A New Year
Their joy was tempered with sadness when it came time for the orphans to go home. All the children wanted to walk with their papa when the orphans and Maria returned to the orphanage late that Christmas day. Maria couldn't help but notice the sad faces on all the children. She knew they had become very good friends.
"Children, don't be unhappy. We can be together every day. Tomorrow you can come to my classroom; we'll play games, maybe even paint. Is that alright Captain?"
"Of course it is Maria."
"Can we come here right after breakfast tomorrow?"
"Kurt, the children and I both have chores to do in the morning. How about ten o'clock?"
"Then it's all arranged. I'll walk them here around that time."
"Thank you Papa, you'll have time to read the newspaper in peace and quiet."
"Now Brigitta you know very well I don't mind hearing you children play. I do thank you for thinking about me."
"You're welcome Papa."
"My dear Brigitta, you make you papa feel old with all your grown-up talk." Georg shared a glance with his precocious daughter. He let it pass. "I see we have arrived."
The children said goodbye and Georg heard multiple thank yous from the orphans again. His children talked all the way home. He heard Maria's named mentioned several times. Liesl was walking with her papa.
"Papa, all of us feel so lucky to have Maria in our lives. She's always thinking about other people."
"Yes, I see that too. Her heart is filled with love and she wants to share it with everybody."
"I want to be like her. I know Mama would be pleased."
"Yes she would and I'm pleased too." His arm went around his oldest daughter and pulled her close for an affectionate hug. She ran on ahead to catch up with the others.
Georg was lost in his own thoughts. She is a wonderful young woman. I wonder if my family would have adjusted to life without their mother if she hadn't become a part of our lives. God I will always be grateful.
The morning came. Georg saw the children watching the clock. "Can we go now Papa?"
"We can leave now; it will be ten by the time we arrive."
Maria welcomed them. Liesl took Gretl from her carriage. She immediately walked to Maria. She picked her up and directed the children to their first activity. The routine for the week began. Georg left them and went home to read the paper in quiet. He chuckled as he remembered Brigitta's statement.
Maria had kept them busy all week. The New Year arrived with little fanfare. The children returned to school. That first day Georg met with the base commander. He still functioned in his capacity as the details of the treaty were put in place. He had spoken with Georg before but had nothing definite to tell him. He did now. He began with small talk.
"Georg, I heard your children had a nice Christmas. Father Gabriel told me how it came to be that the orphans spent Christmas with you. He was so pleased they had learned the Golden Rule and sought to follow it."
"It was all Isabel's idea, Sidney. I invited Maria; I knew about her past. Her presence helped a great deal. She progressed their friendship by planning activities during the week before school started again."
"She seems to have a heart full of love to give away; knowing her past it makes it all the more remarkable."
"I know; everyone felt her love. Do you have news for me?"
"I do Georg and it's not all good. As you well know you are living in Italy now; a country which flip-flopped during the war; first being neutral then entering the war with Britain and eventually the United States. They wanted to re-establish the Italian Empire; those countries had promised them land for their service.
"They're not pleased either of us is still living here. I don't believe anything is imminent. My duties will not be phased out for several more months. I will be able to give you advanced warning."
"Not exactly the news I wanted to hear. I can't imagine needing to uproot the family; everyone, except Gretl, has fully put their grief behind them."
"I know Georg. My family isn't pleased either."
Georg didn't share this news with anyone immediately. His hand was forced. Someone else read the paper every day, Max. That day he had read some disturbing news. He went looking for Georg.
"Who is this guy named Mussolini? "
"I'm afraid he's become our enemy. He knows I'm living here in Pula. He may force us to leave."
"I thought you might tell me that. Why can't we all get along?"
"I know Max; I don't understand either. I think about Father Gabriel's explanation that we are imperfect. Many want to be god; so they go to war. I'm trying not to dwell on it. Sidney will keep me informed."
Maria had looked forward to her time with Gretl when school resumed. She had learned something over the Christmas holiday. Gretl's favorite story was Goldilocks and the Three Bears. She found a copy in the school library; it was a big book with simple pictures.
Maria often sat with Gretl in a large comfortable chair she had in her classroom. Gretl never resisted Maria's hugs. "Gretl, your sister Brigitta told me this is your favorite story."
She opened the book to the first page. Maria noticed her face brightened. "Is that an almost smile little one?" Her eyes opened wide as she looked at the picture. Maria was pleased. She began to read.
"Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Goldilocks. She went for a walk in the forest. Pretty soon, she came upon a house. She knocked and, when no one answered, she walked right in." Every few words she would look at Gretl. Her countenance never changed but Maria knew she was listening to every word. Maria continued; the girl tasted the porridge; then sat in three chairs and broke one; then fell asleep in the baby bear's bed.
