Happy Events
Rosemary found her wedding gown on her very first shopping trip. She would tell Maria. "It was the first one I looked at it. It was as if it had my name on it." And she would tell everyone, "It's very American."
Katia helped her complete all the other details. "I'm ready for the wedding. Are you Sidney?"
"Not quite dear, but I will be after Saturday. I do have our honeymoon destination."
"Tell me."
"No, no, no, it's a surprise. We'll be taking the new car Georg recently bought."
Rosemary tried on several occasions to weasel it out of him. He remained steadfastly tight-lipped.
Gretl and Marta were as anxious as Rosemary. Both of them, along with Barbara were her flower girls. Katia was her Matron of Honor.
Hazel's shop was at least a half mile down the avenue. Franz drove Maria, the girls and Barbara there one day after school. Rosemary had walked down earlier. Hazel was ready for them.
Marta and Gretl's dresses were alike; Marta's was pink and Gretl's was yellow. They had empire waists and fell to their ankles. Barbara's was ivory. It had a satin bodice and tulle skirts with rose petals that seemed to float in between the layers in various shades of ivory, white and very light yellow.
Hazel then turned her attention to Maria. "When is this baby due? Next week."
"Am I that large?"
"Hmmmmn, I think you are. What does Isabel say?"
"Only I walk like I'm having a boy; I suppose a big boy." Maria's hands smoothed her baby bump. Everyone shared a giggle.
Hazel showed her the dress she had in mind. "Look at the style Maria; the color is all wrong for you."
"I love it. I like all the layers; the way they fall. If the material was blue like the sea it would resemble a waterfall."
"My thoughts exactly; a blue in the shade of your favorite dress."
"The one you wore for the puppet show Mom?"
"That's the one Marta."
"I'll have it ready soon."
The month of May arrived with no bells and whistles but with much anticipation. Isabel and Maria walked to see Jonah.
"Everything looks right on schedule. Are you resting in the afternoon?"
"Yes, I usually fall asleep. He doesn't kick as much when I'm in a chair."
"That's not unusual Maria. Have you named him?"
Maria laughed. "Not yet, Georg doesn't even want to use his middle name."
"Women seem to have more difficulty naming boys. I've had to wait several days before completing their birth certificate."
"Good, I'm not odd."
Maria put it out of her mind for now. The wedding was Saturday. Everything was ready. The couple was not setting up their own house so their friends paid for the wedding, Belle planned the reception; Jeremiah and Antonio took care of the food. The couple only wanted a variety of hors d'oeuvres.
Other friends decorated the school cafeteria. Even their honeymoon was paid for. Charles and Charmy had a favorite retreat. It was a mountain lodge in Pocono Pines Pennsylvania.
Everyone came home on Friday. Even Friedrich rode home with his dad and the others. They had a rehearsal; not so much for Rosemary and Sidney but for the girls. Every day after school Marta had had them practice at home. Barbara loved to practice. She was perfect the very first time down the aisle. Jeremiah had closed his dinner; the group had dinner there.
Saturday was a perfect May day; it was a glorious bright sunny day. Max was assigned the duty of watching Sidney; he wasn't allowed out of the cottage. Their breakfast was brought to them. Franz had driven Rosemary to Marion's Beauty Shop. She would walk from there to the church; everything was there. Katia and Karl walked to meet her. She helped her dress.
At eleven-thirty Max and Sidney arrived at the church. Father George was waiting for them. "How's the groom?"
"Ready to get married Father."
"I'm sure your bride has the same thought. Let's wait inside so we can hear the music."
The wedding attendees had arrived; the church was full but not overflowing. Max was the best man. Rosemary had asked Karl to walk her down the aisle. Georg, Maria and the children were the last to be seated. Maria didn't go back to check on Barbara. She was afraid she would want to come with her.
"Take a breath Maria; she's going to do just fine."
The girls' music began. The guests stood and turned towards the back of the church. There was a subtle sigh as they saw the three girls. Georg took hold of Maria's hand. It was a slow walk. Barbara didn't walk very fast. Everyone's eyes followed them; they didn't see Katia until she passed them.
