Letters Arrive
The next morning, the newly wed couple lay snuggled in their bed. Outside in the hall seven children had gathered. Even their whispering chatter carried inside.
Georg pulled his bride closer and whispered himself. "Don't they ever sleep late?"
"Not when I was alone with them."
"Maybe they will let us retire early tonight."
"I doubt it. Liesl and Louisa were funny last night."
"I agree. My oldest daughters seem to know a lot about couples."
"Liesl's old enough to remember you and Agathe. Something tells me you and she had a very special marriage."
"We did. We loved being together; especially after I came home on leave. I distained parties because I had to share her with our guests. And now I feel the same way about you, my love."
Maria snuggled closer and kissed his cheek. "I love you in the same way. But, darling, we must share ourselves with the children. We better get up before they become rambunctious."
"I suppose."
Reluctantly, the couple got out of bed and dressed. Georg decided to startle them. He opened the door quickly.
"We caught you!"
"None of us could sleep any longer, Father. All of us are hungry."
"Including you, Marta?"
She nodded as Georg continued. "That's remarkable for someone who eats like bird."
"Mother, are you going to let father tease me?"
Maria held the little girl's face softly with her two hands. "What he said isn't bad, Marta. It's a complement. You eat enough to feel full. It's not lady-like to overeat. Remember, you told me you wanted a parasol for your seventh Birthday. Only ladies in fancy clothes use parasols and ladies never overeat."
Marta's smiled warmed her heart. The hungriest of them spoke. "Can we go eat now?"
"Is everyone awake, Kurt?"
"Yes, we found them in the kitchen having coffee."
"Your mother and I must be the sleepy heads this morning. Let's go join them and decide what to do today."
Isabel acknowledged the couple. "Did they wake you?"
"No, we were awake. We didn't want to get up that early."
Isabel smiled at his frankness. And Katia poured him a cup of coffee but asked Maria her preference.
"I'll have coffee today."
Franz then spoke. "You'll be happy to know the restaurant is already open."
"As soon as Maria and I finish our coffee, we'll head there,"
And so this happy group began another day in Chur as Georg and Maria waited for their letters. Both knew it wouldn't be that day and probably not the next one either.
They occupied themselves by exploring this old city. Over the next two days, they visited churches, museums, explored the parks and admired all the beautiful buildings. Upon returning to their hotel on the third day, Georg checked with the clerk at the registration desk.
"You're in luck, Georg. I just received two letters; one addressed to you and the other to Maria."
"Wonderful news, thank you."
He almost ran from the office; he was waving the letters. "Let's hurry to our home so we can read these."
They did hurry. And immediately everyone found a seat in the big room. "Georg, begin with yours, it's the most important."
Everyone watched him carefully lift the flap from the wax seal. He unfolded the letter. He smiled as he scanned it.
"The Admiral tells me he had followed my career, although my letter was a surprise. He writes. My government would be happy to welcome you to America. Our naval academy could use you. Our embassy in Bern will be arranging your travel, expect a letter soon."
"That's wonderful news, Georg."
"It is Maria. Open your letter."
She did and she smiled as she scanned it. "They send us their greetings." Then she read the letter.
After crossing into Switzerland in the border town of Samnaun, we continued west. I wanted to be far away from the Austrian border. We drove through farmland on our way to Lucerne. I got lucky. An older couple needed help with their farm. Both of their sons were serving their mandatory time in the army.
The couple told us they had already seen Germans planes flying in their airspace. They've been told the Germans will try and bomb England into submission. My children don't need to be scared by them. I may attempt to find a way to travel to America. I know we will need a sponsor.
Maria, if you can, please write to us and tell us your plans.
"Georg, maybe we could be their sponsor. I can tell them where we'll be in America. Harold could send us a letter there."
"Yes, we probably could be their sponsor. You should get your letter in the mail. I expect us to be on the move as soon as I receive communication from the embassy."
This group received Georg's words with some apprehension. No one spoke except Sidney.