Gretl was engaged in the story; she seemed to be waiting for the next part. Maria was sure she knew what was coming next. When she read about the bears first discovery; their porridge being gone; the words, "the mama bear said," struck a chord. Gretl looked at her and spoke her first word. "Mama."
Maria's smiled broadened. "Very good Gretl; mama bear wasn't happy." She went on reading. She turned the page to read about their discovery of the chairs. She read that phrase again; "the mama bear said," and Gretl repeated, "Mama." This time Maria became concerned but she continued to read the story. Gretl let her finish.
After she turned the page and Gretl had a good look at the picture; she smiled and looked directly at Maria. Loud and clear she said. "Mama, my mama."
Maria became alarmed. She realized Gretl was calling her mama. "Not mama Gretl, my name is Maria."
She repeated. "Mama, my mama." And smiled.
"Oh dear, what do I do now?" She mumbled. Maria smiled at her; but remained silent. "Let me sing you a song. Your sister will be here in a few minutes."
"Liesl, Gretl is very happy today."
"I see she is smiling."
"Yes, finally; she'll be talking soon, I'm sure."
When Liesl and Gretl were out of sight, Maria ran to find Sister Mary Margaret. She told her what happened.
"I must be truthful Maria. It doesn't surprise me. Gretl doesn't remember Agathe very well. You're as beautiful as she was; and as loving. You hold her close to your breast. She feels loved."
"I can't let her believe I am her mama; it wouldn't be right."
"Try not to dwell on it. Hopefully Gretl will begin to talk more; she's getting older. Perhaps she will be able to understand soon."
"I hope you are right Sister."
The next day Maria had another shock when Isabel asked her. "Maria did Gretl call you Mama?"
"Oh dear, she told you." Maria hid her face in her hands.
"Maria, don't be ashamed. It doesn't surprise me. She feels your love; the same kind of love Agathe gave her. In time she will be able to know the truth."
"What will the Captain think?"
"The same as me; he understands children's minds. Don't worry; I'll break it to him gently."
Isabel found an opportune moment. His response was as she expected. "I'm glad she has spoken. It doesn't bother me at all she thinks Maria is her mother. Maria has more love to give than most people given her sad past."
Isabel was concerned about the other children. She decided to wait for their reaction. She shouldn't have been worried. Liesl told her. "We know Gretl doesn't remember mama very well. Maria is just as loving."
Liesl repeated similar words to Maria when she picked up Gretl the next day. "Are you sure Liesl? It wasn't my intent to replace your mama in her mind."
"We're sure Maria. Marta thinks of you in the same way; she's too shy to say it."
"Are you ready to go home Gretl?"
"Ready Liesl, goodbye mama."
Maria's eyes glistened. "Goodbye Gretl, see you tomorrow."
When Liesl got home she asked Isabel to ask her a question. "Did you have fun with Maria?"
"Fun with mama."
Isabel and Liesl shared a smile. "I'm glad she's smiling and talking."
"Me too, Frau Schmidt."
Georg was standing in the doorway; listening. "Gretl, I'm glad you had fun with Maria. Do you want to play with papa?"
Gretl surprised him. "Play elephant, Papa." He remembered. She was in the living room one day when he was playing with Kurt and Marta.
"Liesl come with us. I don't know if she can hang on tight enough."
"Okay Gretl, I'm on my hands and knees. Liesl help her on my back."
Georg was a very gentle elephant; not one who tried to throw his rider like he had Kurt. "You nice elephant Papa. Me want off."
Liesl held her. "Did you enjoy your ride?"
"Me did. Play ball Papa."
The two sat on the carpet throwing the ball back and forth. Georg was pleased. Now my family is whole.
Georg wasn't visiting Agathe's grave every day. He had stopped after he began to attend Sunday Mass regularly. He knew he could talk to her anywhere but he felt closer to her spirit at her grave. Maria still kept fresh flowers there and at her parent's grave.
He went this morning. January and February were the rainy months in Pula. This particular morning was cold and damp; a light drizzle was falling. Georg was wearing his hat and overcoat. Although the trees were without leaves, the branches still offered some protection. He removed his hat; held it his hands as he sat on the bench.
"Did you hear Gretl? She finally spoke. Yes, I know she called Maria, mama. I hope you don't mind. When she gets older I'll show her pictures of you, so she will know who gave birth to her. The other children will help too. I want you to know sweetheart, there will always be a special place in my heart for you."
Georg replaced his hat and walked home feeling content. "God, I'm not angry anymore. I know now there is a time for everything; nothing on this earth is permanent."
