A recurrent theme in Aunt Franka's diaries has to do with her siblings, often around money. As I slowly get her diaries transcribed and translated, I will collect excerpts here; maybe eventually a full story!

September 15, 1931

Rózia's letter about Madzia and Julek. This is Ludka[1] 's comedic behavior. Oh, you can't worry about all this! You have to be in life like in water – swim on the surface – with everything, with everyone! She taught me a lot with her example.

Notes:

[1] Haven’t figure out who Ludka is (see next entry).

September 21, 1931

Since Saturday evening I have been walking around in one rage at Julek for his telegram about money for Ludka. How this man has no sense at all that he shouldn’t have demanded so much from me, when their stay cost me so much. It is villainy to abuse me like that. Just to show in front of ……….(?) that he is sensitive. We’ll see if he sends her away.

Now again the story with Madzia. I don’t look enough for her to let me operate. She can run away until I do. I sent her money for the doctor by telegraph again - since the summer it has cost me 150 fr - and now I don't have money for a coat, shoes etc. - I have to give the money I got from uni today in installments for Rózia, besides, almost the last of our money from the bank will go to Madzia's operation[1] . I am so furious at this exploitation of me that I can barely hold back an outburst. Julek somehow angered me the most - although the sum this time is not large, this way of demanding from me by telegraph outraged me to the core.

It is awful to have such siblings. Actually, I have a bad tactic in life: I give and get angry, you should smile and refuse.

Notes:

[1] Presumably, the hysterectomy that her sister, Magdalena, did finally have in summer 1932.

September 29, 1931

Then I woke up. I thought about Madzia, the operation I was going for, my neck that hurts, my reluctance to work, Tr. and so many things – and when I got up and got that faint(?) mail, I lost the will to live.

I have to change tactics with my sisters. Fela writes to me when I tell her why she explains these boring things like in this card; Madzia replies to my desire to come for the operation in this way – Julek doesn’t write a word after Pet(er) arrives. And me? I walk around in torn shoes and pay interest for Rózia ………(?) Am I that clumsy?

October 28, 1931

This letter from Julek asking for a loan came to such a head. What kind of a person is he! I couldn't calm down for a long time, my legs were shaking, they are still shaking.

October 29, 1931

I sent him 150 fr. - I took it from Gho….ina's (?) money for now, because I don't have my own. - He's a disgusting beggar. Not a word how or what.