Life Goes On

It was early in the morning, the day after Christmas. Maria heard Samuel beginning to stir. She immediately went to him. She talked to him in a quiet voice. "Are you hungry Sam?" He opened his eyes and smiled at her. "Okay, you can fill your belly. Slow down, I'm not going away."

She knew perfectly well Georg wasn't asleep. Samuel finished in less than fifteen minutes. She laid him in his cradle and climbed back into bed. They snuggled together. There was no time for anything more; Georg needed to get up soon. He left for the city much earlier now; there was so much to do.

"It snowed last night. I peeked out the window; everything is white."

"Karl and I saw the clouds yesterday. We were both waiting for Kurt to say something."

"I think our son has more important things on his mind. It reminds me of one of the scripture reading from Liesl and John's wedding."

"Which one sweetheart?"

"The one which is always read; the love chapter from First Corinthians."

"Any particular verse?"

"Yes, verse eleven, which is often omitted. It seems rather strange compared to the rest. It begins, when I was a child, I talked, thought and reasoned as one. And then it continues with; But when I became a man, I put away childish things. Many students of scripture put their own spin on the verse. I like to take it at face value."

"So, you believe Kurt has become a man and getting excited about snow is childish."

"Yes I do; although he's a young man. I'm sure we will see him being childish with Sam and Barbara."

"Everyone, no matter their age, acts like a child around them. I know I do."

"So do I. I suppose we better get up."

After a kiss and an "I love you," the couple dressed for the day. Barbara was still sound to sleep. And Samuel would sleep for at least another hour. Maria went downstairs to the kitchen.

"An early bird beat you."

"Who Katia?"

"Kurt grabbed a pastry and a cup of coffee. I'm still getting used to the fact he drinks coffee now."

"I suppose it's because he's around older men now. I'll take the same and go find the bird."

"Good morning early bird."

"Oh hi, Mom, finishing up my first design of the platoon bridge."

"Did you notice it snowed last night?"

"I did. It's only five a six inches. It shouldn't cause much delay driving into the city."

He noticed his mom's odd smile. "I know. I used to get all excited about snow. I still like snow; still would like to ski. I can do that another winter; the United States needs to free the world from evil. There will be a time later for fun times again."

"Well spoken, Son."

"Good morning Dad. And how is Miss Barbara this morning? Oh, you want to come to me. I love you too, thank you for the hug." Husband and wife shared a private smile.

The car pulled away. Maria with Sam in her arms and Barbara by her side, stood and watched them leave. All the other children including John, Liesl and Friedrich were still asleep. When they woke, they enjoyed the snow. They took Barbara with them; she finally enjoyed the snow especially going down the little hill on a sled.

After lunch, Barbara took her nap; the older children went back outside with their friends. Both Alice and Isabel were resting in their room. Maria was all alone with Samuel in the living room. She noticed him in the cradle. He had been asleep on his tummy. She watched him get up on his knees and grab hold of the side of the cradle and hold on as if he wanted to turn and sit up.

"Young man what are you telling me. Are you going to sit up for me? Let's see what you do on the floor."

It only took him a few seconds; he pushed himself up and plopped his bottom on the carpet and smile up at his mother. "I think your cradle days are over young man."

Maria was not going to wait. She placed a call. "Mabel, the furniture store please."

"Of course Maria."

The man recognized her voice. "What do you need Maria?"

"A crib for Sam; today if possible."

He had heard mothers call like this before. "It will be there within the hour; the men will set it up for you."

"Thank you, you're a lifesaver." Maria heard the man chuckle before he hung up. She found Franz.

"Expect a delivery truck soon."

"From where Maria?"

"The furniture store, Sam needs a crib before he falls out of his cradle."

"What did he do?"

"He can sit up now."

"Where has the time gone Maria? It seems like only yesterday he was born."

"I guess because we have had so much going on. Don't say anything to anyone. I want to surprise Georg."

"My lips are sealed."

Maria was waiting for her husband in the living room. She heard them come home. She had Sam on her lap; with her arms around him so she could whisper in his ear, "Daddy's home."

"There you are; Rosemary told me you were in here with Sam."

Maria talked to Sam, "Are you going to tell him or should I?"