As he got closer to the house, the sun broke through the clouds. It became a beautiful day. It reflected the way he felt. The days which followed were as upbeat and happy for the entire family.
Even the Church's calendar which told everyone it was the Lenten season of repentance didn't dampen this family's spirits. Father Gabriel had assured them that God didn't want to see long faces or hear people pounding their breasts to show their remorse. He wanted to see them care for their neighbor; for brothers and sisters to be kind to one another and to spend a few extra minutes in prayer.
Maria helped all the children follow Father Gabriel's suggestions. She spoke to all the school children. "Every one of you has at least one piece of clothing or a toy or game that you can give to the less fortunate. Bring them to my room in the orphanage."
Isabel and Gretl walked the few blocks from their home to the church. They found Maria in her classroom sorting all the clothes. She saw them arrive with Gretl's carriage full to the brim.
"Me give my baby clothes."
"I'm sure a new mama can use them."
"Me do too mama."
"Now you know my name is Maria."
Gretl giggled. Maria gave her a big hug. "I love you little one."
"I love you too Maria."
"Thank you sweetie."
Gretl seemed to explode with words. She was talking all the time; at home and when she came to see Maria.
"You have a lot to say little one. Maria is very happy."
"Me happy too."
Everyone in the family rejoiced. Their happiness was right on time; gone were the repentant days of Lent; it was now the joyous season of Easter.
Maria had a lot of help with her idea; a huge Easter Egg hunt. On Easter Saturday, Maria's schoolroom was full of hardboiled eggs. Mothers brought their secret ways to color the shells. Basins full of hot colored water were everywhere. Big spoons were used to lift them out to dry.
The children oohed and aahed over all the colorful eggs. Georg came to see the production line. Maria found him alone for a moment. "Will you help me in the morning?"
"I'd be pleased Maria. I did it once or twice. I'll meet you just as the sky begins to lighten.
"Perfect Captain."
His children never stopped talking about all the fun they had had. It took Isabel over an hour to convince them to go to sleep; including Marta and Gretl.
Georg met Maria at the arranged time. "My, that's a lot of eggs Maria."
"There are a lot of children and maybe even some who are visiting with relatives will come too."
The garden around the church was the perfect spot. Father Gabriel found them. "I see you are finished. I can only see a few; you must have hidden them well."
"The older children need a challenge; I know from experience."
"Is that right Captain?"
"It is. I also know they never find all of them; my gardener always found some when he started his early spring planting. I better go home and get properly dressed."
"See you both in church."
Father Gabriel had learned early in his priesthood; families liked an early Mass on Easter Sunday. This year was no different; the family service was at eight o'clock. The von Trapp family was among the first to arrive. As usual they took their seats near the front. Gretl and Marta enjoyed being able to observe the service. Gretl could also see Maria in the side choir loft.
Maria's voice could be heard as the choir began with Alleluia the Strife is O'er, and the song of praise, Jesus Christ is Risen Today, and finally The Lord has Risen, Alleluia.
The congregation filed out after the final blessing; the children gathered around the steps of the church; baskets in hand. Father Gabriel quieted them. "Now remember, those children under six go first; they should use the front garden gate. Moms and Dads go with your children."
"Is it our turn now?"
"Now you older children can wait a few more minutes. When I say go; you head for the back gate." He did make them wait. "Okay go!"
Maria had joined Isabel with the youngest children; those Gretl's age. She made sure each one found at least three eggs. She knew there were more than enough. Georg supervised the older children; he stood and watched. He was pleasantly surprise; there was no pushing or shoving. By the time the whistle was blown, everyone had a basket full of eggs.
All of the von Trapp family met on the walkway towards their house. Maria noticed the overflowing baskets. "You have a lot of eggs children."
Isabel heard her. "Too many for us to eat before they spoil. After brunch Pepé will take some to our neighbors."
Marta and Gretl took Maria's hands as they walked home. Once again Martha was already at the house preparing the table for brunch. When they got home, she had lots of helpers cracking the eggs. She took the first dozen to make special eggs. The yolks were mashed and mixed with a homemade sauce; the mixture was placed back in the egg halves.
"Maria, your place is right here beside me."
"Thank you Captain. Goodness, look at all this food. We must say a special blessing."
"Will you Maria?"
"I'd be honored." She waited for them to bow their heads.
"We rejoice in the risen Lord.
Like the goodness of the five loaves and two fishes,
Which God divided among the five thousand men,
May the blessing of the King who so divided
Be upon our share of this Easter meal. Amen."
The family responded. "Amen."
Another milestone had been accomplished by this motherless family; Agathe would never be forgotten no matter what the future held.