Number 68: My mother’s parents “Jaap” and “Phi” lived in a comfortable house at 22 Silverlea Road, Wynberg, Cape Town. My mother grew up in that house and we visited about twice each year spending wonderful holidays there.

Oma was born in Amsterdam on 7^th January 1897, married “Opa” on 7/09/1922 and was the first of my grandparents to pass away – on 3^rd April 1971.

I have so many vivid, warm memories of Oma: Putting me to sleep as a young boy, she would sing “Slaap Kleintjie Slaap” and everything then felt so secure and good. She had the softest skin, the distinctive Dutch accent that she spoke in and she always, always looked elegant and smart. When we arrived from Port Elizabeth, Oma and Opa would be waiting on their stoep – with the green rattan chairs, to welcome us  with such joy and smothering hugs. 

Oma was an amazing cook!  I loved most her lentil soup, matzaballetjies in chicken soup, dutch croquettes, zuurkool and the different types of fish. For breakfast there were kippers, haddock, a variety of herring – including Danish and “haring” rollmops. The dining room table was always immaculately laid  – including cotton white serviettes with silver serviette rings.  Opa would ask David and I how we like our breakfast and the answer had to be: “with a kiss”, all the while Oma ensuring that everyone’s every needs were taken care of. At tea time Opa would sing, to a famous classical music tune: “Hep jy nog koffie met boterkoek” and Oma would bring out more of her famous “boterkoek”. There was of course the beautiful old dark wooden cabinet where, hidden within, were the most delicious treats: dutch biscuits and a variety of “drop” – dutch liquorice including our favourite “double salted”!   

“Heh” is the ubiquitous Oma exclamation when frustrated!

I never did ask Oma about her parents and siblings who perished in the Holocaust. I imagine it was too painful for her to discuss.

Oma has that special space in my memory that I journey to whenever I need to feel secure and warm.