Georg's Report

Everyone in the family attended Marta and Gretl's school play. And once again their parents were amazed. Neither had shown one bit of stage freight as they acted out the story of the very first Thanksgiving.

Katia and Isabel soon learned the meal prepared for Thanksgiving would be repeated for the Christmas day meal. And Georg's research about Hitler was completed; now he shared with President Roosevelt and his Cabinet what he had learned. He told them.

"The mind of Adolph Hitler was formed at an early age. His parents were as different as day and night. His mother, Klara, was loving and kind; a devout Roman Catholic. His father Alois was the exact opposite; he shouldn't even 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. But Adolph's mind had already been formed. After serving in the German Army during the Great War, he became outraged at the punishment Germany received in the treaty which ended the war. He began to give speeches; he discovered his talent. It wasn't in the arts, as he had once thought, it was that of a great orator. He spoke about not only the treaty but also about rival politicians and the Jewish people.

"And because his mother had died after surgery for breast cancer by a Jewish doctor he developed an immense hatred for Jewish people. He now lived in Vienna Austria. The mayor at this time felt threatened by all the Jewish people living there. Hitler agreed with the mayor.

"His popularity rose during this time. And in a matter of months he was elected Chancellor. Hitler now has set his mind on restoring the old Austro-German Empire. His first acquisition will be Austria. Sadly there are many Austrians who have been swayed to Hitler.

"Gentlemen, I fear a war greater than the last will come to all of Europe. In quick succession most of the countries will fall to Hitler. Great Britain will be your only ally for now. I can't predict what the Soviet Union will do.

Georg now listened to the men's' responses. First was from the president. "I believe your assessment is correct. Our citizens are still recovering from the war; sending men is not an option, any ideas gentlemen?"

The gentlemen in charge of the Department of War spoke next. "Perhaps we could help by making things Great Britain could use to wage war against this mad man."

Another cabinet member commented. "It would help put our people back to work and may finally get us out of the Depression."

These two suggestions were taken seriously. The President put the Secretary of Commerce in charge of developing a plan. He was given enough money to hire people to help him and put the plan into action. And Georg received complements from all of them.

He had no idea his name would appear in the next days' newspaper as the person whose idea inspired this plan. And it would be discussed at the high school.

The next morning began differently for the occupants of the master suite; it wasn't the sun shining in their bedroom window which woke Maria. It was her need to hurry to the bathroom. She flew out of their bed before Georg had a chance to say good morning or kiss her.

When she came from the bathroom she heard. "Is our baby growing?"

"It must be. I can't wait for him to grow enough so he won't crowd my bladder anymore."

"So you're calling the baby a he now."

"He sounds better. The word it doesn't sound human."

"Don't be surprised if Brigitta notices."

"I won't be; it's normal for her. It will probably get the boys hopes up that the baby may be a boy."

"True. Now I need to take my turn in the bathroom."

"And I'll dress and see if any of the children are stirring."

Maria slowly opened the bedroom door. Immediately she heard. "Mom's awake we can go see if breakfast is ready."

"Kurt, you're as predictable as the sun rising. You may go down and see if Katia has the juice ready."

The children had a surprise waiting for them. Instead of glasses filled with juice, they found a small bowl filled with pears, grapes, cherries, peaches with a small amount of liquid.

Katia was standing near-by to observe the children's reaction. The predictable child asked. "What's in our bowls?"

"It is fruit from cans labeled Fruit Cocktail I bought them at the A&P store. Taste it; I'm sure you will like it."

"Okay I will." The others watched Kurt. He picked up his spoon and scooped up a piece of fruit. He ate it and smiled.

"It is good; and sweet too." And he promptly devoured the rest of the fruit. The others began to eat it and had similar complementary words to say.

Georg heard them and asked. "What are you eating?"

"It's fruit from a can Dad."

"I'll eat mine as soon as grace is said. Whose turn is it today?"

"Mine Dad," Spoken by Brigitta as she folded her hands. "Let us pray.

"Bless our friends.
Bless our food.
Come O Lord and
Sit with us.
Come and let your
Love surround us.
Bless us all forever.
Amen."

And an Amen was heard from the entire family.

"Very nice Brigitta. Where did you learn it?"

"From one of my classmates."

And Georg held a thought. I'm so glad we are in America where we will always be able to pray.

Now everyone ate their Fruit Cocktail and complemented Katia. In a few minutes Franz came from the kitchen with the pot of oatmeal. The children had found that it did keep them full until lunch time, even Kurt.

The children hurried to get ready to leave; as Liesl left she smiled at Maria.

And Maria wondered why. Then thought, she knows. I suppose it's time to tell everyone.