Birthdays

Maria worried she had missed someone's birthday. The first week of January she met with Frau Schmidt.

"Please tell me I haven't missed anyone's birthday."

"None since you and Georg were married."

"Oh, thank goodness! Now I know we celebrate everyone's including the housestaff."

"Yes, that's right."

Maria had received a lovely daily planner and journal for Christmas from all the housestaff. She wrote at the top of the correct date, the name of the person celebrating a birthday. There were fourteen in all.

"Remember Maria, Georg won't forget yours because I will personally remind him."

Maria smiled. "I know."

"Maria, you know birthdays haven't been very happy either. Last year was better; being here in a new house had helped."

Maria had sensed that, but something else, Frau Schmidt did not tell Maria her own birthday. That didn't matter, Maria already knew, her birthday was January 31st.

Maria had overheard her talking to Frau Katia, the cook. "You know when you get older birthdays only remind you of that fact; I hope the children don't make a big fuss."

Maria respected her but still; she wasn't going to let her birthday go unnoticed. It was really an opportunity to thank her for everything she does for the family. She had always been there to "fill in" after the children has chased away governess after governess.

Frau Schmidt had started working for the family shortly before the children became sick. Her husband of many years had died recently and she no longer wanted to live in the home they had shared for so many years. A friend had told her about a need for a housekeeper in a home with seven children. The Captain had hired her on the spot.

She was there when Agathe died; the sadness that perverted through the home was worse than the death of her own husband.

She had vowed to herself to help the children as best she could, her mild manner and genuine personality won the children over; she brought some happiness into their lives. It wasn't until they moved to the villa in Salzburg did they begin to celebrate simple things like birthdays; nothing big but at least they were remembered.

Maria had become close to her on Maria's very first day. She had shared the sad story of the naval hero without a Navy and a man without his wife and best friend. Maria just had to do something special. Just like the children had used a song to bring her back to them, Maria would use a poem, a simple one that everyone could quickly learn. They were in school.

Maria had been in her room many times. It had a large sitting room, filled with her own things. Many items of needlepoint and embroidery filled the space, giving it a floral look. Maria had noticed all her yarn and thread were overflowing the small basket for them. This was idea number one, a new basket. Idea number two was a needlework wall hanging of the children names and their birthdays; of course embellished with flowers and small animals. Maria had to work fast, Georg would just have to understand if she excused herself some evenings to work on it.

As they were getting ready for bed that night, Maria shared with Georg. "You know the 31st is Frau Schmidt's birthday?"

"Yes, I seem to recall that fact, but I also know she doesn't like big celebrations."

"Yes, I know that too. But we have to do something."

"What did you have in mind, Maria?"

"It would be at lunch time on Saturday. I know she is having dinner with her lady friends. I'm looking for a new basket for her yarn and threads and I'm working on an embroidered wall hanging with all the children's names and birthdays. The children are memorizing a poem just for her."

"That all sounds wonderful. Now please come to bed, I have plans for you."

"Georg, will we always make love this much?"

"If God is willing, I plan to. He took her in his arms as soon as she sat on the bed.

Maria worked every day to complete the wall hanging on time. "Maria, are you coming to bed soon?"

"Only three more numbers and I'm finished."

She sniped her thread on the last stitch. "All done Georg, take a look."

"Lovely, Maria, she will be so pleased, just like I will be pleased with you when you come to bed."

Maria laughed as she snuggled up to him.

Frau Schmidt couldn't have been happier. The poem made her smile even brighter than normal.

You are so young, we can see
Life has treated you well
Your smile glows for all to see
And happiness makes you swell
Your eyes are happy, they just shine
May your heart grow until it's full
All your love for us is fine
The von Trapp children know it well.

Everything was perfect, the poem, the wall hanging and the new sewing basket.

"Thank you everyone, with all you children around; you do make me feel so young."

The children gave her hugs and kisses as she left them to get ready to go out with her friends.