Translations:Minette Blaufuß (Da VII 4)/12/en

Following father’s death, the real struggle for existence started for my mother, who was 42 years old at the time. Her situation was in no way enviable: an indebted estate, no widow’s pension, no money in cash, seven untrained children, the eighth was on the way, totally unknown neighbors. It was her unshakeable trust in God that sustained her in these times of serious distress. For her, it was certain that God can and must and will help; and he helped via good people. Friends of father’s came and her capable siblings, Uncle Fritz and Uncle Johannes, supported her with words and helpful deeds. The Eckarts’ strong sense of family manifested itself in the most beautiful way in this situation. First of all, it was necessary to ensure the children’s education. Johanna, the eldest, could continue to attend Fernsemer’s institute in Krumbach; Elise the women’s school for practical work training; and Babette, who had already stayed with Uncle Johannes before the move, the art school; Maria was taken in by Uncle Schneider and still went to elementary school; Hans and I were admitted to the Protestant orphanage, which had been founded by Reverend Rodde, in the upper part of the street Gartenstrasse. It would be too much to describe in detail how this excellent woman fought for the education of her children; this would make a book of its own. Suffice it to say: she accomplished a matter dear to her heart, namely providing for all her children, before closing her eyes forever.