Heinz Mattern & his stein
Hello fellow Matterns',
I write this to inform you of the tragic event that took place many years ago in our beloved homeland.Many have approached me over the years to say, 'Tim, why do you seem so sad?'I tell them it is because I am fully aware of the action (or in this case, lack of action) produced by my forefather - one that has caused me and my family many lifetimes of shame and dishonor - and one that will never be forgotten.
You see, Heinz Mattern proudly attended Oktoberfest year after year with his family-stein in hand.So proud a man he was then.Often seen walking the coblestone roads of old-west Berlin proudly raising to display his foam-topped stein to passersby.On one fine day, spirits were flowing as hundreds attended the 1930's Oktoberfest.It was cool, but the sun was shining and the accordians were playing frequent and loudly.Men, women, and children danced uninhibited in the streets to the sound of 'Oom-pa-paa'.Heinz was beaming with pride as he handed his tall family stein to the boy who tended the kegs.The keg-boy filled the stein full and to the brim, as he knew (or at least he thought he did) Heinz would show the proper respect.
As the afternoon wore on, Heinz's eyes became glossy, and his head began to bob to and fro.He walked away from his stein and began to make his way back up the cobberstone road and to his humble dwelling.Meanwhile, keg-boy arrived to clear the many beer soaked benches and tables when all of the sudden, there sat Heinz's stein!'OHHH!', keg-boy shouted...'WHAT IS THIS!HEINZ HAS LEFT HIS STEIN HALF FULL!WHAT ARE WE TO DO!WHAT IS TO BECOME OF THIS!!!'With his head in his hands, keg-boy left the stein untouched and ran swiftly to consult with the village elders.
The next morning, Heinz gathered with the village elders to determine what must be done.Heinz lowered his head in shame as the elders had but one choice - to banish Heinz Mattern forever from his homeland - never to return!
Today, as a decendant of Heinz, I still feel the pain of that day though it was long ago and in a far away land.I try to be an honorable man, but I know that nothing I can do now will make up for the calamity that took place on the day that forever changed the lives of my family.
I will never return to Germany, and I forever walk in shame...
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Re: Heinz Mattern & his stein
3/01/02