She was a WW2 German war bride who married a black US soldier.

 This is my mother-in-law (whom I adored). We remained close friends after her son and I separated.

 She told me once that I was the favorite of all her children because she didn't have to give birth to me or change my diapers.

She was a WW2 German war bride who married a black US soldier, and raised her 5 kids all over the country from the 50s thru the civil rights movement.

 One of the bravest, funniest, and kindest people I've ever known.

We talked about everything, and I enjoyed getting her perspective. She always referred to men and girls. Grown women calling themselves girls rubs me the wrong way.

 I asked her why, and she replied with astonishment. "Well, because all women want to be young and beautiful girls! Don't you??"

 When I asked why she didn't call the men boys she said "But they are men, not children!" (I can still hear her German accent!) Yeah, I lost that argument.

She talked about growing up in Nazi Germany. Her father was a successful businessman, and had to join the Nazi party. 

Everyone had a copy of Mein Kampf prominently displayed in their home. 

He didn't support Hitler, but he didn't want to abandon his family and get dragged off to prison. 

When the Allied forces dropped leaflets, she had to go out and collect them. 

This was very dangerous, the German army would've arrested her for being a traitor and sharing enemy information. 

She said she was the only girl in the family and therefore the least valuable so they sent her.

I would love to talk to her today and get her views on our current situation. She would have a very valuable and unique perspective.

 Unfortunately the US is obsessed with youth, and the opinions of people with decades of experience is disregarded. Unless they're warmongers, of course.

Wish I would've spent more time with her.

RIP Edith, you're missed more than you know.