"Friends, I've heard from more than one priest or brother that fear is not to be feared. It is a healthy reaction to startling news. Abraham had fear when he led his people to the Promised Land; as did Moses when he led the Israelites out of Egypt.
"We are no different. We are being led to a new land where we will live the life which God has known since before we were born. We need to be happy as we wait for directions from the American Embassy."
Sidney saw their faces relax. "We should have dinner now. And afterwards we can sing all your songs, including the one about your favorite things."
Everyone really was in a better frame of mind; they happily took Sidney's suggestions. That evening they did sing all their happy songs. The parents went from room to room giving reassurance and hugs and kisses.
Once in their bedroom, Maria commented. "It so nice having Sidney make this journey with us. He has a very strong faith."
"So do you, Maria."
"Maybe so, but his has been shaped by years of contemplation. And he can express it so as to give us comfort. Even the children seemed to understand him."
The newly married couple replaced their talking with kissing and more. They, like the rest of the group had a good night's sleep.
Everyone woke wondering when they would hear from the embassy. They didn't have long to wait.
When they returned to the house after breakfast, the staff attendant greeted them. "Georg, this letter was delivered by currier to the main office."
"Thank you, I had no idea it would be sent by a currier."
The group sat in the lobby. And everyone listened to Georg as he told them how they would leave for America.
"We will travel by train to the coast of France. There we will cross the English Channel to England. A cruise ship will take us to America. My letter tells me it will be crowded with Americans going home before they are stranded in Europe. We will have access to everything; although some of the fancier restaurants won't be serving their usual foods. And there won't be very many stewards to assist us."
"When do we leave?"
"I have tickets for the early train tomorrow. The ship leaves at four tomorrow afternoon. It will only take us four full days to arrive in the port of Philadelphia. The admiral noted that this port is also a naval station and it's not far from the Navy Academy. We will be met by a Navy officer."
"I speak for us all. It's overwhelming the generosity of this nation; we have a lot to be thankful for. And I'm glad my letter to the Kellers is already in the mail."
"We do, Maria. Now, let us go to the movie house we passed. Everyone expressed interested is seeing the movie on the marque, Swiss Family Robinson. After dinner we can pack and be ready to leave in the morning."
And everyone thoroughly enjoyed the movie about the Swiss family who are shipwrecked on their way to Australia. Maria especially like the optimism the family showed. She would remember and be optimistic herself as they traveled to America.
Everyone followed Georg inside the restaurant where they enjoyed another wonderful meal. This would have to last them until after they boarded the train in morning.
All of them woke before the sun rose. The restaurant had supplied them with baskets full of food. Their train was on time. Once it left the station, the men distributed the pastries and drinks.
The train made only two stops before arriving in Paris. While it sat in the station there, the men once again distributed food. This time it was cheese and fruit.
Georg spoke as it left Paris. "We have about a three hour ride to the coastal city of Calais. You will see the landscape change from farmland to being a region with many rivers and marsh land. As they become more numerous you will know we are approaching the English Channel and the dock for the ferry."
All of them did observe these rivers and marshes; sometimes the train traveled alongside of them, others they crossed over on small bridges. Soon the ferry boat was seen in the distance. They felt the train slow as it pulled into the station. As soon as it stopped, the children began to stand; they were all anxious to begin the next leg of their journey.
They arrived at the ferry just as the attendant lowered the rope. Once on the ferry, they split into two groups. The boys, Louisa and the four men went and stood near the railing and watched as the captain of the ferry maneuvered the vessel around several landforms on its way to the port.
Georg sat with Maria, Liesl and the three younger girls. "Father, I know we should be happy. But I can't help but feel sad for those who must stay in Europe."
"That's normal Liesl. Even on the submarine I would think about all the citizens of the countries at war. Many of them probably had no knowledge of why they were at war."
Suddenly they heard the ferry's whistle. "That's the signal the ferry is approaching the dock."