The girls took their seats beside their parents. They heard. "You were perfect." The music had changed. Rosemary and Karl were poised at the end of the aisle,
"Are you ready?" Karl whispered. Rosemary took his arm in response. Sidney saw his bride. She was wearing a Batiste Cotton Smocked Flapper Dress made of sheer white cotton over a built in slip. It had small stitched satin smocking at the shoulders, on the drop waist and the cuffs of the sleeves. In addition there was satin ribbon embroidery on the front of the bodice and around the slight v-neck collar, and on the edges of the skirt. The dress fell to her ankles. Sidney's jaw dropped. He received a pat on the back from Max. His face relaxed and broadened into a smile.
His eyes caught Rosemary's under the short veil held on her head by a pillbox hat. She had reached the altar steps. The ceremony began. It was a traditional ceremony without too many frills. The ecstatic couple exited to Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Katia stopped and took Marta and Gretl out with her. She noticed Barbara was sound to sleep.
"Must be nice to be able to fall asleep anywhere."
"I know. She gave out a few minutes ago."
Georg heard them. "Stay put Maria. I'll walk around the pew and carry her to her buggy."
Mathew had walked with Louisa as she pushed the pram to the church and parked it at the door. This wasn't the first time Maria had seen Louisa and Mathew together. She tucked the thought away.
After the typical pictures were taken, Rosemary and Sidney waited outside the reception room doors for them to be opened. Inside the guests had glasses of grape juice in hand; not any type of grape juice but authentic Welch's Grape Juice provided by the company's manager.
That first kiss was oh so important; the children kept nagging. "Kiss her Uncle Sidney."
He teased; paused; almost and finally swooped Rosemary into his arms. The photographer's timing was perfect. The guests responded; "your marriage is now official."
Many offered toasts.
"Let your love endure beyond the last sunset."
"Here's to the new husband, and here's to the new wife, may they remain lovers, for all of life.
Karl offered the last one.
"May thy life be long and happy,
Thy cares and sorrows few;
and the many friends around thee
prove faithful, fond and true.
May your voyage through life be as happy and as free
as the dancing waves on the deep blue sea."
And Georg concurred. "Spoken for all of us; bottoms up everyone."
The guests mingled and ate. The music group Max had found played softly in the background. Max played master of ceremony. "Rosemary and Sidney had no requests. The Blue Notes have put together a wonderful mix of music for your dancing pleasure. The selection for the two of them is titled, The Very Thought of You. Sidney dance with your bride."
"May I have this dance Mrs. Shriver?"
"Certainly, Mr. Shriver."
The children oohed and aahed; giggled and smirked as they watched them glide across the floor; close as two bugs in a rug; catching a kiss ever so often. Max signaled for everyone to dance. This went on for over an hour.
"Karl, why don't you join them for a slap bass tune? It's appropriately titled, Slap that Bass"
"Go Karl, do your thing." Katia urged.
Karl put on quite a show. Especially when he pretended the bass was his dancing partner. The roar from the crowd woke Barbara. "Good you're awake; you can watch your Uncle Karl."
Barbara was always in a good mood after her nap. She giggled and laughed with the others. "May I have her Maria? I need to dance with all my daughters."
"Did you hear? Daddy wants to dance with you."
The Blue Notes saw him with her. Max had prepared them. They played a medley of favorite children's tunes. The photographer clicked away. His pictures would be added to those Karl already had of Barbara.
"What children? A cake…" Max teased. "Oh I almost forgot."
"Make room everyone." Stefan and Phillip moved the cake table into the middle of the room for the traditional feeding of the cake.
Sidney beat the children. "No I'm not going to smear it all over her face. My bride and I need to get to our destination looking presentable."
Without further delay; their pieces wear cut and the photographer got it all on film. The couple hurried to the bride's room to change. Family and friends had several minutes to enjoy cake and their beverage of choice.
"It's just a good as your Birthday cake Barbara. I think your brother likes it too." Maria patted her tummy. She saw all her women friends smile.
Max continued to direct. "Let go outside and wait."
The guests surrounded the steps; in moments they appeared in their travel clothes. Nothing fancy; they wanted to be comfortable for the two hour drive.
"Girls, are you ready?" Rosemary tuned around and counted. "One, two, three," and let it fly. It was caught. Without thinking Liesl raised the bouquet above her head, "I caught it, I caught it." Her eyes found John. His smile was broad and proud. A crimson blush came over her face. But then she returned her smile to him.
