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 Each time I was placed in a new home, I would have to learn all about the family's background so I could step into their life and assume my new identity. It was hard not to confuse the details of all the families. My last name would change as I moved from family to family, but to make it a little easier for me I would be allowed to keep one first name. Ruth sounded too biblical and might have raised suspicions about my religion, so I had to choose a new first name. I chose Truusje, a good Dutch name. I became her and left Ruth in another life. The Resistance taught me what I had to do to survive. I had to listen carefully to what they said. My life depended on it. If I didn't do exactly what they told me, I, as well as the family that was hiding me, would be picked up and sent to a concentration camp. I learned that the questions I asked could not be answered. I did not ask questions anymore. I learned to think before speaking. If I acted impulsively I might reveal that I really was Ruth. I learned that, in any situation, most adults sided with their own children, even if they were wrong. I could not object. I learned that when asked to do a chore, I could not object. I learned I had to be well behaved at all times. The families that were hiding me had put themselves in great danger to protect me.  My knowledge of the war was simple:S.S. officers were dangerous and ruthless. The Allies were supposed to liberate us from the Germans. The Dutch Resistance was helping us to survive. If you were caught by the Germans or Dutch traitors you would be sent to a concentration camp to die. |