The Special Parties
Before the shadows of war consumed their lives, Anne Frank and her friend, Hannah Pick-Goslar, were just two girls who loved a sleepover. Hannah’s memories of their time together are filled with the simple, joyful traditions that define a happy childhood. She recalls the Jewish holidays and New Year’s Eve, times when their families would come together, sharing food and laughter.
For Anne and Hannah, these were “special parties.” They were given the incredible freedom to sleep together in Anne’s room, a cherished moment of youthful independence. At the stroke of midnight, the adults would wake them, offering them an oliebolletje (a traditional Dutch jelly doughnut) and a drink, a small treat that felt like a grand celebration. The day after was a holiday, allowing them to sleep in, a small luxury that made the night even more magical.
These are not the stories we often hear about Anne Frank. We know her as a symbol of hope and a victim of tragedy. But these memories, told by her best friend, remind us that before the Secret Annex, before the fear and the isolation, Anne was a child who loved parties, a girl who cherished her friends, and a person who found joy in the simple moments of life.
The memory of these happy sleepovers is a powerful one. It serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the ordinary, beautiful life that was so cruelly taken away. It teaches us that to truly understand the tragedy of Anne Frank’s story, we must first remember the light that filled her life.