The Return
The news that day, May 8, 1945, again brought the family outside. They met up with Heidi and Felix. They danced as if they were playing ring-around-a-rosie. They heard multiple gun shots.
"What are they doing, Father?"
"They're celebrating, rejoicing that the war is over."
"Lucerne will probably have a big parade. I'll find out when. We should all go."
"Sounds like a good time, Felix"
"And fun too, Father." Gretl added.
It was planned when most of the troops from the caves could be spared. Heidi and Felix's sons and nephews were included. This wasn't a bystander parade. All the people followed the bands and the military through the streets of Lucerne. It was a wonderful time.
The young men returned with the family. They had a look around the farm. "Georg sir, your family is amazing. This place looks great."
"You need to check out the cold cellar, Gabe. I don't know how they did it but we have an abundance of fruit. Heidi taught Maria how to can; we have many jars of peaches. And cheese, we had so much we were able to share."
"Perhaps we can continue their good work, Papa. I'm sure Austria can use all we can send them,"
"Great idea, when are you home for good?"
"In a few weeks, we have some housekeeping to do. The caves will continue to be manned"
Gabe and Mat returned; the nephews, Alex and Adrien, stayed behind. Their duty had ended.
Georg's duties began. He had been contacted via the ham radio by General Mark Clark, the American General stationed in Salzburg. He shared the conversation with Maria.
She listened intently. "Another honor Georg, an American general this time; what did he want?"
"He wants to bring us home as soon as possible."
"That sounds wonderful. I do worry about Joseph. For him, this is home. Felix and Heidi are like grandparents and he loves Miriam."
"Perhaps Kurt and Brigitta can help him. I'm sure they will come visit when they are able. You know we need to make a little farm, two cows, a half dozen hens and of course a large vegetable garden. There were two fruit trees. It will help Joseph."
"And maybe Franz will take him under his wing; he was always good with the children that summer I was alone with them. Do you think Max will return to plan the festival?"
"He might; you never know. I do know it's our time."
"My favorite time of the day, sweetheart."
Georg was surprised that none of the older children asked about returning to Austria. He surmised it was too soon for them to think about it. He had a feeling he would learn more very soon. His ham radio stayed busy; he had made lots of contacts. He heard from General Clark again.
"There's only one way to get you here; the roads and the train rails are not useable. I'm going to need to fly you in." Georg cut in.
"Did I hear you correctly? Fly us in; all of us."
"Yes Georg, there are airplanes that are large enough for all of you. The Salzburg airport isn't operational; the pilot would be the only one landing, no instruments will be needed. There will be horse-drawn wagons to transport you to your home. I understand your butler lives near-by."
"Yes, that's correct. Do you have a date?"
"Not yet but soon; I'll contact you as soon as I know. It will be at my usual time. Any other questions?"
"No sir, I'll start preparing, over and out."
Georg had to temper his excitement; he wasn't sure how his family would respond to an airplane ride. It would be his first too. He decided to talk with Maria first.
They lay together that summer night. Georg squeezed Maria tighter than usual. "I love your embrace. Is it a sign you need to tell me something?"
"My dearest wife, you know me too well. I know how we're going to leave Switzerland."
"Is it a secret, Georg?"
"No, it is surprising."
"Okay, spill the beans, I can take it."
"You're funny. The only way to get into Austria right now is to fly there."
"Fly, like in an airplane?"
"Correct, dear."
"Oh my, this is a surprise. Are you scared?"
"No, not at all. Are you?"
"Not scared, worried; I wonder how Joseph and Christina will do."
"I don't worry about Joseph; he'll think it is exciting. And I know Kurt will help him. Christina may surprise us; she may sense her brothers and sisters excitement and be excited too. She can sit on your lap."
"That helps me. Do you have a date?"
"Not yet but soon. Now I have a date with you."
"By all means my love; I'd love a date with you."
Georg still did not tell the children. That would change very soon. He heard from General Clark later that week.
"Georg, you need to start packing. Your date to leave is next week, Thursday May twenty-second. Cars will take you to the airport in Lucerne."
"I'll tell the family. We haven't acquired very much; it shouldn't take us long to pack. Will I hear from you again?"
"Yes, we'll continue our daily talks."
The men disconnected the transmission. Georg sat back in his chair. He reflected back on that fateful day in 1938; the telegram, the Admiral's visit with his commission and Maria's plan for them to sing to freedom.