A few minutes later, Kurt came running to where Georg and Maria were sitting. "Father, you should have seen the narrow space the captain had to steer the ferry through to get to the dock."
"I held my breath; I thought he might run into what Uncle Sidney told us were called breakwaters."
"Louisa, he's probably done this thousands of times; it would take a storm to throw him off course."
"I'm just glad he made it safely. When do we get off, Father?"
"We can walk down to the bridge now and wait behind the rope."
They found themselves first in line behind the rope. Georg asked the attendant. "Is that the commuter bus to the cruise port?"
"It is, sir."
Everyone had heard the question so they knew exactly where to head once the rope was lifted. There were others on the ferry who also took this bus; it was full when it pulled away for the short ride to the cruise ship port. It let them off in clear view of the ship.
Maria spoke for everyone. "Georg, it's gigantic."
"Yes it is, and remember it's also going to be full of people. Let's walk towards the bridge. I'm sure an attendant is there who can tell us when we can board."
When they arrived at the bridge, they were surprised that boarding had already begun. The attendant must have been helping others find their cabins. Although Georg had never been on a ship like this before, he and Sidney were able to locate their cabins.
The types of beds in each cabin made assignments easy. Georg opened the door to the first one. He looked inside.
"Maria, this one must be for us. It has a large bed and a nice sitting room."
She looked too. "It's perfect for us."
They both place their bags there. Stefan had heard them and brought her guitar there. Meanwhile, Sidney had the remainder of the cabin numbers. No one was picky about their cabin assignment. Liesl volunteered to sleep with Marta and Gretl; there was a cabin with large bed and a twin.
Franz had explored part of the deck they were on. He reported his findings to everyone who now had gathered in the passageway outside of Maria and Georg's cabin.
"Everyone will be pleased to know that the dining room is now serving a snack. Dinner will be available later after we set sail."
"Georg, I think we could all use a small snack to hold us until dinner."
"I agree with you. Franz, please lead the way."
With a hand motion, Franz invited everyone to follow him. There in the dining room, they found platters of small sandwiches and bowls of nuts and cut up fruit. And in a very large bowl was a cold beverage made from fruit juice.
Everyone filled a plate and brought it and their beverage glass to a large table to eat. Georg or Sidney answered a few questions.
The children asked. "Are there things to do on the ship?"
"I'm sure there are; I've never been on a cruise ship before but I imagine we may be able to see movies, hear music and play new games."
"Do you think the ship will have a library?"
"I'm sure it will, Brigitta." Georg had a special smile for his precocious nine year old daughter.
Just then a very loud sound was heard. "That's the ship's horn, everyone. The ship is moving out to sea. Finish your snack and then I'll find our way to one of the decks so you can see the ocean."
Georg easily found the stairway to the top deck. The vastness of ocean had everyone spell bound. Stefan and Phillip held the little girls so they could see better. Marta asked everyone's thought.
"How does the ship know where to go, Father?"
Georg pointed to a small structure behind them. "Up there is where the captain of the ship steers it. He uses a compass to know he's traveling west towards America."
"I'm sure the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful. Can we come up here and see them?"
"Of course we can, Liesl."
On their way back to their cabins, they explored each deck. They found playrooms for the children; a library which Brigitta insisted on entering. Everyone found a book to take with them.
On other decks they found the movie theater, a stage and heard an orchestra practicing in another auditorium. They were now sure they would have fun.
The late dinner menu had many foods they recognized. All the items were identified in three languages, English, French and German. After eating, they returned to their selected cabins.
Georg and Maria said good night to all the adults and then proceeded to visit the children. The first cabin belonged to Friedrich and Kurt. They heard their father. "You both need to stop throwing pillows around and get some sleep."
"We will Father; we both want the morning to come so we can explore more of the ship."
They both accepted a kiss on the cheek from their new mother. Georg smiled with pride. The next cabin belonged to Louisa and Brigitta.
