Rebuilding Austria
The first help sent to Austria were packages from America. They came to be known as Care Packages. They contained an assortment of food items; milk powder, rice, cane sugar, raisins, baking powder, canned meats, lard, powdered eggs, margarine, apricot preserves, tea or coffee. When the american mills became operational, fabric was included. And some Americans included their name and address and the recipient sometimes sent a thank you note to them.
In Salzburg these packages were dropped from airplanes in clear sight of the United State's military. They were taken to a distribution center. It was announced on the radio that distribution would begin begin at noon. There was no pushing or shoving to be first in line. The people thanked the americans may times. And some of the packages were delivered to people too weak to walk.
Soon the people began to clear the sidewalks and streets of debri and also began to socialize. Many of the churches reopened. This pleased Maria immensely. After Georg and the children left the house, she went there just to pray.
The priest noticed her and spoke to her as she left the church. "I'm Father Martin."
"I'm pleased to meet you. I'm Maria von Trapp."
"Are you married to the famous war hero?"
"Yes, I came to his home to care for his seven children from his first marriage who died from the disease Scarlet Fever. After a rather rocky beginning, his children and I became good friends.
"Georg still hadn't resolved his grief because each child reminded him of his wife. He went to visit his lady friend in Vienna. I had taught the children to sing while he was gone. It was hearing his sing which helped him reunite with them. The Baroness became disturbed and told me Georg was in love me. I became frightened and returned to the abbey."
"A couple of days later, the Mother Abbess sent me back. When I returned I found the villa empty. I was so upset I began to cry. Then a miracle happened. I heard Georg's voice. I walked towards the voice and there he was. He took my bag and held my hand and took me to where his children were waiting.
After greeting each one with a hug and kiss, all of us got in the car and Georg drove us over the border into Switzerland.
"We went on to Zurich where he bought a home. And a few days later we confessed our mutual love and were married. And shortly after the war was over, Georg brought us back here. Now Georg is working with General Clarke to help restore Salzburg."
"Maria, your story has God's fingerprints all over it. Would you like to be my helper in teaching a First Communion class?"
"Yes, I will help you. My son Joseph will seven soon, I want him to be in the class."
"Stay after Mass on wednesday and we will begin to plan the class."
Maria bowed her head as the Father blessed her.
She returned home anxious to tell everyone about the class.
