May 4, 1899 My twin sister Annalise sang all the time about our new home country, America. We sang In America life is more golden, In America the flowers are more beautiful, In America the world is much better, and that’s were I’m longing to be my dear. The ship was so crowed. Annalise, my mother and I slept on one tiny cot. It was always cold and so was the food. I hope the food isn’t cold in America. It’s been about two week on the boat. Captain says we will see Lady Liberty in about another week.
May 15, 1899- I see her! I see her! Her copper glows, shinning on the ocean, like stars in the night time sky. I woke up Annalise, Mother and Father to show them lady Liberty. “We are home now.” Father said with tears in his eyes. We groped for our few things in the dark and went on the ferry that took us to Ellis island. Later that Day We arrived there. As soon as we put our bags down, we were asked to go upstairs for a full body inspection. They watched us as we walked up the stairs. Then they took a button hook and inspected our eyes, for something called trachoma. Something went wrong, Father and Annalise were told they had to go to the hospital wing.(later) A nurse came to me and mama. Father is fine, but Annalise has to be sent back to Germany. She is just the age of thirteen she can barely support herself.
May 16, 1899- I didn’t seep at all last night. The sleeping conditions at Ellis Island are worse then on the ship. There is absolutely no room. I am constantly thinking about Annalise. I wonder how she is doing on the ship back home. No its not home. Its just a place, were I used to live. THis should be our home now, but it’s nothing without her.
July 22, 1899- We finally got a house and father got a job as a bricklayer. The house is much better then the one in Germany. It’s not bigger or fancier, it is better because it is in America. It is worse because I am sleeping in an empty room. My whole life is empty without Annalise. I am so happy though because I finally got a letter from her. She has been living with my uncle and they are coming to America too! I am so happy for all of them.
October 7, 1899- I wake up and see her. With her bags, standing in front of my bed. My family is together again.
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