Georg and Maria stood and watched. Maria would tell him later. "It's sealed; it's now when?" They stood and thanked all their guests. Georg drove the grandmothers; Maria and Barbara home. Everyone else walked; talking the entire way. Jeremiah and Antonio would bring all the leftover food and cake to the house. Katia saw them.
"Thank you, I was wondering what I was going to feed them."
Rosemary and Sidney arrived at the lodge after a two hour drive. The lodge, appropriately named Mountaintop Lodge, was a quaint all white facility. The wrap-around porch made it look very homey. Karl parked the car. They went in together to register. He announced their names to the desk clerk.
"Charles and Charmy's friends, welcome; the honeymoon suite is waiting for you." Rosemary blushed as she clung to Sidney's arm.
The attendant pointed out the telephone. "Dial 8 when you need anything from the kitchen. Enjoy your stay with us."
Rosemary and Sidney were now all alone. For weeks they had avoided privacy; today was different. They were married. It was the first time for both of them. They didn't rush. Their first intimate union would set the pattern for times which would get better and better.
They would eventually discover the property; the lake where they took a rowboat over to the other side; the trail that led to a waterfall. The nights were cool. They sat around a fire with other guests and roasted marshmallows. Their four nights were up way too soon.
The owner was at the desk when they checked out. "Did it meet your expectation?"
"Very much sir, it reminded us of Austria."
"Charles told me you had only recently arrived in America. I hope you will come back someday."
"You can count on it."
It stirred up memories of his lodge; and a yearning to own one again. For now he kept that thought to himself.
The couple arrived home just as the family was sitting down to dinner. They surprised everyone. They were bombarded by questions.
"Your smiles tell us that married life agrees with you."
"Yes Katia, it's wonderful."
Their friends had moved into the city. Harold was an accountant with the large accounting firm, Price Waterhouse. Eleanor was his receptionist. Audrey knew they couldn't stay with Georg and Maria forever. They too had moved into the city. Ralph continued to work for the Navy. Audrey became the receptionist for the parish church. Belle and Franz lived in the same building, the Rittenhouse Square Apartments.
The family had done some rearranging. Katia and Karl did most of the work. They had transformed one of the cottages into a home for Sidney and Rosemary.
"I need to freshen up."
"Let us show you where."
"What have you done Katia and Karl?"
"You'll see."
The couple was overwhelmed. "You needed your privacy. All your things are there."
"Thank you," echoed many times. And again later for the entire family.
On Monday, life returned to normal for Sidney. He went back to work. Maria, Katia and Rosemary stood and watched the car drive away. It was Rosemary who would walk with Maria to see Jonah.
"Any complaints Maria?"
"My back aches."
"Your carrying what I believe is going to be a big baby; bigger than Barbara. All you can do is rest with your feet up."
Later that night Maria would share that piece of news with her husband. She also had something else on her mind. She was first into bed. She was waiting for Georg to join her. She had a note pad in her hand.
"What do you have there, sweetheart?"
"A list."
"Yes, go on."
"We must name this baby. I want Jonah to be able to complete his birth certificate."
"I suppose it has mostly boy names. Do you have a name for a girl?"
"Yes, Rebecca Elizabeth, do you like it?"
"I do. Gretl will too."
"I know."
"What else is on your list?'
"I really only have one first name. I like Samuel."
"Any particular reason?"
"Well, it's a biblical name. And it was the name of my rescuer; the caretaker at the Abbey. Do you like it?"
"I like it very much. I see other writing on your paper."
"You do; ideas for his middle name. Most of them are 'J' names."
"What's your favorite?"
"It's a toss-up between Jacob and James. Do you have a favorite?"
"I prefer James. It sounds more American."
"It's mine too. His name will be Samuel James von Trapp."
The couple could only kiss passionately. Their intimate time was on hold. Maria was much too large.
It had been two weeks. Today Jonah told her. "I don't think you have much longer. He's very low. Are you feeling any pressure?"
"Nothing Jonah, I think I know what to expect this time. I call if I feel anything."
"Don't hesitate Maria, day or night."
"Oh I won't."
Georg sensed the same. He had begun to drive his own car. He gave Maria and the other women strict instructions. "Call me any time and I'll come home."
"You can count on it darling. I need you here."
The first week of June passed; no baby. Early on Sunday morning things began to happen. "Maria, this is the third time you've had to go to the bathroom. What are you feeling?"
"I feel like my bladder is always full."
"Maybe if you lay down he will move off of it."
