Frida

In the spring of 1931, Frida made her first appearance in police reports. Intelligence officers situated in the southeast of Czechoslovakia compiled a classified report concerning spy-related activities in the region. This top-secret report was meticulously signed, sealed, copied, and distributed to the police headquarters of major cities in the country. It was also forwarded to the Ministry of Defence, military headquarters, and the military police force. The gravity of the report left the intelligence officers with no choice but to treat it seriously.

When I first delved into the task of tracing my paternal grandmother's life and ultimate fate, I discovered evidence and historical fragments scattered throughout archives across the area formerly known as Czechoslovakia. At that time, my father, Berthold, Frida's son, had passed away a decade earlier. He never knew most of the information I unearthed about Frida-although he was present when she was interviewed by the police in 1931, a tiny embryo nestled in Frida's womb, just beneath her beating heart. Frida herself remained unaware of the events unfolding within her body and the challenges that lay ahead.

Why did the police show such keen interest in my grandmother? What actions had she taken, and what fate awaited her after the interrogation? These questions prompted me to contemplate the profound impact of one's circumstances on their life. Moreover, I found myself pondering the deeply personal question of why Frida decided to give up her child.

I've wrestled with the question of whether Frida's story should remain untold. Perhaps my father's decision to keep for himself the limited memories he had from his childhood in Bratislava was justifiable. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder if amid the tumultuous history of central Europe at that time, there were moments of brightness for Berthold and Frida.

Throughout my search, I sought all traces of Frida's life-documents, photographs, any remnants I could find. As my quest neared its end, I stumbled upon a peculiar discovery that convinced me of Frida's blessing to tell the story that follows.