I do not own the rights to BOB. This is just a tribute. For anyone who has already read this chapter, there are some changes. I learned that Talbert's life was not as sad as originally portrayed in BOB. He was a very successful man and decided to live in the country after he retired. Talbert was dying of cancer when he attended the BOB reunion described in the book. He had come to terms with that and was living a peaceful existence in the wilderness.
Quiet filled the Daniels House the next morning until Gillian looked out her window and saw it was snowing. She immediately ran to Lewis's door, knocked and told him to look out his window. Then she went to Sarah's, Nix's and Dick's and did the same. "It's snowing! It's snowing!" Gillian jumped on her bed until Sarah came out and told her to stop. This did nothing to quell her enthusiasm, and she ran into Lewis's room where her brother shared her excitement.
Dick got up and looked out the window. Three days ago, the sight of falling snow would have disheartened him, but being warm, inside, the smell of coffee brewing below and the sound of happy children brought a smile to his face. Knowing how accustomed he was becoming to this life, he wondered how the men fared this morning.
The guys in the barracks were oblivious to the outside world until two boys opened the door and walked in carrying well-wrapped warming plates. Out of instinct, Toye quietly opened his door and saw that it was Hank and Billy. Stepping out he nodded to both of them. Billy came up to him and his face was all aglow. "Mom came home last night, Joe." He put his arms around Joe's waist. The latter felt a tug in his heart. Obviously, the boy missed his mother more than he wanted to admit to anyone. Joe hugged him back.
"That's great news."
"She was waiting for me when we got back. You should see my little brother Peter. He has big hands for a baby. Mom is going to bring him to Meeting. Are you coming to Meeting?"
"Uh, what's that?
"It's what you call church. We use the schoolhouse that's up the road from the Daniels House. We have a potluck after meeting."
Joe listened and mulled over what Billy said. "What time does it start?"
"Ten o'clock, my mom and three new ladies will be there? I haven't met them. They are staying at different houses. Ours is pretty packed now."
Nodding his head, Joe said, "Sure, I will be there."
"Do you think Wild Bill will come," asked Hank?
"I don't know. You see Bill is a really devout Catholic, so is Heffron." Seeing Hank's face drop, Joe said, "I will see what I can do kid."
Back at the Daniels House, Lewis was heading for the barn to milk the cows. He was surprised when Major Winters offered to help him. "Sure, sir, if you don't mind."
"No, I don't." The two red heads covered up and headed for the barn. After cleaning up after animals and placing fresh hay in their cradle, they settled into the quiet process of milking the cows. Before too long the milk was pasteurized and Gillian had gathered the eggs, the three Winters made their way back to the house. Dick noticed Amon was going up the road on some vehicle that seemed to clear the snow to the sides. Meanwhile Gillian leaned her head back and tried to catch snowflakes on her tongue.
Sarah met them at the door and told the children to clean up before breakfast and then get ready for Meeting. That is when she invited Dick and his men to join them. "I should have mentioned it before, but nothing has gone to plan." He smiled and nodded.
"Should I send Lewis over to the barracks with an invitation," Dick asked?
"If you wish, you might also indicate that a potluck follows worship." So, unless they want to wait until supper to eat again, they might consider at least joining us for potluck."
Within a few minutes, Dick dispatched Lewis to the barracks; he assumed that Faith would extend the offer to both Lipton and Compton. He went upstairs to shower and put own his dress uniform. It was the first time he had the opportunity to wear it since his promotion. Dick felt awkward in a way wearing a military uniform in what he sensed was a community founded on nonviolent principles. Was it history or faith that guided them in this pursuit? Perhaps it was both, puzzling over this, Lew tapped on the door and popped his head in and whistled. "Don't you look sharp?"
"I can say the same for you. So, are you attending church this morning?"
"Hey, I am just taking all of this in and besides I promised Faith that I would."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Dick laughed, but he couldn't help notice how content his friend seemed.
"Do you know what you are going to do Dick?"
"I am going to have breakfast and go to church."
"Do not give me that. Are you staying or are you going back to our time?"
"I haven't decided, but I think you have."