"What are you up to Maria?"

"Sam has a surprise." She put him on the carpet. He immediately did his thing.

"I saw him trying to do it the cradle; he put his hands on the side and smiled at me. I promptly ordered his crib. It's upstairs waiting for him. We didn't need a baby falling out of a cradle."

Georg reached for his little son. He squealed as his father held him above his head. Stefan's voice was heard. "I suppose it's time to bring in the other highchair. I'll go get it. It's already clean."

"Look at you Sam; you're getting big. Barbara do you see your brother? Now he's part of the family too." Gretl played the role of big sister to both of them. She was a proud ten year old.

Although the military men had gone back to work, everyone else was still there for another few days.

John had an assignment for the State Department. He was asked to interview all his Austrian friends in Vineland; asking about what they may be hearing coming from Austria. He also contacted Father George; did the church have any information. He even asked Maria to share her correspondence with the Reverend Mother; although he already knew it wasn't frequent.

Friedrich was home until after the New Year because the laboratory was being retrofitted for more space for the experiments in the discovery of viral vaccines. With the discovery of a usable medicine from the Penicillin mold, the manufacturing of it had been moved to the laboratory in Peoria Illinois. The surrounding farmland supplied an abundance of fruit, especially cantaloupe.

He spent the next few days spending time with both Alice and Isabel; he also freely engaged in play with Barbara and even Samuel especially since he could sit up now. One afternoon he and Mathew were alone in the living room, they had both seen Liesl and Louisa run off together.

"How's married life John?"

"Absolutely wonderful; is your relationship with my sister moving forward?"

There was silence from Mathew. "Come on you can share with me; your answer won't go any further."

"We've kissed."

"I hope so, you've been together enough."

"We both really want to finish school first but I don't think either of us want to wait that long. We may ask your mom and dad how they feel about a summer wedding. There are a lot of small apartments near the school's campus."

"That sounds reasonable to me."

"Have you met anyone?"

"Funny you should ask. You know after the Adams' moved to Washington DC, I needed a place to live. Mrs. Lily insisted I stay with them. I met their granddaughter. She started classes at the Pharmacy School of the U of Penn. She visits her grandparents often. We've had many long conversations; it's so nice to talk with a girl who speaks the same language; bacteria, viruses, antibiotics and vaccines."

"She sounds promising; you're secret is safe with me."

"Thanks buddy,"

"I think I'll see if my wife is done chatting."

"Did you two solve all the world problems?"

"Now John, you know better."

"Thanks Liesl, I feel much better. Is Mathew still in the living room?"

"No, he's right here. I think we should all go to the movies tonight."

"Sounds like a plan."

Later that night Louisa told Mathew about her conversation with her sister. "She thinks mom and dad would approve a summer wedding."

"I think we should tell them during our week off after our exams."

"Yes, that would be perfect."

The next day Rosemary was watching for the postman. She intercepted him before he put the mail in their mailbox. "Anything addressed to Shriver today?"

"You must be anxious Rosemary."

"I am Fred."

"You're in luck; one from Pocono Pines."

"That's it; thank you."

The couple read it together. "This is even better than I expected. Jacob wants to meet me in a lawyer's office on Thursday."

"Will you be able to get away?"

"I'm sure I can. It's over the lunch hour. Now I can tell Georg."

That evening all the young people went to the movies. All the adults were together in the living room; of course Sam and Barbara were there too. Sidney decided to tell all of them.

"Rosemary and I have some news to share. When we visited the lodge over Thanksgiving weekend; the owners made us an offer to buy it. We have accepted their offer."

"It's only a partial surprise. I've heard you speak so fondly of the place."

"Alice is right. I also knew you missed your lodge."

"Yes Georg, you're correct. It's also a perfect place to keep tabs on the Germans; I will get an excellent signal on my Ham Radio. I'm one of many up and down the east coast who will be doing the same."

"I speak for all of us. We're really happy for you."

"Thank you Maria; in the spring you should all plan on visiting us."

"You can count on it."

Even the girls understood; Kurt had heard the talk in the car. He knew all about his Uncle's Ham Radio. He and Karl were also very busy.