It was a few months before they would have lived in Switzerland a full seven years. His oldest children were adults; Kurt was almost nineteen. The others were old in maturity. And he was sure their excitement would help Joseph cope.
After chores the next morning they had come in the house to clean up and have a snack. Georg called them together. Maria was perceptive; she helped her husband.
"Let's sit down. Your father has some important news."
Brigitta took it from there. "Are we leaving soon?"
"Yes, my wise daughter, we are. Does anyone have a guess as to how we will travel?"
Kurt answered. "Since you asked, Father, it must be a surprise. Tell us, please."
Maria gave Christina a hug; she was on her lap. She was anxious to hear their reaction.
"You're in for a treat. You are going to have a usual opportunity."
"Tell us, we're in suspense."
"We're going back home in an airplane."
The room seemed void of air as they all took a deep breath. "A big airplane, Father?"
"Correct, Brigitta, it can hold all of us and our luggage."
"When?" She asked.
"Next Thursday, the general has arranged cars to transport us to the Lucerne airport. We will fly into Salzburg. The airport isn't functioning; the tower was destroyed. Because it's a day trip the pilot can land without navigation from a tower. The runways weren't bombed."
"Father, this is so exciting."
"Is everyone as excited as Kurt?"
"It will be sad leaving Mrs. Heidi and Mr. Felix and we will miss seeing Miriam."
"Yes, Marta that's true. It doesn't mean we will never see them again. In time we will be able to travel freely back and forth. In the meantime we can write letters and speak to them over the ham radio and when the telephone lines are replaced we will be able to use the telephone.
Kurt saw Joseph's sad face. "Don't be sad, Joseph. Just think, you will see the house where we grew up. We can tell you all about meeting mother and how she taught us to sing. It will all be good, I promise."
"Are you sure, Kurt?"
"I'm sure. And we can take all your toys with us."
Maria and Georg were pleased. They also knew everyone would have a tinge of sadness, including themselves. They spent the next few days getting ready.
Felix had a surprise for Georg. "I want you to take all the seeds for summer planting. I'm sure the United States will be sending the essentials; it's going to take a long time. I'm going to contact all the nearby farms and get them to do the same."
"That's very kind. Maria is almost certain the Abbey's garden has been enlarged and has been helping those who live nearby. Our home had a large garden; the flowers will need to go. That space will be used for food. We'll get by."
The morning of May twenty-second arrived. The family was awake before Mr. Cock-a-doodle-do sounded his morning song. Heidi came over to prepare breakfast for them. They sat at the table for the last time. Her sons and nephews joined them. Miriam had also been invited. She sat beside Joseph.
Maria offered this prayer. "Almighty God, we praise you and we give thanks unto you. Your providence has been our anchor. Please continue to rain down your blessings on this family we leave behind. This land Switzerland has been our Egypt; where You sent the Holy Family to wait until it was their time to return to Galilee.
"We thank you for our blessings too. Now we pick up the mantel of Moses, Joseph the son of Jacob and Joseph the earthly father of Jesus and return to the land which is now free from evil. We know our journey will be easy; the work of rebuilding Austria will be long. We are prepared to assist in any way we can. Make straight our path oh God; it is our destiny. Amen."
"Amen," was echoed by all.
"Okay, every one, it's time to check your rooms again. Be sure you have everything you want to bring with you. Our cars should be here within the hour."
The family tried not to be tearful when it came time for the final goodbyes. They could not be avoided. Even Georg had misty eyes.
Maria offered the final words. "Please come visit as soon as you can."
"You know we will. Now come give Mr. Felix and me hugs and kisses. You have an exciting adventure before you."
Those final goodbyes were over. The General took charge. "Our drivers will have us at the Lucerne airport in about thirty minutes."
The family didn't start paying attention to the scenery until they were beyond Lucerne's city limits. Soon the airport's tower loomed in front of them. Each car was buzzing with excitement.
Christina still had questions. Her young mind hadn't comprehended what was really happening.
"Mother, where are we?"
Maria had to contemplate her reply. "This is an airport. Do you remember your father told us we would take a trip in an airplane?"
"Yes, will I have fun?"
"It will be fun and exciting." Christina smiled and Maria gave her a comforting hug. Georg had listened but he also observed.
"Okay, you two, we're here. I'll help you out."
They were all out of their cars; they talked incessantly. The General had to silence them.
"It's time to board everyone. Your plane is waiting; follow me to the tarmac."
Joseph was the first to remark. "It's big, Kurt."
Georg heard him. "It must be, Joseph. We have a large family and our friends have given us a lot of seeds to start our garden. Everyone can go first; I'll be last."