Nixon looked up at the ceiling and then straight at Dick. "Yes, I am staying. I do not need to know how my life turned out because I know what is waiting for me back there. I know what is expected of me as a Nixon. For the first time in my life, the first time," he repeated for emphasis, "I have an opportunity to mark out my own future without the family name getting in my way or the money to back me up. It is all up to me. I know what the first settlers must have felt like. I can taste freedom, and I love it. With Faith by my side, I know we can make a go here. I intend to marry her, and I believe she will. Besides Dick needs me, and you can't tell me that those two children don't have a hold on you because I have seen how you look at them and at Sarah.
"Sarah," Dick said softly.
"Yes, Sarah, if you go back, she will still be here. Loving a man from another time and spending the rest of her life devoted to those children. I know her type. She is a one-man woman and like it or not, you are that man my friend. Lew patted Dick on the back. Now let's go and have breakfast. I believe Mrs. Mendenhall may be the best cook in this or any other century."
Whether it was a curiosity to see all of the women of the community, a need for spiritual comfort after what they had experienced or a mixture of both but every man who came on this mission were in their dress uniforms, all medals present, boots polished within an inch of their life. It had been a long time since they had worn dress uniforms and looked so sharp. They ribbed one another, but they knew they looked good. They did not even complain about the snow as they followed different families on the way to a two story round building.
Much to the surprise of the men, all of the women wore the same style of dress in that they were long sleeved of a woolen knit that hugged the body until the skirt portion, which was pleated and draped over the hips. The necklines varied from round, to square, to v-shape and some were cut lower than others were. The colors were in various shades of blue, purple, and red. Embroidery at the neck on the sleeves and hems indicated that these were their best dresses. They stepped out of high boots to reveal that they did indeed have legs, but a classic, black pump adorned each foot. However, they seemed preoccupied with children, placing food in the kitchen and the weather to notice the new worshippers among them.
The men arrived early and saw that some of the women and small children were already there. Perconte walked over to Tia and met Melina and Georgio for the first time as did Popeye, Shifty, and Heffron. All but Frank and Tia were a bit shy but the children served as a connection. For men, hardened by war, being surrounded by small children eased their souls. Just hearing them laugh warmed them almost as much as being inside.
When Bettye Toye entered the Meeting with Billy and Elisabeth, there was a flurry of activity as all her friends came to hug her and take turns holding the baby then Billy brought Joe over to meet his mom. The widow Toye carefully eyed Sergeant Joseph Toye. If she saw any resemblance to her late husband, Bettye did not let on. The fact that her son sought Joe out last night as well as to introduce him to her, spoke volumes.
"It is a pleasure to meet you m'am. Billy has told me about you and the baby. I hope you are feeling all right."
"I am very well, thank you Sergeant. My son sings your praises which is praise indeed."
"So, this is Peter." Joe stuck his finger in front of the baby boy who grabbed it and held on tight. "What a grip, he sure is strong." Now Joe Toye liked children, but it had been awhile since he had seen a baby up close.
"Would you like to hold him?"
"Uh, sure why not." Joe leaned in as Bettye placed Peter in his arms. The latter stared up at Joe and grabbed his nose, which made Joe and Bettye laugh.
"Would you care to sit with us, Sergeant Toye?"
"I would be honored m'am." Still carrying baby Peter, Joe followed Billy, Elisabeth, and Bettye who selected four seats in the back. If Joe Toye worried about what the guys would say about him holding a baby, he need not. Babe sat beside little Will Hefron while holding little Julie Heffron. Sitting next to him was their aunt, Nancy Wells, a pert little brown-haired young woman. In front of him sat, Perconte looking nervous but happy to have baby Melina in his lap, pulling at his nose.
Sandy Toye was carrying a rather heavy box to the kitchen when Skip Muck offered to carry it for her. "Your Joe Toye's niece, aren't you?"
"Yes, and you are Warren Muck. It is nice to meet you."
"My friends call me Skip."
"Is that an invitation to call you Skip or be your friend?"
For the first time in a long time, Muck was speechless. He quickly gathered his thoughts and started helping Sandy in emptying a lot of chicken potpies. "Yes, m'am to both."
