A Girl Needs Her Dad – Salee Reese

Hi Salee, Yes, I would like to share a story about my Dad. Sadly, I knew him only for 11 years. He was killed by the Russians after WW II was over. He never served in the Military because of a chronic illness. He collected stamps. Every time he found a new one, he would let me help him put it into one of his albums. He showed me how to prepare the stamp, showed me on the map where it came from, taught me something about the people of that region or country. He was a very kind and compassionate man. Since we lived in apartments, he built me a two story apartment doll house one year for Christmas. It had even lights in every room. It had two bedrooms, kitchen, a very elegant living room and dining room with chandeliers, and a full bath. My mother made the curtains and carpets. My father built the furniture for each room. The lights were operated by a battery, and each room had light switches. He took me on his bicycle every Sunday to the country side or to visit with one of his sisters. He even offered his life to a Russian soldier when he wanted to take me with him to replace his sister who had been killed by German soldiers. The Russian held his gun against my chest and wanted to shoot me when my dad told him that he could not take me. He told the soldier that he had to kill him first, which really surprised the man, he lowered his gun and left. I can still remember the little gleam of respect in the soldiers eye, for the bravery my father displayed. My father was later arrested by the Russians and taken to various factories in Berlin to help dismantle machinery, along with many other able bodied men still in Berlin. At night they were taken to various camps, fed only raw cabbage and water. He later had a seizure and was shot were he fell. Several eye witnesses saw these things happen and reported them to us. In 1972 my mother received a letter from the Russian Red Cross, that a man with my father’s name had actually died. No causes were given, no date of death, no burial place. I will always remember him for his compassion, love and kindness. Yes, it’s a sad story, but part of him is still within me, and for that I am glad. Most sincerely, Rosemarie Felts

5 Responses

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Rosemarie Felts says:

June 16, 2013 at 6:44 pm

Hi Salee, Yes, I would like to share a story about my Dad. Sadly, I knew him only for 11 years. He was killed by the Russians after WW II was over. He never served in the Military because of a chronic illness. He collected stamps. Every time he found a new one, he would let me help him put it into one of his albums. He showed me how to prepare the stamp, showed me on the map where it came from, taught me something about the people of that region or country. He was a very kind and compassionate man. Since we lived in apartments, he built me a two story apartment doll house one year for Christmas. It had even lights in every room. It had two bedrooms, kitchen, a very elegant living room and dining room with chandeliers, and a full bath. My mother made the curtains and carpets. My father built the furniture for each room. The lights were operated by a battery, and each room had light switches. He took me on his bicycle every Sunday to the country side or to visit with one of his sisters. He even offered his life to a Russian soldier when he wanted to take me with him to replace his sister who had been killed by German soldiers. The Russian held his gun against my chest and wanted to shoot me when my dad told him that he could not take me. He told the soldier that he had to kill him first, which really surprised the man, he lowered his gun and left. I can still remember the little gleam of respect in the soldiers eye, for the bravery my father displayed. My father was later arrested by the Russians and taken to various factories in Berlin to help dismantle machinery, along with many other able bodied men still in Berlin. At night they were taken to various camps, fed only raw cabbage and water. He later had a seizure and was shot were he fell. Several eye witnesses saw these things happen and reported them to us. In 1972 my mother received a letter from the Russian Red Cross, that a man with my father’s name had actually died. No causes were given, no date of death, no burial place. I will always remember him for his compassion, love and kindness. Yes, it’s a sad story, but part of him is still within me, and for that I am glad. Most sincerely, Rosemarie Felts
Salee Reese says:

June 16, 2013 at 8:32 pm

What a touching story, Rosemarie. I’m sure many people will be moved. I know I was. Thanks!

Salee
Rachel says:

June 17, 2013 at 2:24 pm

Rosemarie- I was moved by your story. I can relate too of liking my fathers love, compassion, and having a tender heart.

Not only that I admire his fascination of the arts, eagerness to learn, and his wisdom. He is such a great man!
Salee Reese says:

June 17, 2013 at 3:50 pm

Thanks for sharing, Rachel! Salee