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Object of the Month – November 2024
A Childhood Marked by Loss
The toy doll you see here belonged to Jannie Meesen-Feijtel, born on November 26, 1931, in Schoondijke. Jannie grew up during the difficult years of World War II. She was only nine years old when the war began, and as the only child of Willem and Janneke Feijtel-Ribbe, she had a special bond with her parents. However, on May 10, 1943, her young life was struck by deep sorrow when her mother passed away from lung and abdominal problems. At a time when antibiotics were not yet available, there was no saving her. The loss of her mother left a lasting impact on Jannie, and the grief would stay with her for the rest of her life.
A Treasured Memory
On October 10, 1944, the peaceful village of Schoondijke was hit by a devastating air raid, which also severely damaged Jannie’s family home. Amid the rubble, Jannie began searching for cherished belongings that had survived the bombing. To her great joy, she found her beloved doll, a gift from her mother. This doll, with its hard face and straw body, was more than just a toy. It was a symbol of the deep love between mother and daughter.
The doll brought Jannie comfort during a time of great uncertainty and sorrow. Despite the destruction around her, the doll remained a tangible reminder of her mother’s love and care. For Jannie, this doll symbolized the strength of family bonds and the warmth of a mother, even in the most difficult times.
Today, the doll stands as a symbol of the courage and resilience of Jannie and her family during one of the most challenging periods in history. The story of the doll not only reflects the hardships of the war years but also the love and unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. This doll remains a lasting tribute to the strength of family, even in the darkest of times.