"I'll try."
She didn't stay in bed very long. It was now sunrise. Georg made a decision. "I'm going to call Jonah. I'm not taking any chances. I'll send Isabel up."
"Don't take too long."
Those words made him hurry. He knew that no two baby's birth were alike. The telephone was in the living room. "I think it's time Jonah."
Isabel's room entered through the living room. She had heard. "Is she alright Georg?"
"She was when I left."
Isabel did her best to hurry up the stairs; she was getting older. "Maria, what are you feeling?"
"I'm not sure Isabel I don't have pressure to push; I need to try and empty my bladder all the time."
"I'm so glad Leah gave me all the supplies for the bed. I better get started."
They both heard. "Let me help you."
"Leah, thank you, is Jonah here."
"I came on ahead. He had to gather his supplies."
Since it was Sunday, the children had dressed for church. Liesl always had them leave by eight-thirty. They found their father waiting by the front door.
"You're not dressed Dad. Why are you waiting by the front door?"
Everyone heard the knock. "Doctor Jonah, why are you here?"
"I called him children. Your mom is uncomfortable."
Georg took him to their room. "What's going on Maria?"
"I can't seem to empty my bladder."
"While I put out my supplies, you need to put on your delivery gown."
"Georg, help her get on the bed. Maria you need to lay flat with your knees bent."
Jonah looked at her belly. He knew right away her problem. "Maria, it seems this baby got his head into the birth canal when you bladder was full. I'm going to need to empty it for you. Georg, you can tell your children to go to church."
And he did. "Are you sure she won't have the baby before we get home?"
"Doctor Jonah's sure, Gretl."
"Come on children, Sidney and I will walk with you. I'm bringing Barbara." Rosemary had given her a little snack and some milk.
The absence of Georg and Maria did not go unnoticed. "Is your mother alright Liesl?"
"She was when we left. Doctor Jonah told us to go to church. I see the others have gone on ahead. Let me catch up to them. Someone will let you know when he's born."
Father Georg was tickled that everyone was so sure it was going to be a boy.
They entered the front door. The first person they saw was Karl. "Are you pacing Uncle Karl?"
"You might say that; this baby stuff makes me nervous."
"Is Mom going to have the baby soon?"
"I don't know about soon; but sometime today."
"Goody, goody; Barbara today you will no longer be the baby."
"Aunt Katia, what happened?"
"The birth process began children; all I know is your mom is fine. She's still laughing."
Everyone joined them for brunch. While they were eating, things began to quicken upstairs. Maria's water broke. With it out of the way the baby came deeper into the birth canal. Those powerful feelings hit Maria. It had happened so suddenly she could barely catch her breath.
"Leah, get things ready for me."
Georg left his chair and climbed onto the bed. He knelt behind his wife. He would repeat Jonah's words. Maria heard; "deep breath sweetheart, now you can push again, stop; wait – get your breath."
And Jonah; "it won't be too much longer. He's coming down each time you push. Soon you will need to pant. I don't want his head to come out too fast."
Maria was no different than most women; panting was the most difficult thing to do; the urge to push was powerful. Jonah was ready. He had on his sterile gloves; his instruments were ready.
His experienced hands guided the baby's head as Maria gave one slow long sustained push. Maria's endorphins, natural morphine, diminished some of the pain. That stretching pain as the head makes its exit.
"Is he out Jonah?"
He didn't answer her. He was busy with his bulb syringe removing the fluid from his mouth and nose. "Okay Maria, another slow push and you will know."
The baby slid into Jonah's arms; screaming. No one heard him downstairs. Maria and Georg were waiting for the words. "It's a boy you two; a big healthy boy."
Georg kissed his wife; "thank you, you were super."
"Does this boy have a name?"
"Maria named him recently; Samuel James."
"A lovely name; biblical yet American."
"Maria's exact words Leah."
Maria held the slippery boy on her belly. Jonah cut and tied off the umbilical cord. As with Barbara, the tears came naturally. "Let me take him and get him dried. I give him back in a minute."
Leah took him. She and Isabel had Samuel wrapped in a blanket very quickly. She gave him to Georg. Jonah attended to the afterbirth.
"Do you want me to go down and tell the family?"
"Please do Isabel."
She was spotted immediately. She couldn't contain her smile. "Tell us Grandma Isabel."
"Your mother just gave birth to Samuel James."
