Kea’s Letters: Little Orphan Kea: A Tale of Courage and Survival in WWII Netherlands

Amid the upheaval of World War II, a young orphan named Kea endures the harsh realities of life under German occupation in the Netherlands. Her remarkable journey is revealed through a trove of authentic letters, documents, and video interviews, each highlighting the extraordinary resilience and strength of Kea and her siblings as they struggle to survive wartime chaos. Every piece of correspondence offers a poignant glimpse into their daily lives, capturing moments of hope, fear, and the unbreakable bonds of family during one of history's most perilous times. Our Dutch cousin discovered boxes filled with treasured family correspondences at their family home in the Netherlands. For several months, she carefully translated and sent them to us, one by one. When we received the first letter, the excitement was palpable. It was from Kea—our mother—written during the harrowing days of World War II. Each translated letter offered a precious window into her life during such a turbulent time, allowing us to connect with her experiences in a way we never had before. The letters provided profound insights into Kea’s life in the Netherlands, chronicling her emotions and experiences during the war. Yet, when the last letter was finally read, we felt a wave of disappointment wash over us. "Are you sure there aren’t any more letters?" we asked, eager for more stories from Kea’s past. Months later, our cousin delivered again, this time with more letters—this batch from Kea’s sisters and other family members, including their parents and grandparents. These newfound discoveries deepened our understanding of Kea’s life. Then, unexpectedly, we stumbled upon something even more extraordinary: Kea’s sister Trace’s journal and video recordings made by her older brother, John. These treasures added a rich layer of depth and texture to Kea’s story, illuminating her wartime experiences. Perhaps the most poignant finds were the two letters from Kea’s parents. The first, written by her mother in 1929, was a heartfelt letter to her own mother back in the Netherlands. It described the struggles of life in Decatur, Michigan—failing crops, the burden of raising five children, the impending birth of Kea, and the deep pangs of homesickness. The second letter, penned by Kea’s father in 1930, expressed his profound grief after the death of his wife, who passed away shortly after Kea’s birth. As we began to organize the letters chronologically, Kea’s memories stirred to life. Vivid details of her childhood in Holland emerged, and through each letter and story, the rich tapestry of her family’s past was revealed—a story of love, loss, resilience, and survival that shaped Kea’s incredible journey.