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Klaus Wenzel~ Fleeing Home
My name is Klaus Wenzel. I'm only thirteen,and my life is already completely changing. My mom threw a small suitcase and said " pack only the stuff you need." Mother or father wouldn't tell me anything that was happening. But i just had this feeling, that I would soon be leaving, but never return back. I laid in bed that night and said "goodbye Berlin, Germany." -
Klaus Wenzel ~ The Ship
Day 1: on the ship. I didn't have any leg room on the ship. My parents were on each side of me, I kept my legs straight so I could have some room. I wonder to myself how long I actually last for on this ship. Where were we going? Why were we fleeing? Would ever see my friends again? With all these thoughts racing through my mind, I eventually fell asleep. -
Klaus Wenzel~ Confusion
The next day we grabbed our suitcases, and went on the street to go, wherever we were going. Streets were crowded with people also with their luggage. I grabbed onto my father's coat so I wouldn't get lost in the crowd. I then saw the ship at the end of the block. It was the Berlin port. -
Klaus Wenzel~ One month later
Day 29: It's been a month already on this ship! I can't wait to finally see land again. Neither of parents told me where we were going yet. Not knowing where we are going is making me restless. My mother found some blankets, and we moved up deck. There wasn't as many people up top but it was a lot better. -
Klaus Wenzel~ Confession
Day 30: Restlessness was killing from not where we were and going, but also being on this shop for so long. So I decided to go another passenger for answers.They said "we going to a free land." I was confused so I asked "why?" The stranger simply replied "Berlin is being... destroyed, by atomic bombs." I was shocked and I didn't know what else to say. Now I know why my parents never told me. I hope my friends would be okay. -
Klaus Wenzel~ More information
Day: 32 I finally talked to my parents on why were left Germany. Also where were we going? My mother wouldn't speak a word about it to me. But my father did. He said " we are going to a better place. We will be free my son! The place we are going to is America. I heard many great things about this place. I will find a better job, along with more money! We are also moving for our safety. You might even meet some of your friends there." I was thankful he told me but I was still skeptical. -
Klaus Wenzel~ Finally seeing land
Day 37: Minutes felt like hours, and hours felt like days. I need to get off this ship, or I was going to go insane. People were getting sick and some even. Sad to say it but there bodies were just thrown overboard. Before long of just feeling of the rocking boat, I heard the horn go off. I got up and saw land! I was happy to get off this ship that I was shouting with excitement. -
Klaus Wenzel~ New Land
When we got to the new land, I was so excited. My parents and me got luggage and got happily got off the ship. As we about to exit there was a long of people. I asked my father what was going on, and he didn't know either. So there we stood waiting in a very long. -
Klaus Wenzel~ Waiting
It was about nightfall by the time it was our turn. In our wait some people got sent back to the ship, some where even crying. We got there and, they make some people strip down. I wondered if I have to do that too? Newsflash I did and it was horrible. But what ever they were looking they didn't find on so they let us go, including my parents thankfully. They fed us in a very crowded place and gave us cots for the night I wondered what would happen next. -
Klaus Wenzel~ New Life
After a few days of being here they tried to make us write/spell our names, only some could do it. I used to be in a private school before we came so I knew how to do this. My parents had to do the same thing and answer a few questions but to my delight I got told we would be staying here for a few months and leaving again. The economy seemed to great and powerful and I wish we never had to leave. Even though it was completely different from back home I couldn't wait to start my new life! -
Klaus Wenzel~ Few Years Later
It's been 7 years since I left Berlin, Germany. I still miss home, but life here in America is good. Adapting to everything was pretty hard , but after awhile you get used to everything. I'm now 20 years old and my own family now. I have a beautiful wife and 2 wonderful kids. My parents aren't around anymore. My mother died when I was 15 from an illness. My father just died recently, we're not really sure why. I now live in "Pennsylvania", I think that's what its called.