The New Year had begun without much fanfare. Maria always like the fact it was also a Holy Day of Obligation. It gave the congregation a chance to ask God to continue to shine down on them.

Only the three girls still sang in the choir. Father George had finally replaced Liesl. Robert Elmore would not only direct the sacred music for the church; he would eventually replace Max as organizer of music for the Strawberry Festival. He had a dream of establishing a music camp; perhaps with Rosemary and Sidney at their lodge.

Liesl and John returned home and Friedrich went back to Philadelphia. The girls had been back to school for a few days. Brigitta was fully engaged as the editor of the school's newspaper. She was crafting her first editorial since the pronouncement of war. It was similar to her assignment on Hitler; in fact she used most of it.

Brigitta began with a preface to the editorial.

I wrote this article for my school newspaper back in Austria. My father convinced me that the students needed to know about this man Adolf Hitler.

Who is Adolf Hitler?

Adolf Hitler was born April 20, 1889 in Braunau am Inn which is fifty miles north of Salzburg. His parents were Alois Hitler and Klara Poelzl.

Klara was a peasant girl, hardworking and a devout Roman Catholic. Alois was very different. He ruled his family with an iron hand; he was the sole, undisputed authority. He could never be called a father. His wife and children were totally subservient to his will, his moods, and his whims; obedience was demanded at all cost. Alois died in 1903.

Klara and her children, including Adolf, were not left penniless. Klara never had much as a child. She was very frugal with her money. Adolf became very close to his mother; some reported it as being obsessed. In 1907 Klara was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died after receiving treatment from a Jewish doctor. He was crushed by her death. It is said he carried his grief with him the rest of his life.

In the years that followed he moved to Vienna, a city with a large Jewish population. He was friends with the mayor who feared that the Jewish people would take over his city. Combined with the fact his mother had died after treatment from a Jewish doctor and the hatred he learned from the mayor, he developed an immoral hostility towards the Jewish people.

Hitler moved many times after his mother died. He was enticed to go to Germany. The rise of the German Workers Party caught his attention. Every time he spoke, the crowds were large and enthusiastic. He became so powerful that the rival German Socialist Party elected him president; a position he never sought.

The collapse of the banks of Europe furthered his cause. A new government was formed and Adolf was appointed Chancellor. Secret police from Austria know Hitler has detained thousands of Jews in camps. That word isdeceivingly false; it is known that no one ever leaves them alive.

Hitler was determined to reunite Austria with German. He had a fancy name for it, Anschluss. I first heard this word from my father. He told me how one of Hitler's lieutenants, an Austrian, had threatened him by saying, "the Anschluss will happen, your fellow Austrians want it." We all know the Anschluss has happened.

All of this was years in the making. My old country suffered miserably after the Great War. Austria had been part of the Austria-Hungary Empire; composed of many independent nations who stood together to prosper. They were from all religious backgrounds, Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians and Jews, who lived together in harmony.

The Empire began to crumble; voices within the ethnic groups began to demand changes. The assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was the trigger that started the Great War. At that time, Austria was part of the loosely formed German Empire.

My father commanded a submarine for the Austrian Navy. He had a crew composed of all ethnic groups; speaking many languages. They each learned enough of the other's language to communicate; they protected one another.

Under command of my father, the crew did what had been asked of them; defeat the enemy. He was decorated by the Emperor with the medal of highest honor. Sadly, he fought against the United States; although he never engaged in the sinking of any American vessel.

The outcome for Austria was a change in its borders; she lost her sea ports. There was no more navy. Germany was forbidden from ever forming an army again.

Hitler defied the treaty. He has a mighty army of Stormtroopers and a junior army of boys; beaten into mental submission to do his will. His will was to capture my father and force him to command one of his new submarines.

For eighteen months we lived with someone always guarding us; they followed us everywhere, invisibly. Our home had sentinels posted all around. Hitler made his desire well known. It was at that moment we knew we had to leave Austria.

We made a run for it; we sang our way out of the country. Our escape was almost foiled. Thanks to two persons who risked their lives, their attempt was thwarted. All of us made it safely to London where we boarded the ship that brought us to America. Where we were welcomed by Lady Liberty to this land of opportunity; she tells you to welcome those who breathe to be free.