Kurt wasn't shy. "Let's go Joseph; we can be first." He let Joseph climb the ladder; he followed close behind. His brother and sisters followed. Maria and Christina were next.
"Up you go, Maria." Georg followed close behind. She was carrying Christina. He wanted to be sure she didn't lose her balance.
"This isn't at all what I imagined, Georg."
"Me neither."
The family saw a beautifully designed cabin. It had a center aisle separating the seats; two on each side. They were upholstered seats in navy blue. Each pair had a window.
All the children had proceeded to the rear, except Kurt and Joseph. They had occupied the seats opposite those for his parents. Maria had asked for Joseph to be near them.
General Gusan came aboard for final words. "Helmut has orders to contact me as soon as possible following your arrival. Now let me make sure all your seatbelts are securely fastened and you will be ready for takeoff. Don't be scared. The thrust will push you into the seatback; it won't last long. Then you will me mesmerized by the view out the window. It's a short flight; you'll be back in Austria very soon. I leave you now, God speed."
He and Georg shook hands; Georg took his seat after he had left. The family saw the door close. The attendant spoke. "The engines will start soon; they will be rather loud. You may want to cover your little girl's ears until we get off the ground."
Inside the cabin was a still silence. They heard a voice; seemingly out of nowhere. "Prepare for departure."
The attendant quickly checked everyone's seatbelt and took his seat. A loud rumble was heard and the airplane bounced as it picked up speed on the runway. They were indeed pushed into the back of the seat. And Maria held Christina tight; one ear was against her chest; her hand covered the other.
In a few seconds, the family heard Gretl. "We're flying; the ground is getting further away."
And then the others responded. "We see, Gretl. And we're still going up." Soon the airplane leveled off and the captain spoke.
"We are at cruising height. We won't stay this high for very long. This trip only takes an hour. You have a few minutes to walk around, if you like. I'll announce when to take you seats for landing."
"Father,"
"Yes, Friedrich."
"I can't believe we'll be home so soon."
"It is amazing, Son. Man has made remarkable advances since the very first plane was flown around the turn of the century."
Georg got up to speak to those in back. Everyone was smiling; he even saw a happy face on Joseph. They heard the captain.
"Return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts; the plane is starting its descent into Salzburg airport."
They watched out their windows. They could see and feel the plane's slow descent. Then they were between the mountain and the city. As they got closer they saw the first evidence of war.
Brigitta was the first to speak. "Father, look at all the destruction. I wonder what was there."
The attendant answered. "That was the train station. The allies bombed it to prevent the German troops from receiving reinforcements. You will also see the destroyed airport tower. The runways weren't touched. That's why we can land. And that will happen in a few minutes."
Those on the other side of the plane had a different view. "Georg, there's a big group of people near the runway. Are they waiting for us?"
"Must be, Maria, I don't believe they're expecting another plane to land. We'll know shortly. Hang on to Christina, we're about to touch down."
He was correct. The plane bounced twice before the breaks were applied. The thrust pushed everyone into their seat back before it taxied to the end of the runway and turned around.
His older children cheered. "We're home; we're back in Austria."
The attendant stood. "Stay seated until we come to a complete stop. Captain, I was told to have you exit first. Myself and your oldest boy can help your wife with the little girl."
The attendant unlocked the door; the outside workers brought the stairs close to the plane and secured it. One climbed them to open the door and hook it to stay open.
He went inside. "Captain, are you ready to set foot on Austrian soil?"
"I am."
"The doorway is all yours."
Georg stepped where he could be seen. The applause began; a small brass quartet played the National Anthem of the Austrio-Hungarian Empire. A tune Georg knew well. The Emperor's Hymn was played when he received the Maria Thespian Cross for bravery in the Adriatic and he last heard it when the Empire's flag was lowered for the last time from its pole on his submarine. He stood proudly until it concluded.
"General Clark Captain, welcome home." He saluted Georg.
"Thank you sir, glad to be home; my family is at your disposal to help anyway we can to bring Austria back from the brink of annihilation."
"Let's get your family on its soil."
The attendant at the top of the stairs heard him. He spoke to the passengers. "Madam, I'll help you. I need your eldest son."
Friedrich heard him and came forward. "You take your sister from your mother; I'll help her down. I'm sure you can manage the stairs with her in your arms."
'Yes, I can."
In those few seconds, Georg saw a familiar face walk towards him. "Georg, you don't look a day older than when you sang at the festival."
