First Steps
The next day, Georg and Maria were both anxious for the agreed upon time for their meeting to arrive. They both arrived at the spot at the proper time almost at the same time.
"Fräulein, I realized I never introduced myself. I'm Georg von Trapp."
"And I'm Maria Kutschera."
"Fräulein M…"
"No Fräulein is needed. Maria is my name."
"Very well, Maria. Our reasons for being here may be different but it seems the solution to getting back to normal is the same. I hope you're ready to sing."
"I am."
"Good, I was thinking of another song Agathe used to sing with the children. It was a song about favorite things."
"I know that song as well. It's a good song to sing with children during a thunderstorm."
"So, you've taken care of children before."
"Yes, there's an orphanage near here. I helped out there on several occasion. One time I spent the night; we had a loud thunderstorm. I found them all huddled in one room. We sang about our favorite things until the storm passed."
Maria paused for a moment before asking. "Georg, where are your children?"
"I sent them away the day Agathe died. One of her brothers drove them to his home in Hungary. My brother's widow is with them."
"Don't you think it's time to be with them? Do they know their mama died?
Georg shook his head. Seconds passed before he spoke.
"Maria, my days here have refocused my faith. The Prayer of St. Francis is very instructional. St. Francis tells how to live our lives so we can be welcomed into God's presence when we die. It will be difficult to tell young minds this but I believe God will supply the correct words.
"Maria, the house where Agathe died I don't own. I want to make a fresh start. There's an Abbey and a Monastery in Salzburg. I'm sure they both welcome others who need a place for spiritual respite.
"I'm going to need a governess for my seven children. Would you consider being that governess?"
"Georg, I'm not very old. I'm sure I'm only a few years older than your oldest."
"You'd be with the younger ones most of time. I think Liesl would like having a young woman with whom she could talk with as she becomes a young woman herself."
"Let me talk with Sister Margareta before I give you an answer."
"Most certainly, I would expect you to."
The two went their separate way out of the garden.
_OO_
Maria almost ran to find Sister Margareta. She had to wait until she finished speaking to another troubled young woman who had only recently come to the retreat center.
Maria paced around the courtyard outside her office. This wasn't fearful pacing; it was I can hardly wait pacing. Soon the door opened and the young woman emerged. Maria did acknowledge her with a smile as she grabbed the door to keep it from closing.
Sister Margareta had noticed and immediately spoke. "Maria, do you need to speak to me?"
"Sister, the most incredible thing has happened. That man I sang with is Georg von Trapp. I recognized his name. I know he is a decorated Naval Captain."
"I believe you are correct."
"He asked me to move with him to Salzburg and become his children's governess."
"And how did you respond?'
"I told him I wanted to speak to you first. Sister, his oldest can't be but a few years younger than me."
"And his response?"
"He assured me she would like having someone near her age to help her grow to womanhood. I would be spending most of my time with his younger children; there are six others."
"Do you want to go with him?"
"I think so. I feel God had us meet and perhaps gave Georg the words to ask me to be his children's governess."
"Well said, Maria. I will miss you but I know it's right for you to do."
"I'll tell him tomorrow."
_OO_
Maria had some apprehension about becoming a governess for Georg's children. She approached him cautiously the next day. Instead of just appearing she began to whistle to calm herself.
Georg was sitting on a bench with his back towards her. The tune she was whistling was a happy tune; it almost resembled a bird's happy chirping. She saw him look all around as if he was hunting for a bird.
Maria heard Georg speak out loud. "I've never hear of a bird which could chirp so long and so loud."
He now realized the chirping was come closer; now it stopped as he spotted Maria on the path towards his bench. "Maria, was that you whistling?"
"Yes, I'm the happy bird. I'm happy and content. I made my decision. I truly feel that becoming your children's governess is what God wants me to do."
"I prayed that would be your answer. We can't leave for Salzburg right away. I must take care of some business."
"Like going to see your children."
"Yes, I'm confident God will help me find the words to tell them about their mama. And I also need to tell the others who are really a part of my family to pack up our possessions. All of us will need to live in a hotel in Salzburg until I can find a home to buy."
"That's fine. I'm in no rush to leave here. Perhaps there will be someone else I can help find their way."
"You're a very caring person, Maria. I know my children will appreciate having you as part of our family."
"You're too kind. Do you know the Edelweiss song? Edelweiss is a strong flower which grows is the most rugged places. I learned it from peasants who sing it to honor Austria."
"I don't. Please sing it for me."
Maria began with the opening word, Edelweiss. It was repeated and the verse continued to describe this flower; a small flower whose petals would open as a greeting each morning. And then Maria sang the verse which asked that these blossoms would continue to bloom and grow. The final words were; bless my homeland forever.
"Maria, that's a lovely song. Begin it again and I'll sing with you."
Maria did begin it again and Georg joined in on the second time Edelweiss was sung. Their voices filled the garden as they sang those final words, bless my homeland forever.
"Maria, I'm sure you recognized my name." Maria nodded as he continued. "I was very despondent after learning Austria had been forced to give up its coastline. This song has given me a reason to believe that Austria will one day be known as a beacon of hope for all the world to see."
"It may also be known for its music. Austria has a wealth of folk tunes. Did you know Mozart was born in Salzburg?"
"Yes, I did know. I saw a performance of his opera, The Magic Flute. Its ending seems to announce the dawn of a new era of wisdom and brotherhood. Perhaps music will be the way to bring the people of the world together."
"I believe you may be correct. There's the bell again. I need to tend to the animals in the barn. I'll pray for you while you are gone. I know God will help you when you tell your children about their mother."
"Thank you, Maria. I'll be back as soon as I can."
They went their separate ways; each humming the Edelweiss tune.
