Two-page letter (war and illness)

This is an old two-page hand-written letter from the papers of Jacob Obrecht [copy courtesy PK]. Any context or clues to dates, locations, or people are greatly appreciated.

The letter seems to be written to Jacob & Anna by Emilie, who may be the wife of Jacob's nephew Emil. Also mentioned are Paul and Lilly. Lilly may be Jacob's niece. Paul Kreyenbuhl is mentioned in Barbara Reinhardt Obrecht's obituary.

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Fourteen days ago today Emil and Paul came for 10 days of vacation. When they came Lilly was lying very sick in bed with the flu but she is now healthy and cheerful again. As soon as Lilly got better I became sick with the flu. I was so bad one night that I thought I would be dead in the morning. I was glad that Paul and Emil were here to take care of me and the step-mother who lives here with her daughter came every day to take care of me and to cook for Paul and Emil and Lilly. Last Thursday our two soldiers had to go away again. It was the first day that I could leave my bed. The flu has appeared everywhere and has already demanded many sacrifices. I lay naked in bed for 4 days with a high fever. Lilly was in bed for one week and Emil was sick for about 8 days with the Army. I am constantly afraid that Paul will get the flu as well and it does not look good at present. Paul and Emil are still on the front, not far from one another but a little further than before their vacation. Emil is still very close to home. There is still a lot of military gear at home and in our house. While they were on vacation they got me a lot of wood and also some more furniture from father since this winter wood cost so horribly much! They could bring me good wood and furniture here. We still have both our cars which have trailers which we can attach behind the car with 4 wheels that we bought a month ago. We have also bought the big car and when we can we’ll buy the small one also. At present one can’t know how well we’ll do but from here on out when we’re all healthy again we’ll soon again have two cars. We can begin our shop again, but nobody knows yet how long it’ll be or if we can come to our homeland again. Emil would have liked to write you both but then your letter came right away when he was on vacation and he says that it is better if I write and then you will know also how it’s going with him. You shouldn’t say where he is directly, and it is much better to write only what you should. The most important thing is that everything is going well with both of you and that they are still living and we hope that they will come through this alive and we will find our beloved homeland still unharmed, the faster the better but our wishes won’t bring it to a stop. In the picture that you sent you look so good and you can’t tell that you are any older. Auntie Anna also looks so young and Ruth your two beautiful children if they were with Lilly. Well, many greetings and kisses to all, Emilie, Paul, Lilly, and Emil, Please write soon!

[translated by CH]