"All right, Skip Muck." Sandy placed her hand out and Skip shook it gently. They smiled and blushed then went back to unpacking the box.
By the time, Major Winters arrived with the Daniels a lot of the men had paired off with their descendants and guardians. Sarah wore a maroon color dress with black embroidery. He admired the simplicity and elegance of the design. She still had trouble walking and leaned first on Lewis and then Dick assisted her, which he did not mind. Breakfast had been a calm event and Nix was right, Ellen Mendenhall was a wonderful cook. The Daniels and Dick took their seats. The seating arrangement was in three circles, with Elder Scott, Faith, Dick and Nix, the Daniels and Dick Winters sat in the inner circle along with the Guarnere family and Fran. Fairly soon a silence filled the room. Some of the children went to sleep, while others stared out of the clear glass windows and watched it snow.
This was a strange church to Bill Guarnere. After twenty minutes of silence passed, he whispered to Hank, "Hey kid, when does the service begin?"
Suzie was sitting on Bill's lap and whispered in his ear, "The service begins when the worship ends."
"Oh, thanks sweetheart." Wild Bill mulled over what the child said, and the words began to make sense to him. He thought about how all of these women and children cared for one another, helped each other when the chips were down, just as Easy Company had to over the past three years.
Towards the end of the hour, Lewis Daniels Winters felt himself led to speak. He always thought that was for grownups. Suddenly he found himself standing up. Dick thought his Aunt might tug his sleeve to indicate he should sit back down, but when she did not, Lewis let the words flow from his lips.
"I have seen," Lewis's voice broke; he decided to start over, "All my life I have been taught that it is wrong to fight, and when my parents died the way they did, I questioned that. I think of lot of us did, but we kept our thoughts to ourselves. Well, at least I did. Anyway, I have seen what hate does, and I know that is not for me. I think about what Elder Scott says all of the time. "Let us see what love can do." I now know the importance of what those words mean now. I have see things that I wish I could forget, but from now on I will carry love in my heart for all people and all things." When Lewis sat down, he looked up and saw that a lot of the men from Easy Company were looking at him and nodding. He felt the Major's arm around him and he turned to the older man and shook for a little bit before he gathered himself. His aunt took his left hand in hers and held it very firmly. When Lewis turned to her, there were tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. She looked at him and nodded.
Minutes later, Elder Scott turned to Lew Nixon and shook his hand then shook hands with Lipton who shook hands with Anna and so forth and so on. Elder Scott then asked if there were any afterthoughts. It was a time for firsts because Dick Nixon stood up and asked if they could sing "The Song of Peace." He sat down all red in the face, but Lewis, Hank, and Cliff nodded to him that it was cool. Underneath each seat was a hymnal.
Elder Scott beamed at Dick. "I cannot think of anything more appropriate. It is good to see young people so attentive to the spirit."
Now this song was new to the men of Easy Company, but Faith ran through the song on the piano a couple of times before everyone began singing. The tune sounded familiar so everyone joined in:
This is my song, Oh God of all the nations,
A song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is;
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my sacred shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
Oh hear my song, oh God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.
The voices blended, harmonized, and soared to the heavens above. Some of the guys choked up at the end, and when they finished, a lovely silence fell over the room.
When Elder Scott, asked if there were any more afterthoughts, to everyone's surprise, Shifty Powers got up and said he felt he had to say something. The older man nodded.
"Until I joined the Army, I never had been far from home let alone Europe. We all come from different parts of the country, but that did not matter after awhile. We got through Taccoa together and we thought that was tough." Some of the men nodded and smiled remembering those hot days in Georgia. "Nothing prepares you for seeing a buddy die or shot. You don't even have time to mourn or miss them really. I've been thinking about those fellas, and I do miss them as if they were a member of my family. The only good thing I can recall about this war so far are the friends I've made and knowing that I can count on these guys. Some of the things that I have seen and done … I don't rightly know how I can explain to the folks back home." Again, there were nods among the men. "With Easy Company, I feel like there is nothing I can't do as a man, as a soldier; and I feel like that maybe it's because I'm still here with you fellas and Major Winters. I don't know why but I feel at ease here like I kinda of belong, but I don't know why. I'd like to thank all of you ladies for feeding us and for the kids, but I really want to say is I really like the last verse of that song. It's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."