"A boy, a boy," the ecstatic fourteen year old Kurt shouted. When can we see him?"
"Your father will let us know."
Georg did come down. "You can go up for a quick visit. Your mom is very tired."
"Oh my, look at him; he looks like you dad."
"I think so too children."
"He's big."
"Almost eight pounds," Jonah told them.
Georg let them each have a good look at Samuel James; then they kissed their mom before leaving. Maria gave him one more opportunity to nurse. Georg placed him in the cradle. Samuel James would occupy the conversation for the next few months.
John called his parents. Charmy called all those living in the city. They would come visit on Tuesday. John knew Georg would be home for a couple of days. He looked for an opportunity.
The very next day he found it. He had left with the children and Liesl; kissing her goodbye at the church. He pretended to walk on down to the high school. Instead he doubled back to the house. He knew Leah was coming to help Isabel. He saw Georg come out the front door; he stretched and started to walk. John caught up to him.
Georg wasn't really surprised. "No class this morning John?"
"They're finishing their term papers; they have library time."
"I remember that well."
"Mr. Georg, I know you and Mrs. Maria both know Liesl and I are very much in love."
"We do; and that Liesl caught Rosemary's bouquet."
"Yes she did. I'd like to make it come true."
Georg wasn't going to make it too easy for John but he wouldn't make it difficult either. "Go on."
"My position at the high school is secure. I've been asked to teach a prep course for some students going to college in the fall. May I ask Liesl to marry me?"
"Maria and I have called you 'Son' for some time. I'd like you to make it official. We would both be pleased."
"Please don't say anything to Liesl."
"Not a word to her; only to her mother."
"Yes, I want her to know."
Georg watched John head back to school; he knew his walk. It was one of complete joy. I wonder when he'll ask her.
Georg didn't wonder too long. The underclassmen of the high school were holding their end of the year dance. John had been asked if he and Liesl would be chaperones. The principal explained. "You're both older but not too old. The students would feel very comfortable and have a good time." John immediately said yes.
"How nice John, when is it?"
This Friday Liesl; is that a problem?"
"Not at all, Mom brought her blue dress; I'll borrow it again."
"Lovely, you know I like it."
The next few weeks were very busy. All the Philadelphia ladies came over the river on Tuesday. They brought a gift. "This is for Samuel."
"What did you ladies do?"
"Open it Maria."
Maria opened the box; carefully parted the tissue paper. Before her was a boy's one piece Baptismal outfit; it had a peter pan collar; short sleeves; smocking on the chest and pant-like rompers which would come below his knees. "Did you hear Kurt the day he asked if he would wear Barbara's dress like some boys do."
"We did Maria; he's waited a long time for a brother. We knew this would please him."
And it did. Other friends gave her a white blanket; and little socks. Father George made a house visit. "I came to see if you wanted to have Samuel Baptized on Sunday."
"Maria's in the living room, you can ask her."
She saw him and answered before he asked. "Then it's all arranged; I'll see you Sunday."
Maria had two other visitors; John and Liesl. "Mom, John and I were asked to be chaperones at the high school dance. Can I wear your blue dress?"
"You know you can Liesl."
"And John, I'll do the honors and drive you there."
"So, you'll be agent Sidney again."
"You don't need protection; just transportation."
"Thanks Uncle Sidney; the dance is seven-thirty to ten-thirty."
"Georg, we're going to have a busy weekend."
"Yes we are Maria." Georg thought. He's going to ask her on Friday.
Samuel kept Maria busy; he was like clockwork. He needed to eat every three hours on the dot. For the first three or four days Maria did nothing but feed him; feed herself and sleep. As with all mothers, their bodies get used to the new routine. She was soon able to enjoy time with the other children. Barbara had so many substitute mothers; she didn't lack attention.
Maria had saved one of her times to come downstairs for after dinner. Samuel was asleep in the extra cradle in the living room. Liesl came in and modeled for her. "You look even lovelier than the first time you wore it."
"I think so too."
"Really Rosemary."
"Yes she does."
"Hi John, you look mighty dapper yourself. I love your vest."
"Shall we," he offered her his arm, "agent Sidney is waiting."
"Have fun you two."
"We will Mom," spoken in chorus.
Liesl had no idea how this evening would end. They enjoyed the dance as much as the students. They were not distant from them; almost all of them spoke to John. The three hours went by quickly; lots of dancing and plenty of food. The principal noted the time.
