In the last years of the Second World War, my grandmother was born in a small village in Northern Germany. After training to become a professional housekeeper, she married my grandfather. Together, they maintained and lived off of my grandfather’s farm, where my grandmother moved.

Growing up on this farm together with my grandparents, I heard many stories about their life back then. It was ruled by the needs of the animals and the farm, as well as their very strong catholic belief. Living was not filled with trips to other continents, full of parties or experiencing new cultures every day. It was slower, calmer. Routines shaped the course of every day. Still, these offered a great possibility of finding contentment and happiness.

Growing older, I am realizing that even though I always listened to all these stories, I never really made the connections to be able to actually understand how my grandparents lived their lives. 

So, why not take the chance of writing for this magazine at the moment, and interview my grandmother? Regardless of the outcome of this research, I am extremely grateful to have had these conversations with her. They have given me a better understanding of my own family history and an insight into a completely different lifestyle. 

So, welcome to a day in my grandmother’s life. Lean back in your chair and enjoy the ride.

5:59. Time to wake up. The singing birds and slow breeze of wind are telling us that a new day dawns. 

Hush, out of bed. A quick clean of the face, one view in the mirror above. No time to dwell on your own reflection in the mirror. 

Schhhh. The water is boiling. A cup of tea and a plain cookie should suffice for now, so the first tasks of the day can be fulfilled.

Riing, the children will wake up soon. Breakfast needs to be prepared, and oh what a breakfast it will be. The food is all prepared on the table, some small portions already cut with love and accuracy. 

Whoosh, the door is opening, good morning, good morning. Let’s sit down and eat, but I can’t find my Maths paper, please sit and let’s check later. 

One more prayer, off you go, school awaits. 

Quiet. The first step out the door can finally be taken. 

The typical grunting and startled scurrying can be heard as soon as the barn door finally opens. Food! The pigs crowd around the trough, each engrossed in its own battle to devour the largest portion, the best bite. The husband is just as engrossed in his work, wanting the pigs to grow as big and fat as possible.

Clonk. The stable door is closing behind oneself. Very good, the first step is already done. 

Back inside, time to eat another real breakfast, and bring the milk cans to the street. They need to be picked up, brought to the next village and come back refilled. One does not feed himself, right?

Some more things outside are maintained and taken care of, and soon it’s already time again. 

12:00. Lunch. Let’s all gather inside, take our place, and eat. The men had some problems on the field. As always, food is delicious and plentiful. Aah, the newspaper was just brought in. What is wrong with the world, at least there’s no rain tomorrow. 

But, let’s not rest for too long. The farm does not tend itself, and money will not fly through the window. 

Back to work. While the husband returns to the field, the garden needs some attendance and care. And oh, how the windows are looking again! This can not be shown to anybody next Sunday. The port could also use some fresh paint, and the grass is growing faster and faster. 

Cling. 3:30. Time for a coffee. How was it outside? Oh nice, did you hear about the new bride?

Back to work. The animals are calling as well. The two sick pigs need some extra medicine, come you want to eat this. Oh, and the lack of new food for them, a call to order more is desperately needed. Let’s feed them quickly, humans get hungry as well.

Dinner time. Another sitting together, another time for talking and company. How was the kids’ day, what did they do? Sitting and talking, you want to eat some more? 

Then, moving to another room, discussions are starting. Did you hear about the new priest? Oh, and the new law to farm the crops. What a life to be a politician! 

The kids are awaiting their good night story, a quick prayer, time to go to bed.

22:00. Puhh. Time to sleep. Give the body some rest, strengthen it for a new day. 

Lea Schwegmann