Shifty sat down. Luz leaned over and patted him on he shoulder.
Elder Scott rose once again, but there were no more afterthoughts. Then Sarah stood up and made two announcements. "I am happy to say that Bettye Toye returns to us after a lengthy stay in hospital and she brings her son Peter. We know that Sandy, Billy, and Elisabeth are thrilled to have them home again. Along with Bettye, there are three new colonists, who will join us in New Harmony. Will you please introduce yourselves at this time.
A young woman of medium height and long blonde hair introduced herself as Thea Kronigbern. Then a short curly red hair woman stood up and said her name was Dottie Graham. Finally, a tall dark haired lady with incredible blue eyes announced that she was Katie Caldwell.
Hoobler, Penk, and Tab's eyes lit up with each announcement. They each thought things were starting to look up for them. Only Skip Muck did not take an interest in the newcomers to the community. Right now, he only had eyes for Sandy Toye.
Sarah then announced that as soon as someone pulled the tables from the built in closets, the potluck would begin. The boys directed the men sitting nearest to the closets and soon long, oval tables were unfolded, tablecloths thrown on as well as napkins, pitchers of water, and baskets of flatware. It took a little time to through the line, but everyone agreed it was worth the wait. Just before they tucked in, a silence came over the room and the men noticed the women and children taking the hand next to them so they followed suit. They stood like that for a few minutes than each felt a gentle squeeze of their hand. Sarah, said, "Thank you." Soon the room was filled with the sounds of people eating, laughing, babies crying and children being admonished for some breach in etiquette.
After the meal, the tables were put away and most sat around in the chairs suiting the breeze, as the guys like to put it. No one really wanted the afternoon to end, but the smaller ones needed naps, as did some of the adults. It was still snowing as they made their way to their respective homes, but there had been promises made to see one another tomorrow or as soon as possible. Leftovers were distributed to the men to take back with them, as were directions to houses, which were given and received with much anticipation on both sides. On the way home, some of the fellows started singing, "He ain't gotta jump no more," while others threw snowballs at one another.
After tossing a snowball at the back of Bull's neck, Perconte turned to Luz and said, "You know George, three days if you asked me if I would be playing in the snow, I would have said you are crazy."
"I think I would have said more than that Frank, but I know what you mean." He lit a cigarette and watch Bull toss Perconte over his back.
"Does that mean you are thinking of staying here," asked Perconte just before Bull dumped him in a big snowdrift.
"I don't know. I miss Providence, my family. Jesus I got so many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. I prayed just to make it through the war to see their faces again, but I don't know. Hey Frank, are you all right."
"Yeah, yeah, help me outta here will you."
"Sure buddy." Luz helped Frank out of the snow, and the two made their way inside just in time to catch the confrontation between Guarnere and Martin.
Johnny Martin was very quiet. This caught the notice of Bill Guarnere, who never missed anything. "What's eating you Johnny? Ever since we got back from church, your face looks mad as thunder."
"You want to know what's eating me. The reason everyone is so nice to us here is because they want us to stay here. I've got a wife, Bill. Some days the only thing that kept me going through this whole stinking war is seeing her pretty face again. Now they throw kids at us that are related to us who have no Dads sometimes no Moms either. It's not fair I tell you to ensue that kind of pressure on a man."
"Ensue," said Bill. "This is me you are talking to." Everyone was listening now because here was the argument that played repeatedly in their heads. "As far as I know, ain't no one said we couldn't go back. Some of youse might think it's easy for me to stay here. Ah, Bill if he goes back he's only got one leg. "Well, I know Old Guarnere will have a good life, no matter what. Ya don't think I don't want to see my ma's face. If it weren't for her, I would have been dead long before now. Then there is my girl Fanny. I haven't forgot the promises that I made to her. Tomorrow, I am going to use one of those simulating re-enactors to see my ma. I tell you I dread seeing the look on her face with me lying in a hospital bed but I know one thing she will be happy that I am alive. We all gotta make this decision. I'd miss you here Johnny, but I figured I will see you after the war in 1945. So, I will think of you and smile, but I like the idea of building a nation. Ain't that what we be fighting for all along to protect America? Well, now my country really needs me and it ain't to kill Germans or anyone else. It's to build a life with a good woman, raise those kids, and God willing have some of my own. No one said anything to help me make up my mind. It ain't South Philly, but every time I look at Fran, those kids. I know I am home."
