May 6, 1944: “…I fear that when things go well here, they don’t go well where you are, and vice versa.”
See/read handwritten postcard by French forced laborer Jean Néret. Card written May 6, 1944.
Jean Néret, Alice Néret, Alice Nerét, WWII, French forced labor, Service du Travail Obligatoire, Carolyn Porter, "Marcel's Letters"
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May 6, 2020 In France, Germany, Service du Travail Obligatoire, World War II

May 6, 1944: “…I fear that when things go well here, they don’t go well where you are, and vice versa.”

Handwritten postcard by WWII French forced laborer Jean Néret.

Saturday, May 6, 1944

Dear little Alice,

I received your two letters of April 5 and 12. I’m confirming it to you, in case you didn’t receive my letter from Buching [?].

Since I answered at length, I won’t repeat here. You told me that you know that your mother is confused. I’m not surprised, and still, didn’t [we/they/someone] mention her situation? As for the separation of the whole family, I [not clear] their desire to get together, even in sorrow, but I hate that you are alone.

We really need to trust each other. And at this point, we can hardly do that with our own [family]. The others don’t understand, or else have their own problems to worry about. So, by now Marie must be a mother, unless new problems came up. I can only think of the first question and I hasten to ask…boy? Girl? Maybe both. I certainly have no idea, no more than a month away, like your life, concerning the alarms. For us, the past week was especially calm. But I fear that when things go well here, they don’t go well where you are, and vice versa. Therefore, in this way when we are sure to be angry in both cases. I have completely lost interest in playing music and pick up my instrument less and less. I, who was loved to show you my talents, upon returning, I think that I won’t want to. Truly, my heart isn’t in it. You mention a small package of one kilogram in the mail; I thank you very much for it, however I haven’t yet been told about it here. Like you, I fear that soon I will have to go on expeditions. Until soon, my darling, I send lots of love and kisses. 

Jean