It’s not often that you meet a family that is an exact counterpart of sorts to your own. I met one over 30 years ago in Sprockhövel, Germany.

My parents had eight children, seven boys and one girl. My sister is the fourth of those eight children, and I am the fifth. My dad died before we had all left the house as adults, so my mom had to raise the last children as a widow.

The Eisermann family in Sprockhövel, Germany – near Wuppertal – is an exact counterpart in a way. Mrs. Lucie Eisermann (photo), now over 80 years old, and her husband had eight children. Seven girls and one boy. And guess which one of them is the boy? The fourth of the eight, just like my sister is the fourth of our eight. Mrs. Eisermann’s husband died early, leaving her behind as a widow to raise her children. And raise them she did! Their home became somewhat of a meeting place for young people, and over the years dozens, if not several hundred young people – and others – have visited "Mama" Eisermann’s home.

Today she lives with her daughter Hanna. Her other children live in America, Australia and Germany. Her son lives in Australia. When a WCG evangelist who had briefly visited the Eisermann home saw her a few years later at a Feast, he could not remember her family name, but he did remember her title: "Mama," he said, as he gave her a big hug. Thanks to "Mama" Eisermann for lots of hospitality over many years and a fine example of being positive!

Comment from Magadelene (Eisermann) Schotten:

Danke Paul für diesen schönen Bericht über meine Mutti. Viele Grüße von der ältesten Tochter von "Mama" Eisermann!