Announcement

Once outside the concert hall, the entire audience milled around. Everyone was talking about the final song. Some spoke about the first verse where the composer's words gave the feeling of despair.

Others spoke of the plea for peace. A plea for a place where there is no sadness or sorrow. And many others were talking about the verse which spoke about the wild animals. The bear would be gentle, the wolves tame and the lion and the lamb would lie together.

Father Wasner told them. "These lines of verse describe perfectly how God want us to live."

Maria was moved by the last line of verse. "The composer's line about a child leading all the beasts is a powerful statement. It makes you believe that faith will help us all change from having animosity towards each other to having peace."

And even Gretl spoke. "Mother, can we learn that song?"

"Of course you can."

And Max added. "It could be your final song when you sing for the military men. Now follow me to the restaurant where we will have dinner."

Max had everything planned. He had made a reservation for sixteen people at a restaurant only two blocks away. They were seated by the maitre'd. Soon baskets of dinner rolls and plates of butter were placed on the table and the water glasses were filled.

Maria had motherly advice. "Now children, don't fill up on rolls. You need to eat your meal."

The waiter smiled; he had heard that reminder many times. He also had suggestions for that meal. He mentioned several favorites and soon he had everyone's order.

After everyone had eaten, Kurt offered the family's complement. "Sir, your food is the same as what our cook makes; it was delicious. I'm full."

The waiter heard from Georg. "If you're full, that means you don't need desert."

"No Father, I still have room for it."

"And I have a suggestion. Our chef makes Sacher tortes and Linzer tortes; he uses the original recipe. Shall I bring you a platter of each?"

"I see my children's smiles. My answer is yes."

"Very well, I'll bring them, a full pot of coffee and another pitcher of milk."

After he left, Gretl asked. "Father, what's a torte?"

"I need to know too, Georg."

"You've never had one Maria?"

"Never."

"Then you and Gretl are in for a treat. One is a rich chocolate cake covered in whipped cream, buttercream, mousse, jams, or fruit. The other is a cinnamon flavored cake; it almost looks like a pie. Very thin strips of pastry are place on top in a crisscross design and slivers of almonds are placed around the edges before it is baked."

"Both sound delicious."

"They are."

Immediately after Georg's response, their waiter and his assistant placed four platters on their table. And stood nearby to serve the coffee and refill the children's glasses. And Maria asked for a glass of milk; she had been drinking water during the meal.

The tortes had been cut into smaller than usual servings; they were the perfect size for the little girls. One of each satisfied them. The others had a least two of the small servings.

There were many complements given to the waiter. He assured them he would pass them on to the chef.

Maria seized the moment. She stood to get everyone's attention.

"It's been a wonderful afternoon. The concert provided us with music we had never heard before. And we learned a song which we plan on singing when we give a concert for military men.

"And it's a perfect time for sharing with everyone mine and Georg's secret. "Georg and I have fulfilled what is written in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament."

Maria couldn't help but notice Father Wasner's broader than usual smile. He knew exactly what Maria would say next.

"It's on the sixth day of God creating the earth when he made man and then a woman. He gave them instructions; he told them. 'Be fruitful and multiply.' And Georg and I have done as God instructed."

Liesl couldn't keep quiet. "When will our brother or sister be born?"

"I think sometime in late May."

"Mother, that's a long time from now!"

"I know it is, Gretl. It takes that long for the baby to grow. You're going to be so busy the time will pass quickly. I know you're anxious to start school; you'll be busy making friends.

"Then we'll celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, then Christmas and before you know it Easter will be here and soon after the baby will be born."

"How will we know the baby is growing?"

"I assure you it is. There's a special place inside all women where the baby grows. It's very close to another part of our body; the place which when it gets full of liquid makes you need to use the bathroom.

"The baby has grown so much I need to go to the bathroom often."

During this conversation Friedrich had been thinking. He now shared his thoughts.

"Mother, all this conversation about how our bodies are made makes we want to take a class in Human Anatomy."

"Good choice for one of your electives. I remember how much you enjoyed learning about the life cycle of a frog."

Liesl also commented. "This is exciting for me. Mama always wore so many crinolines under her dresses I never knew when she was pregnant."

"Your father told me that. After I share with him all the things I'm feeling, I'll share with all of you. Now I believe it's time to leave here."

As Georg stood beside his wife, they both could hear the children's comments. Gretl's made them smile.

"I still wish it didn't take so long."

The family left the restaurant and paraded home. It was a nice walk; it helped them use up all the sugar in their bodies from the torts. When they arrived Father Wasner had them sing their new song. It and the concluding verse of the bedtime song sent the children up to get ready for bed.

Tomorrow was Sunday, a day for giving thanks and praise to God for all their blessings.