You, the people of Vineland, have done that with open arms; starting long ago when the first Jewish refugees arrived in this area. You welcomed them then and you have today. I have personally witnessed your ecumenical spirit.

With the help of Almighty God, let us all hope it stays that way. We will endure this war together and come out with stronger resolve to be one nation under God.

Written by Brigitta von Trapp

Father George was given an advanced copy before it was published. He read it in amazement. His mind had a difficult time comprehending that this editorial was written by a teenager. He met with Kenneth Florentine.

"Is this too powerful?"

"I don't think so Father, but Georg and Maria should see it first."

"Yes, I'll stop by the house this evening."

Franz greeted him. "This is a surprise Father."

"Are Georg and Maria around?"

"Oh yes, engaged in a rousing game of charades. Wait here in the parlor, I'll get them."

"Good evening Father, what brings you to our home?"

"Kenneth and I feel you both should read Brigitta's editorial before it is published."

He handed them a copy. They both skimmed the first part; they knew what it said. They read the remainder with intensity.

"Everything she wrote is well documented. I have no problem with it. How about you Maria?"

"It is the truth; again Brigitta's adult mind confounds me."

"I'll share your comments with Kenneth. I believe the next edition of the paper will be published next week. I'll see you get a copy. You can go back to your game."

"Georg will, I have two little ones to put to bed."

They kept the editorial to themselves for now. But the editor of the Vineland paper, The Daily Times had seen the editorial and published it the same day as the school paper went out to the students. The editorial had wings; it was quickly noticed by the Philadelphia paper, the Inquirer. Georg was confronted by the Admiral the next day.

"Georg, have you seen this?"

He had brought a copy of the editorial page with him. It didn't have Brigitta's name but the following: Written by the editor of the Sacred Heart school newspaper in Vineland New Jersey.

"Yes, my daughter Brigitta wrote it. Maria and I both have read it. I can't believe it was picked up so quickly by the Inquirer."

"Has she always been advanced for her years?"

"Always Admiral; she read at early age. Our home always had an abundance of books."

"When she finishes school this June, I'd like to bring her onboard as a writer. She's smart and gifted; America can use her."

"I'm taken back Admiral; I will need to consult my wife."

"Of course, I expected it."

Georg waited for their private time. "You must be kidding?"

"Not at all darling, you know she's gifted. I'm sure you wanted to scold me when you saw me take the book from her when you first met the children."

"I certainly did; you even patted her behind with the book. Then you inspected the troops and my jaw dropped even further. I'm so glad we can remember that day with smiles." Their embrace became stronger; both shared a pleasant giggle.

"So am I. We have until the end of the school year. Hopefully we can wait a few months to tell her."

"You don't sound very positive sweetheart."

"Things are so uncertain; he may want her sooner."

"Let's not dwell on it. Right now, I want you."

"Take me there sweetheart."

When Maria found Rosemary packing their belongings, she was trying not to be sad. "It's going to be different without you living here."

"I know Maria; but we won't be far. We both know Sidney will be doing important work for the government from there. And, we're not far away, everyone can come visit anytime."

Alice expressed similar sentiment; after all she had been with her for many years. Everyone stood outside as they watched their car pull away. Maria knew the sadness couldn't prevail. She was glad to see the children's friends come to the house to play.

The family waited with all Americans to learn about the country's war plans. Every evening someone would tune the radio to the news broadcast. That evening they heard.

"President Roosevelt has signed into law a change to the Selective Service Act. It will now encompass men from eighteen to sixty-four. This was necessary to ensure a large enough group to staff all the branches of the military."

Maria and Katia both gasped. Georg spoke up immediately. "There's nothing to worry about. Karl is doing work necessary for the war effort through the Army Corps of Engineers. And I'm helping with launching the new submarines soon. We will both need to register and go through all the motions but that's all it will be."

"You're sure?"

"I am. Friedrich's fine as well. And Mathew I was told the government needs you to complete your studies in Physical Therapy. Sadly we all know there will be wounded; they will all need physical therapy to help them recover. And you know Kurt's not eighteen yet."

Everyone let out a collective sigh. They like the rest of the Americans would learn how the austerity measures imposed by the government would affect all of them. In the coming weeks they would share some happy happenings.

