Where to begin:
I had the most incredible experience recently when finally I met the brilliant, kind, and generous Christoph!
For me nothing will ever compare to this encounter – it was out of a dream…. I finally met the real “Christoph.” Brilliant, kind and generous do not really begin to describe what a wonderful human being he is!
On his own time he has helped solve the mysteries of a critically important and life changing period in my Dad’s life and it is something my Dad wanted solved.
And Marion, what a surprise to find in addition to all of the wonderful ways Christoph could be described – he is also very handsome! Marion, wait until you meet him! I want to adopt him!
It really was out of a dream – we met in the center of the town, and then together with my husband, Steve, we walked up the hill to the Abbey! We all saw for the first time the new addition to the Abbey. I understand the folks that now own the Abbey needed more space and they came up with a modern addition. It is possibly the best design that could have been done. But for me the majesty and spirit of the Abbey that was over 1000 years old, was changed forever with this new addition.
The 3 of us walked the now rose garden where some prisoners from not only America but Russia and France (and as some POW’s referred to it – it was like the United Nations) survived in decrepit and small spaces. But remembering that so many were fortunate to survive is what it is all about.
From the Abbey I finally had a chance to observe and walk the hill that I believe was the place Dad had described in a VMAIL home. I could now really understand and sympathize even more with Dad about his long, cold, and emotional journeys from the Abbey to the Cemetery. Christopher led us there!!! Can you believe it! We walked there just like Dad did. What a distance in any type of weather, but especially in tough winter conditions, and emotionally knowing that the men he was caring for and carrying could no longer hang on to life –and that there was no medical treatment to keep them going until the war was over.
Dad always complained about his frost bitten feet and he could put pins in parts of his legs/feet and show that there was no feeling. His large and wide feet could not properly fit in any shoes. After the war, he had bunions that grew to a couple of inches and to help lessen the pain we would cut holes in all of his shoes. Dad’s complaints were not about sympathy for him – but to let us know what had happened. He knew he was one of the fortunate ones who could return home and return with his body intact.
We had looked for the cemetery when we took Dad on the War journey back in the late 1980’s. In fact it was the last thing we did, and then filled with anger he was ready for us to leave Siegburg. His disappointment was so intense and he bemoaned the fact that there was no cross or anything symbolizing the sacrifices the Americans had made at where he thought the cemetery might have been. His anger was fueled by the fact the folks at the Abbey denied that a POW Camp had been there, and the folks in the center of the City denied it also.
Thanks to Christoph and his research he was convinced that the cemetery we were walking to was the cemetery in question. Christoph explained pointing to the map at the entrance to the cemetery the section where the Americans had been buried - and that none were there now. He also pointed out the area where the Russians were buried and that they still remain there. He was correct!
The discovery of the cemetery and all of the work Christoph has done is an immeasurable gift from Christoph to my Dad and all of the men who passed through the Lazarett at Siegburg!!!
The dream eventually had to end – it got later and later and I knew Christoph would have to leave… But the memories of it all are etched in my brain forever! And especially the memories of what an INCREDIBLE MAN Christoph is!!!!
I can’t wait to return, and Marion it is all because of you and your efforts and dedication to all facets of the war that I found Christoph who then solved 70 year old mysteries! Marion, you too are an INCREDIBLE LADY and how proud your Dad has to be!!!!
I am a Member of Both of Your Fan Clubs,
Jean