A Fictional Letter from Katharina Maria Goebbels to her son Joseph Goebbels
3 February 1920
Dear Joseph,
I hope this letter finds you well. Have you grown accustomed to life in Heidelberg?
You are far from home and we miss you dearly. Konrad and Hans said you boys find the time to meet up on Sundays. I’m glad you and your brothers make time for each other.
Your sisters are well, and when I look at them it breaks my heart to know that they will soon leave home to marry or to pursue their studies much like you and your brothers. Your father and I have tried our best to prepare them for the world.
I think of you very often, and how much you have already accomplished. My imagination cannot even conceive of all the things you are yet to do. I recall when you were a child, you loved to read and write stories. I am happy to hear that you are working on a play. You have always had a way with words, Joseph.
When you came home for the Christmas holiday you informed your father and me that you no longer wish to dedicate your life to the priesthood. I am sorry to hear this. Of all your siblings, you always took such delight in attending mass. I remember when you were just seven-years-old, I would take you to confession with me. You were able to recite all the prayers. The priests were so enamored by you and I was so proud to have such a pious son. Are you still reading your bible, Joseph? You know how important it is to have a faith. I pray you find your way back to the ministry.
Your brother tells me you met a girl — Anka, is that her name? Hans says she is much older than you. You are a lovely boy Joseph, and you have a sensitive heart. I pray that she will not take advantage of your gentle spirit. I know that you have always felt different from everyone else but remember what I always used to tell you — our heavenly Father does not make mistakes. When I birthed you all I saw was my beautiful boy, you are perfect from head to toe. Perhaps you can bring Anka home with you the next time you visit?
I know you will be completing your doctorate by next year. Do you plan on staying in Heidelberg? It may be easier to find work here in Dusseldorf. And I cannot lie, I would love to have you close by. Know that me, your father, Konrad, Hans, Maria, Elisabeth, and Maria (sometimes I wonder why I named both of your sisters Maria, it makes me laugh out loud ), will always be here for you.
I love you dearly, my son.
Your mother, Katharina Maria Goebbels