It was late January, Louisa and Mathew saw Maria get ready to take the little ones to bed. He asked. "Mrs. Maria, would you come back down after they're asleep?"

Maria smiled; she surmised the reason. "Of course, I won't be long." Georg kept silent; he too knew.

"Now Mathew, what's on your mind?"

"You both know we have a desire to marry. We both told you once it would be after we finished college. Neither of us want to wait that long."

"That's right Mom and Dad. We'd like to marry this summer."

"The times are so different now. Yes, I was relieved to know physical therapists won't be selected. We want to live through this war together."

"I'm not surprised; war has always speeded up marriages."

"I'm not either. I'm ready for another son-in-law."

"Thank you, thank you," Louisa ran over to each of them for hugs and kisses. Georg got up and extended his hand to Mathew. "You have our blessing."

Neither of the Grandmothers was surprised; they both knew it was inevitable; it was only when. Louisa would tell her mom, she wanted nothing fancy. Barbara's Birthday came first. It didn't surprise Maria that Gretl took charge. A similar statement was made by everyone. "I can't believe she's going to be two.

March twenty-ninth fell on a Thursday; they waited until Saturday to have her party. Rosemary and Sidney drove down for it.

"You came, you came," they heard from Gretl.

"Do you think we would miss your sister's Birthday?"

"I hoped you would come but I thought maybe Uncle Sidney's government responsibilities might keep home."

"No Gretl, my work starts when it gets dark."

They had a wonderful party; Friedrich was there as he was most Saturday afternoons. Even those living in Washington came; they took the train rather than driving. Car driving was one of the things the government requested they keep to a minimum; it saved on gasoline and also the rubber used in the tires.

Those were a few the austerity measures the government put in place. As the list grew longer; the government couldn't wait any longer to bring Brigitta on board. The Admiral, since he knew Georg personally, was asked to talk to him.

"Georg my friend, we need your daughter Brigitta now. We need her to write for the school children before school is over for the summer. Her articles will also be helpful to many parents who don't read as well as their children. What do you think?"

"I told Maria this might happen. I'll talk to her tonight."

Maria felt her husband had something to share when he returned home that night. In the privacy of their room she asked him.

"You have something to share Georg?"

"My wife knows me so well. It's about Brigitta." Maria perked up.

"The government wants her to start writing now for the school children; to help them and their parents understand how the war planning will affect them."

"I'm not surprised only amazed. I remember all the comments on her last report card. All her teachers told us the same. That she had worked ahead of the class and had almost completed all the subject matter."

"I suppose that's one of the reasons we should encourage her to accept this request."

"I agree sweetheart; I think she will too."

"I'll tell the Admiral in the morning."

Again the men were on the road bright and early. Maria didn't say anything to Brigitta; she wanted to hear the details first.

She was pleased to learn that Brigitta would only go to the city with Georg once or twice a week. When she was there the Admiral's secretary took her under her wing. Brigitta was thrilled. Her articles would be printed in The Weekly Reader, a newspaper for school children containing current events.

Maria now shifted to planning Louisa's wedding. The next Saturday, she and Louisa made a trip to town to see Hazel.

"She heard her tell Maria. "Remember, I don't want anything fancy." Louisa never did like fancy clothes; she always had a bit of tomboy in her.

"I think I have exactly what you want." Hazel told her. She remembered her selections for starting college. She held up a white shirt-waist dress with long sleeves; that fell to mid-calf."

Louisa exclaimed what Maria was thinking. "That's perfect, I love it."

"Why don't you try it on to be sure?"

It fit Louisa perfectly. She added a simple veil. Later she would buy shoes, stockings and a few things for the honeymoon.

Before school was finished for the summer, they celebrated Sam's first birthday. Everyone came that Saturday. He was more progressive than Barbara had been. He had started walking when he turned eleven months old. Everyone commented.

"He's all boy." Georg told them. "His two grandmothers have a hard time keeping up with him."

He had been playing some of Barbara's toys. He especially liked the blocks Liesl and Louisa had made for her. He received some more so he could learn how to stack them. His other gifts were a pull along walking dog; a wooden dog with moveable joints. It also made noise. He got the toy of the time, a soft Teddy Bear. And several cloth books including one of a train that resembled the book Louisa had published. When his book chewing book days were over he would get a copy of her book.