"The evening has concluded; I hope you young ladies and gentlemen had a good time. I speak for everyone; we have. Now until September; enjoy the summer; look for opportunities to learn something new. Adieu."
The couples began to leave the dance hall. "Take a walk with me Liesl."
"Aren't we suppose to wait for Uncle Sidney?
"He'll be here; this way Liesl." John guided her to a bench near a streetlight.
"This isn't moonlight; but still it lights your face and your eyes sparkle. Please sit Liesl."
"John,,,." "no Liesl it's still my turn."
"How long have we known each other?"
"Over two years, why do you ask?"
"Because, it's time to ask you a question." He dropped to one knee.
The silent night air filled with a gasp. "Liesl, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?
Liesl swallowed hard. "I will John, I will."
"May I have your left hand?" She held her breath.
"This is a token of my love for you. It's my promise to marry you. And it's for the whole world to know you are my betrothed."
He placed the ring with the diamond on her finger. "It's very special Liesl; it was worn by a First Lady of the United States."
"Why me?"
"President John Quincy Adams' daughter didn't live to adulthood. His wife had it written in her will that the ring would be given to the first Adams' named John to marry. That's me."
"Oh my, what an honor, it's beautiful."
"May I escort the future Mr. and Mrs. John Adams to their waiting car?"
"Uncle Sidney, did you know?"
"Not really Liesl, it was my guess after John asked if I could hide for a few minutes after the dance ended. I'm happy for both of you. Let's get home."
Georg had timed it perfectly; he was waiting near the front door. Sidney let them out. John kissed Liesl there in the porch light. He opened the door for her. She watched him walk around the corner before entering.
"Is it official sweetheart?"
"It is Dad; look. It belonged to a First Lady."
"Your Mom is still awake. You need to show her."
Georg opened the bedroom door slowly. Maria was sitting in bed holding Samuel and softly caressing his face. He was asleep.
"Let me take him."
Liesl sat on the bed. "Look Mom."
"I'm so happy for you. It's unique."
"Tell her Liesl."
"I belonged to a First Lady."
"Oh my how special."
"I know. How am I ever going to get to sleep?"
Liesl woke with a startle. Did I have dream? She felt for her hand; she felt the ring. She gazed at it. It wasn't a dream; I'm engaged to the love of my life.
She and John made the announcement at breakfast. Not everyone knew the title, First Lady; she saw their questioning looks. "It's the title given to the wife of a President of the United States."
"How special Liesl."
"It is Gromi, very special."
Sunday was Samuel's day; another spectacular day. All their friends were in attendance, including their Jewish friends from Austria and new friends they had made.
Father George began with the familiar opening. "The candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented."
Maria and Georg stood; along with Rosemary and Sidney. They brought Samuel to the baptismal font. "We present Samuel James to receive the Sacrament of Baptism."
In a few minutes Father Georg took Samuel in his arms. The parents heard him whisper. "He's heavy." He held him close to his body; his head over the bowl. He poured the water over his head three times as he spoke the words of Holy Baptism.
Samuel didn't cry; only whimpered and then went back to sleep. Maria had timed his last feeding perfectly; he still had a full belly.
The children's choir began to sing a favorite, Jesus Loves Me. They included the extra verse which is not as familiar.
Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.
Concluding with the familiar chorus;
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Father George concluded the service. Rosemary carried Samuel and proudly presented him to the congregation as they walked the aisle behind Father George. Maria took Georg's arm and followed them out.
He said the final blessing; he added. "Please join Maria and Georg and Samuel for a reception in the school's cafeteria."
"What," Maria said firmly. She looked at Rosemary. "Did you know?"
"I did. Leah told me so we wouldn't prepare any food for brunch."
"Our friends are so wonderful Georg."
"They are Maria. Let's go thank them."
Maria sat in a comfortable chair. Her lady friends all knew women had some soreness after giving birth. They came to her. She thanked each and every one of them. Samuel was taken around the room by either Katia or Rosemary or one of the older girls.
It was time for the next Mass before the family departed. Maria was exhausted. She fed the baby and they both napped. It had been three hours; Maria heard him stir. She also saw Georg sitting in the chair. "I didn't know if you would hear him. You were sleeping so soundly."
"I was tired. It was all worth it; what a blessed day."
"Yes it was."
