1.1 -- Childhood

Children in the Warsaw Ghetto

My childhood was wonderful indeed.  Not only was I brought up in luxury, but in a very excess of it.  I had my nurse (or "Nanny" - Maryla), and a most beautiful nursery, wonderfully furnished with masses of toys.   Particularly dolls - so many of them that I did not know with which of them to play for each was more beautiful than the last

Pyry, nr. Warsaw, - 25th July, l939 

I am here at Pyry with Mama who often goes to nearby Warsaw to see Papa.  Also here with me is Nanny and my old Grandmother, Papa's Mama.  Today Mama again went to Warsaw. It was late when she came back but
Papa was with her. I noticed that he was worried about something for he was not in his usual mood. He was melancholic somehow and sad. He brought me a gas mask and taught me how to use it if necessary. He also gave me a satchel marked with a red cross with a first-aid kit
inside. 

Before leaving us again Papa came into my room and hugged me. He
held me warmly to his breast without a word. I know how hard it was for
him to leave us. I felt it. Only when he was downstairs in the hall
(I watched him go down) did he call out:

"I'm not worried about anything because I've got you, Halik, as my
ambassador. I know you will always represent me worthily. I'll see you
soon, my dear baby!" He saluted beautifully. He was already in
uniform, which suited him extremely well. My parents went out and I
returned to my room with a heavy heart.

Mama did not return until the next day. I could see that she was also
sad and unhappy. She looked tired. All the same, she busied herself
at once tidying, giving instructions, checking food supplies and so on.
I kept Grandmother company because Maryla was also busy with Mama. I 

listened to Grandmother's sighs and reminiscences about Papa.