After Sam's eating his piece of cake with his hands was well documented on film, their friends began to leave. Their parting comment was; "See everyone at the wedding."

The family gathered that last Saturday of June at high noon at Sacred Heart Church. The organist was playing well known pieces of music such as Ava Maria while the guests arrived.

The new music director Robert Elmore had to force Louisa to tell him her favorites. She and Mathew had only one thing on their mind; they wanted to be married. He had heard from her. "Ask my mom what they played at the other family weddings."

Maria had laughed. "I'm not surprised. Louisa isn't familiar with much music beyond what she sang with the choir and her siblings."

The music had changed; Marta, Gretl and Barbara had begun their walk to the altar. Louisa saw Mathew enter with Father George and Friedrich, his best man. This was the first time she saw him so dressed up. "My, he's so handsome." She said to herself as she took her father's arm.

He patted her hand as the music for their walk down the aisle began Trumpet Voluntary. The same processional Maria had used. They arrived at the altar steps. He heard again. "Who gives this woman to marry?"

As with Liesl, he said. "Her mothers and I." He raised her veil and kissed her cheek; he saw her eyes water as she said in a barely audible whisper, "thank you." He gave her hand to Mathew. The marriage service began. Father Georg conducted the ceremony straight from the written format.

Their answers to the Declaration of Consent were a clear and strong, "I will." Likewise the congregation heard them each in turn take their solemn vow; and then again; as they presented the other with a ring; the symbol of marriage forever.

They exited the church to the peppy tune, Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

Their reception was exactly like Liesl's. The Blue Notes supplied the music; Max kept the party moving along. The newly married couple danced all the required dances. Once again Louisa and Mathew had no real favorite. The cake had been cut. Louisa stood and tossed her bouquet. Hers was caught by a family friend.

The couple didn't depart for the mountains. Mathew drove them to Atlantic City; they spent three nights at the Ritz-Carlton. It didn't matter that the water of the ocean was still quite cold. Like most newly-weds, the hardly ever left their room.

They returned to a surprise. The ladies, Eleanor, Audrey and Belle had stayed in town. They fully prepared their small apartment for them. They had done all the work; Maria had the little ones. They did take her to show it off.

"They're going to be so pleased. It looks like Louisa; nothing frilly; but still beautiful." The colors of the bedspread and drapes were much like what Katia and Karl had come home to; rich vibrant colors of the forest.

"I see you stocked the kitchen. They won't starve."

When the couple left Atlantic City they came straight to the apartment. They were flabbergasted.

"Your mom's friends, Louisa?"

"I'm sure. I need to write them all a thank you note."

The day they returned was the Fourth of July. They met everyone at the school for the fireworks. "We see everyone came. Mom, aren't you afraid it will be too noisy?"

"Uncle Max told us they took out the barrage of firecracker explosions at the end. It's all about pretty colors."

Samuel sat with Georg; he looked at a few then occupied himself with his Teddy Bear. Barbara was mesmerized. She had perfected her "oohs and aahas." And told Maria, "so pretty."

The end included four American flags which lit up simultaneously as the band played the Star Spangled Banner.

An announcement was made; "strawberry pancakes and waffles will begin the Festival at Nehemiah's in the morning."

The family had their fill over the course of the weekend; the food and the music were superb. "Max, you out did yourself this year," was something he heard from many people.

Louisa and Mathew learned they were going to visit the lodge. "Are you going to come with us?"

"No, we're still on our honeymoon. Besides summer classes start soon; we'll go another time."

July had started off very hot and humid. Rosemary had told them. "It's much cooler in the mountains; you don't seem to be oppressed with the humidity."

They had a wonderful time. Alice was particularly pleased; the heat and humidity of Vineland had made her breathing very labored. She found the mountain air to be much different. She spoke with Maria and Georg.

"I feel so much better up here. I'd like to stay."

She didn't need to say any more; they both understood. "The little ones will miss you."

"I know; a reason for you to visit often."

She became a wonderful companion to Jacob and Joan. Max would visit often and would usually bring Isabel along. In time she would choose to live there.