Bill put his arm around Johnny. "It's gotta be a tough decision for you, but it's rough on all of us. The best thing we can do is talk it out. Look at the pros and cons then make the best choice we can."
The afternoon went by quietly. Some of the men napped. George Luz was going stir crazy so he stepped outside and saw the kids were sledding. "Hey guys, get a load of this." Frank stuck his head out and started laughing.
"What's so funny, Frank," asked Bull?
"The kids are sledding down the hill and making snowmen. Man that takes me back."
"No, kidding." Soon a bunch of the fellows was out playing with the kids, including Johnny Martin.
At the Daniels house, things were a bit quieter, Sarah was reading in the front parlor while Gillian practiced knitting, and Lewis played his cello.
Major Winters came downstairs. He had been watching the other children from his window and didn't see Lewis and Gillian. "Why aren't you two outside playing with your friends?"
Lewis stopped playing. "We kind of wanted some down time. Too much has been happening around here. It's kind of nice to be quiet sometimes."
Looking up from her book, Sarah eyed the two children. "Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't go for a walk behind the house and enjoy the quiet and the snow."
"Do you feel up for it," asked Dick?
"I think I can manage it." So, after scarves, gloves, coats, and boots were donned they all headed out the back door with breadcrumbs for the birds courtesy of Mrs. Mendenhall and started walking past the barn, which led to an open field.
"Jeez, it must be at least three feet in some places," said Lewis.
"Aheeee," screeched Gillian. She stepped into a drift that went up to her armpits. Major Winters scooped her out and took her hand. "I sure am glad you are tall, Major."
"It comes in handy."
"Hey, Aunt Sarah!"
She turned around and took a snowball right in the face then fell flat on her back. At first, Lewis panicked, but he soon realized she was moving her arms and legs to make a snow angel.
"Snow angels!" Gilly squealed and quickly flopped near her aunt and did the same. "Come on you two."
Dick and Lewis looked at each other, shrugged and soon there were four snow angels of various sizes in the snow. "It's beautiful," said Gilly. When they finally stood up and admired their handy work.
"Yes, it is, but I think one snowball deserves another one." Sarah scooped up some snow and tossed it at Lewis, but the aim was high, he ducked and it hit Dick in the back of the neck.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." Watching Dick scoop up some snow, Sarah repeated, "Please no, I said I was sorry." When she realized, he was serious, Sarah took off running but it was to no avail, Dick's legs were longer and his aim was true. "That is so unfair," laughed Sarah then she tripped over a log into the snow and fell into a drift. She was still laughing when Dick pulled her out of the snow. Snow stuck to her everywhere so she just shook it off and Dick picked up her hat and put it back on her head.
After scattering some of the breadcrumbs underneath some low lying shrubs, Lewis remembered the sleds in the barn, and they all decided to join their friends on the hillside. In the beginning, the children took turns going down the hill on top Dick's back. Then Lewis came out with a giant plastic disk that he and Gillian could slide in together. The men could not remember when they last saw the Major relaxed. Eventually Gilly and Lewis talked Aunt Sarah and Dick to take a turn in the large round sled. They debated on whom should sit wear. Eventually, it was decided that he would give them a big running push and jump in behind her. By this time, the hill was really icy and the temperature dropped. Some of the boys showed the men how to snowboard. This really impressed Malarkey and Hoobler, who built a nice launching pad for the boys to show off their stuff.