"You're exaggerating, Helmut but I do thank you. Did anyone come with you?"
"He's hiding; he'll come forward soon. Let me acknowledge Maria."
"You look more beautiful than ever. This must be Christina. Your father told me all about you. Is that your little boy?'
"Joseph, come meet your father's ham radio contact."
"You young man, remind me of your brother Kurt. How old are you?"
"I'll be six soon, sir."
"You're a tall boy." Joseph smiled and stood straighter.
Soon all the other children said hello to Helmut. "Do we need to be so formal? You older children are adults now; that includes you Brigitta. I know you have an adult mind. Marta, Gretl, Joseph and little Christina can call me Uncle Helmut."
As they talked, Georg had been talking with all the other military men in the greeting party. And as Helmut had said, a familiar face came out from hiding.
The two men shared a manly embrace. Kurt spoke up. "Franz, you haven't changed a bit."
"Are you blind? Can't you see my almost bald head?"
"I must say you are a wonderful face to see."
"Thank you, Maria, I agree with Helmut, you are more beautiful than ever. Your friends at the Abbey are anxious to see you."
The lieutenant in the group got the family's attention. "Your horse drawn wagons are waiting to take you home. I have one word of warning; it's going to be bumpy until we get into the city."
"We don't care, sir. We want to go home."
"Then let's get you loaded."
These were not farmers' wagons; they were what might be called taxicab wagons. There were four of them; one was for their luggage and bags of seeds.
The parade of wagons and military vehicles began its slow travel from the airport. The road did bounce them all around. They saw a few more bombed out buildings and bridges. Although the all-important bridge over the Salzach River was intact. Once in the city proper, they passed Mozart's family home and Salzburg Cathedral; both had been damaged. One of the drivers told them a stray bomb had hit the Cathedral.
The remainder of the way home was just as the children remembered. They cheered as they approached. Four habited women came out of the shadows. Maria had to cover her mouth to keep from screaming. She stood in her carriage before it came to a complete stop.
"Kurt, they scare me."
"There not; you'll see, Joseph."
"Maria, slow down and don't jump over the side. Take my hand."
As soon as her feet hit the ground, Maria let go of Georg's hand and went running. She ran right into the Reverend Mother's open arms. After the hug, the Reverend Mother held her at arm's length. "You are even more beautiful than ever. Did I see new faces?"
"You did. Kurt let me have Joseph."
"Let me lower him to the ground."
"Joseph, can you say hello. These are mother's special friends from the Abbey."
"Hello, mother why do they wear those scary clothes?"
"I'll explain later, Joseph. He's never seen a sister. Our church was a chapel; the priests took turns saying Mass for us; they came from the Jesuit Seminary."
"He's tall, Maria. How old is he."
"He'll be seven soon. He was born on Georg and my first wedding anniversary."
"And who is the little cherub, Liesl is holding?"
"This is Christina, Reverend Mother; she'll be four soon." Liesl responded.
"And I can't believe your older children; they've become mature young people."
"And Reverend Mother, my brothers and father became good farmers. Us girls know how to cook; keep house; sew and we teach the little ones."
"They're all skills that can be put to good use. You'll soon learn that the local people have very little. The American soldiers are sharing what they have but the need is great."
"I know it won't help all of them; we have several large bags full of garden vegetable seeds."
"Your children are calling you, Maria. We have lots of time to hear your stories."
After receiving a hug from the other three, Maria watched them walk back to the Abbey.
Inside the house, Georg had found Eleanor and her housemaids. "We had to freshen up the house, Georg. Helmut told me when to expect you."
"Thank you, Eleanor; it even smells clean."
"Please plan on having your meals with us. As long as the weather is nice, we can eat on our terrace. Franz planted some vegetables in your garden; we will have more than enough."
"Again, I thank you, I did worry about food."
They did eat with their friends. When they returned exhaustion set in, no one complained about going to bed. Maria had prayer time first. She thanked God for their safe travel and for their wonderful friends. And a special prayer for the people of Austria; she prayed they would find a way to feed them.
The children were snuggled in their beds and so were Georg and Maria. She took the, I'm pregnant pose. "Are you sure?"
"No I'm not. I've skipped a few cycles since Christina was born and with all this excitement of leaving Switzerland, it could be just that. I can't be sure. I wanted you to know. You've had a lot on your mind."
"You know, I'd love to welcome another life into our family. Right now I want you."
"I'm ready and willing. I still can't believe we're home."
"It's another day to remember."