An Announcement
Today was the first day of school. All the children were awake almost before sunrise. And they weren't quiet.
"Well Maria, I suppose this means we won't enjoy a marital moment."
"I know. We'll make up for it tonight."
"I like the way my wife thinks."
"Your wife likes it too."
Georg passionately kissed his wife before she left their bed. In a matter of moments she was dressed and quickly opened their bedroom door.
"I don't believe this. You're all dressed for school."
"Mom, we're so excited we couldn't sleep any longer."
"Kurt, do you realize how early it is. I'm sure breakfast isn't ready."
"Maybe Katia has juice for us. Can we go see?"
"Yes Kurt we can; lead the way."
The sounds of the children's voices reached Katia and Franz in the kitchen. "It's a good thing I squeezed the oranges yesterday. Kurt's probably starved."
"I'm sure he is. I'll carry the pitcher of juice to the dining room."
He had no sooner arrived there when Kurt arrived with all the others right behind him. He also saw Maria.
"I know it's early Franz but the children are really excited about beginning school."
"Let me pour them some juice and then I'll get your coffee."
"Franz, I'd really like tea this morning."
"Then I'll bring you a cup of hot water and a tea bag."
"Thank you."
Franz returned to the kitchen for Maria's request. In a matter of a few minutes Georg entered the dining room.
"It was so nice of all you children to wake us this morning."
Georg noticed all of them looked down in shame. "But that's okay. We can have a leisurely breakfast before I need to leave. Whose turn is it to say grace?"
"Mine Dad."
"Thank you Louisa."
She recited the same grace Maria had said at her first meal with the family. "For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen."
And Franz had brought Maria a cup and saucer, a tea bag and a small pot of hot water. Georg noticed; he had his suspicions. But he kept quiet.
In the meantime, Franz had carried a large pot to the dining room. He placed it on a trivet on the buffet table alongside a stack of bowls.
"Katia fixed you oatmeal this morning. She thinks it will keep you full until lunch time."
"I hope so. I wouldn't want my classmates to hear my stomach grumble."
"It should Kurt." Franz said reassuredly.
Everyone had their fill of oatmeal. No one had noticed that Maria only ate a very small serving.
"Dad, may we be excused to get ready to leave?"
Georg nodded to Friedrich but Maria spoke.
"Maryann told me the elementary school begins at eight-thirty and the high school at eight o'clock. And both schools serve lunch."
"Interesting, Maria, I never liked the idea children had to go home for lunch and then walk back for the afternoon classes. That was one reason I had them taught at home. And you my darling wife was the best of them all. You deserve a kiss."
"I'll never turn down a kiss."
They did kiss and Georg returned to their room to get ready to leave. He watched the high school students leave and heard the others beg to leave too.
"Dad, I'll be sure Marta and Gretl find their classrooms. And Brigitta and I will wait for them to walk home."
"That's kind of you Kurt."
The parents did walk to the main road with them and watched them walk down the street toward the schools.
"Sweetheart, did Kurt surprise you?"
"He most certainly did. And something you did this morning has me wondering."
"I won't keep you wondering. I may be pregnant."
"But you're not sure."
"I certainly know it is possible. My cycle is late; I also know stress can cause it too. We've had our share of that too."
"Believe it or not, one of the first signs is the simple thing that coffee doesn't agree with your stomach. I noticed you had tea with your breakfast."
"And my stomach feels so much better. Georg, as happy as I am to be with child, I want to keep it a secret for now."
"You can try dear."
Georg knew Isabel and Katia would notice the pregnancy glow soon. He had to keep a smile from his face.
"It's my time to leave. I don't want to think what I may learn today about Hitler. The headline in the paper today spoke of praying as the only way to keep our sanity."
"I'll look in my prayer book for a suitable prayer we can pray as a family."
"Please do. Our older children may be told about the editorial."
"Now my sweet wife, I must leave. May my kiss remain on your lips and in your heart."
After a rather passionate kiss, Georg broke away and entered his car and drove away. Maria watched it as long as she could before deciding to read the article herself.
The article summarized words the President of the United States had spoken to men who were a part of a group which was called The President's Cabinet. Maria read.
Since my election, the entire world has watched as this man Hitler has gained control of Germany. He convinced the people that the Treaty of Versailles put too harsh a penalty on Germany and so he renounced it. Then he had the seat of German government destroyed by fire.
And now the Jewish people are being taken away to what are called camps. These camps are nothing more than terrible prisons.
Men, my daily prayer is for wisdom; specifically to know when to act rather than stand on the side line. America still has a kinship with Great Britain; she is a monarchy, a monarchy with a heart. We must be prepared to come to her defense if it is needed.
The reporter present added this: The men all stood; an affirmation of agreement.
And Maria did find a suitable prayer for the family to pray together at breakfast. It was words in the Bible's book of Ephesians which calmed her and she was sure it would to the same for everyone. This is what she read.
Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God. So you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil.
And after she read these words she added Amen.