack. I didn’t know where my head was. I visited in the afternoon. Hedwig woke up. She was a bit out of it but didn’t have any more pain, and seemed as if she was recovering. When I was leaving to go home in the evening, we chatted and laughed together as usual. I don’t think this is the end. But one thing is for sure. They will turn her inside out. Thank God. The question is if she will regain her energy. She can’t sit around, she has to work. Well..you saw her „workshop“, the kitchen. Let’s hope for the best. I will go back tomorrow.

In the meantime I have also come down with the flu. Usually I shake it off within a day. Lets wait and drink tea!

Inge had a mysterious problem. She couldn’t find you address. And I send it again. That too was lost. In the meantime she found it, she said. I can’t quite understand it as you are in the phone list. Kids! Anyway, if in the meantime you have not received any mail, let me know. Unfortunately Kirmes was a washout, such a pain! I will write again how Hedwig is. Greetings to Anne. When Hedwig comes home I will get the pavlovla recipe from her. And from Linda the muffins.

Kind greetings. Peter