Their room was quiet when they entered; they were reading. It was Maria who had a reminder for especially Brigitta. "Now, don't read too long. You don't want to be tired when the others are raring to go play."
Brigitta responded. "We won't, Mother. We're also anxious to discover things to do on the ship."
They each accepted kisses from both parent. Georg shut the door quietly and they walked to the last cabin. They entered it quietly. They heard Liesl say. "The end," as she noticed them. She continued. "They fell asleep before I got to the end."
"I've had them do that to me, many times."
Georg once again had thoughts of how mature Liesl had become. She received a kiss on the cheek from him. Maria not only kissed her cheek, she gave her a big hug. And whispered. "Sleep well, Liesl."
The couple walked close as they walked the passageway to their cabin. There they let out all the passion which had been building, waiting for their private time to share themselves once again. They slept well but not much past dawn.
Georg and Maria didn't wake because they heard any chatter; it was parental concern which woke them. They weren't sure the children wouldn't go exploring. They both dressed in a hurry. They were relieved when they didn't see anyone in the passageway and all the cabin doors were still closed.
They didn't stay that way. It was only a matter of a few seconds before Liesl poked her head out of her cabin. And in quick succession everyone was standing in the passageway. They headed for the dining room where they could talk and have breakfast.
They discussed what to do after they finished breakfast. They had decided to go on the very top deck and walk the track which went all the way around it. Georg and Sidney had both assured them they would find things to.
They passed tennis courts before they came upon several oddly shaped areas which were green and each had a small hole in them. They stood staring at them.
Sidney was the first to speak. His lodge had been close to a public golf course; he knew exactly what they were viewing.
"Georg, this is a miniature golf course; I see the clubs and balls are in a rack."
Georg didn't speak, Kurt did. "Uncle Sidney, do you know how to play this game?"
"I do Kurt. The object of the game is to hit the golf ball with the club and hope it will fall in the hole."
"Can we play, Father?"
"Of course we can. Sidney, help us select the right club."
After Sidney helped everyone find the correct length club, they formed four groups and began to play the game. No one realized how difficult it was to get the little ball in the small hole. They didn't care; they had so much fun they played it all morning and would play it many more times before the ship arrived in America.
After lunch, they discovered all the others things which would keep them busy for the next four days. They found rooms with ping-pong tables, a net for badminton and many bean-bag toss games. An orchestra was always playing and the movie theater showed many different movies. And in the evenings there was dancing on one of the decks. And they saw many sunsets and on one night stayed up late to see the stars.
The first three days went by fast. At lunch on the fourth day, Georg reminded everyone. "By late afternoon, the ship will be arriving at the Port of Philadelphia."
"It still amazes me we have traveled that great distance so fast."
"Just think, Maria. One day airplanes will take people across the Atlantic in a few hours."
"I really can't imagine it. I still don't understand how they fly."
"Mother, I'd like to know too. Maybe I can take a class which will teach me the science behind flying."
"A noble aspiration, Kurt. Why don't you pack up all your things now and then we can go see the movie, The Wizard of Oz."
This was an imaginary movie about a young girl and her dog who gets caught in a tornado and are transported to the imaginary Land of Oz. There she meets a tin man, a scarecrow and a cowardly lion who are all searching for something.
In order to see better, Gretl was sitting on Maria's lap and Katia was holding Marta. During the movie's frightening moments, the girls received reassuring hugs. By the end of the movie everyone could sing the song about a yellow brick road.
Dinner was served early. This time they did go topside to watch the ship come into port. They could see some of the buildings in the city named Philadelphia. But what attracted them most were all the ships.
Georg explained. "This is a multipurpose port. Ships of all kind depart from here, cargo vessels, cruise ships and navy ships."
"Including submarines, Father?"
"Probably Friedrich, but I don't see any at the dock."
The cruise ship slipped into the channel right before it would pass under a very long bridge. Now they waited until the ship was secured. Then they returned to their cabins and the adults checked all the cabins again to be sure nothing was being left behind.