The Newspaper Article
The next morning Franz was awake earlier than usual; the newspaper hadn't been delivered yet. He did turn on the radio in the foyer and heard. The President and his cabinet listened to a report on Adolph Hitler compiled by a recent immigrant from Austria. Stay tuned for updates during the day.
And Franz thought. Georg gave that report. I hope the newspaper carries his report. He checked again to see if it had been placed on the front porch. It hadn't; so he went on to the dining room.
Once again Kurt was the first to arrive and Franz was placing glasses of freshly squeezed Orange Juice at each place setting.
"I hoped Katia had more Fruit Cocktail."
"Kurt, she may buy some more next time she goes shopping for food."
"I hope so, it was really good."
"I'll tell her you liked it."
The others were taking their seats; Marta and Louisa told Franz the same as Georg and Maria arrived there. And Liesl again smiled at Maria.
Breakfast had been eaten and before anyone left the table, Maria stood. And Liesl's smile became fuller.
"I have personal news this morning. It seems God doesn't think seven children are enough in this family."
And Liesl told herself, I knew I was right. But it wasn't she who spoke; her oldest brother did.
"Mom, are you telling us you are going to have a baby?"
"I am Friedrich."
"Yippy! I won't be the youngest anymore. And I want a girl baby."
And Kurt immediately responded. "We have enough girls in the family. I'm hoping for a boy."
"Only God knows what the baby will be." And Georg smiled.
"Do you know when this baby will be born?"
"In about seven months Liesl."
"That's a long time."
"Yes Gretl it is. I'm sure the months will go by quickly. It's almost time for you to leave; you need to get ready."
The children left the table first. Maria went with Georg to their room. "You were quite cleaver in not identifying the baby as a Him."
"The children's comments helped me and I do believe Liesl already knew."
"I do too. I noticed her fuller smile after you told them. She may approach you in private and ask questions. As you told me she's not a child anymore; she may want to learn how it feels to have a new life inside of you."
"I'm willing to share what I can; this is all new to me too. Isabel told me a few things; becoming fuller on my chest, the waist of my dresses becoming tight and the need to use the bathroom so often will diminish as my bladder isn't crowded anymore by the baby."
The couple and all the children came back downstairs at the same time. The order of leaving was the same. First Maria received another kiss before Georg got in his car and drove away. The older children were next; followed in about fifteen minutes by all the others.
And Franz spoke to Maria. "I heard on the radio that the President and his Cabinet listened to a report on Hitler. It didn't say Georg wrote it but I'm sure he did. The newspaper is late this morning; maybe it will have news about this report. I'll watch for the paper to be delivered. I'm sure you will want to read it before the children come home."
"Yes, I do."
Maria went on to the basement to wash another load of clothes and thought. Georg is doing his part in helping America's government learn about this man. She was now anxious to read his report.
The newspaper had been delivered during this time. Franz read it and the ways America could help. He then brought to Maria who was now dusting the living room.
She sat by a lamp and began to read it. Once finished she thought; this is all part of God's destiny for Georg.
The remainder of the day had passed; the children were due home. The older children were especially excited.
Friedrich blurted out as soon as he was close to the house. "Mom, dad's article he presented to the cabinet was in today's newspaper. The teacher read it to us."
"Yes I know. Franz and I both read it."
And Brigitta added. "Kurt and I heard about it in our history class. Our teacher commented on his suggestions on ways to help Great Britain. He described them as brilliant. He also told us his newspaper article will be stored in the Library of Congress."
"Oh my! That really is an honor! Maybe it will be there when your dad takes us there for a visit."
"That would be surreal Mom!"
Maria could only smile as she thought only she would use such an adjective. She couldn't wait to tell Georg. All the children ran off to do their homework.
They were still in their rooms; including Marta and Gretl who were playing with their dolls when Georg arrived home.
Maria received a proper kiss before they climbed the stairs together. She informed Georg that their high school students plus Brigitta and Kurt knew about the article he wrote about Hitler.
"Yes I did know it was in the paper; a copy was on my desk when I arrived."
"Brigitta and Kurt's teacher told them your article will be stored in the Library of Congress. Our precocious daughter said it will be surreal if it's there when we visit.
"Her mind has always confounded me."
"I know. She amazes me too."
Discussion that evening after dinner revolved around Georg's report. And he was able to tell them that his ideas were already being put in place. Factories were building ships, airplanes, guns, ammunition and even clothing for the men as fast as was possible. And it was beginning to lift the country out of the depression.