When Dick jumped into the disk, Sarah hung on tightly to sides and let him steer. They saw the boys waving at them so they nodded. Little did they realize they were about to become airborne. Dick saw the upward pitch of the ground but before he could stop the sled, he and Sarah enjoyed a brief takeoff before coming down. Both clung to the sled while everyone cheered. Leibgott, Luz, Malarkey, and Wild Bill yelled Curahee. When they finally landed and reached the bottom, Sarah stood up, looked up at the hill and then at Dick. They were smiling and it was obvious he felt exhilarated as she did. "That was tremendous! I would say let's do it again, but I don't think we could top that one," she said.
"I think you are right. Let's count our blessings we landed safely." He reached out for her hand to help her up the hill and she was glad for the assistance. When they arrived at the top, there were many pats on the back as well as those who wondered if they had been a bit nervous.
"Oh, I don't think anyone could ever be nervous if the Major is in control," said Sarah. If either one was embarrassed by the remark, they never let on. As it was getting colder, everyone decided to call it a day.
Later that evening, when Lew Nixon returned home, he found Sarah and Dick reading while the kids played checkers, an empty ice cream dish sat beside each person "Heard you two went airborne today," he said. "Maybe we should give Sarah a set of wings." They both eyed him drolly. "I think I will help myself to some ice cream." They all laughed when he left the room. "I can still hear you."
When the children went off to bed, Sarah asked Dick and Lew to stay downstairs for a bit. In the coming days, we will be making plans for the trip to New Harmony. I know that none of you have officially decided to continue with this so-called mission, but I hope you reach some sort of consensus so we can begin making assignments. We only have a few months before we leave. Work has already begun in New Harmony. Houses are being built and farms laid out as well as the town.
During this time, the men are free to review history pods that we left for them as well as the books. Sarah paused for a moment. "This is a rather delicate topic, but in the years that followed World War II, society's morals changed almost to a point of hedonism. All of that is clearly documented in all of the histories. When the pendulum swings one way, it always swings back."
"What are you trying to say," said Dick gently.
"There are very strict codes of conduct expected from both men and women in our society. It has not gone unnoticed that some of the men and women are attracted to one another, but any physical contact should only take place if they are married."
Lew and Dick fully understood what Sarah was telling them. Dick nodded and said, "I will address the men about this. Is there anything else they should know? What are the consequences if this should happen?"
"If relations do take place outside of the bonds, the couple may marry but they must also make a public apology to the community. If they refuse to marry, it has been decided the man will immediately be returned to his time and the woman will be sent back to Nouveau in disgrace. Her only recourse would be to move to another satellite community or perhaps another colony. It has not happened here, but it has in other colonies. It's not a pleasant experience for anyone."
"All right, first thing in the morning, I will talk to the men about minding their manners with the women."
Relieved Sarah thanked them both and wished them good night. She went upstairs, but the two friends decided to stay down in the parlor and talk.
Dick stood up, placed his hand on the mantel, and stared into the fire. "How do I tell a group of men who have not seen home in three years to refrain from engaging in certain physical activities with the opposite sex when they are surrounded by very pretty and friendly women."
"I don't envy you Dick, but I am sure you will come up with something. Guess what I learned tonight?"
"What?"
"My wife divorces me in the spring. She even takes my dog. God, she hates that dog."
"Remind me to get you a puppy," teased Dick.
"It is a relief in a way, except for my kid and the dog of course. I also saw some photographs of New Harmony. You are going to be surprised who else is in New Harmony."
"You assume that I will be going?"
"Oh, you will go that I'm sure of, but whether or not you stay, for the first time I haven't a clue what you will do, but I hope you stay. It would not be the same without you."
"There is a war on you know."
"Yes, and you are still there as are most of the men. We are all back there freezing our asses off instead of standing in front of a warm fire in a comfortable house as we are now." Lew rubbed the back of his neck. He was tired. "Sometimes it is too much to take in don't you agree."
"I do." Dick ran a hand through his hair, sat down and picked his book back up. "I'm going to stay down here for a bit if you want to go to bed."
"Is that a polite way of telling me to beat it?"
"Yeah."
As Lew went up the stairs, he saw the title of the book Dick was reading, Band of Brothers E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. "Hey, is it any good?"
Dick looked up, "Yes, it's pretty good. Good night Lew."
"Good night Dick. Don't stay up too late."
Lloyd Stone's international version of the lyrics to Finlandia in 1934: