“Days before the war was over. Why? Why would anyone do that?”
Maggie didn’t answer but stared at the letter. Sally put her hands in her arms and cried. She didn’t hear Maggie get out of her chair and come to put her arms around her.
“Sally love, none of this is your doing. Trudi took a big risk putting the children on the Kindertransport. She did it out of love, hoping they would live through the war. They did more than just live, they thrived and you are to thank for that. Tom and Liesl, Harry too, have a future. A good one. Trudi and their father are looking down on you and smiling. You have to believe that.”
“Maggie, I can’t. I feel so guilty. I wanted those children to be mine. I refused to think of the consequences of my prayers. What it would mean to Trudi. How can I look Tom and Liesl in the eyes?”
Maggie released her hold and stood, straightening her shoulders. “That’s quite enough of that. You don’t sit there feeling sorry for yourself, Sally Matthews. You have to break the news to those children. You have to give them the love and support they need to work through their feelings. Tom is bound to feel a little guilty over what he said about hating Trudi.”
“We know he didn’t mean it, he was just jealous of her relationship with his father.”
“We know that. But for all his 13 years, he is still a child. So, wipe your tears and go and fetch your family. What about asking Reverend Collins to say a few words for her. I know Trudi was Jewish, but we don’t have a rabbi.”
Sally wiped her tears away, she could cry later. Maggie was right as usual. The children needed her.
“I think that’s a lovely idea. Can you tell Ruth for me? I’ll write to Rachel, but I think Harry may have done that.” Sally couldn’t help bursting into tears once more. Maggie pulled her close. Sally sobbed on Maggie’s shoulder for a few minutes before taking a deep breath and forcing the tears to stop.
“What would I have done without you Maggie? You’ve been like a mother to me. Always there, never judging me.”
“I love you like a daughter, love. Families aren’t always blood. Some of the best have no blood connection at all. Tom and Liesl will love this little one as much as they love each other.” Maggie took a second before continuing.
“Your family will get over this news, Sally Matthews, just like they survived the war and all that entailed. You are the glue that sticks this little family together.”
Maggie left to go back to the rectory. Sally washed her face and hands and left to find her husband and the children.
The following evening, the children, including Ruth, gathered near the old cherry tree on the edge of the garden. Come Spring, they would plant a tree in Trudi’s memory but for now the old tree would have to do.
Derek had dug a small hole at its base, before taking his place holding Sally’s right hand. Maggie stood on her left.
Each child had written a letter thanking Trudi for saving their lives and promising never to forget her. Reverend Collins said a few words and then everyone watched the children as they placed their letters in the small hole.
Tom stepped forward. “Can I please say something, Reverend Collins?”
“Of course.”
Tom looked from the hole to his sister and then to the adults.
“I owe my life to Trudi. She was the one who got Heinz out of Dachau and got us on the Kindertransport. I never thanked her. In fact, I thought she just wanted to be rid of us. I know now, what she did was the hardest thing a mother should ever have to do.” Tom gulped. Sally ached to go to him, but he wouldn’t want that.
In a shaky voice, Tom continued. “I thought Trudi stole my father and loved her baby more than me. That made me mad. I know now I was wrong. Trudi loved me. She saved me. I will never forget her. I swear now my children and their children will know about this wonderful woman, Trudi Beck. When Liesl used to ask when’s mummy coming, I said my mother could never come back as she was dead. I hurt my sister and myself by telling a lie. Trudi was as much a mother to me as she was to Liesl.”
Sally’s tears flowed down her face as Tom spoke, her heart breaking as she watched the anguished expression on his face. She couldn’t look at Liesl.
Tom swallowed hard. “I am very lucky. I have had three mothers in my life, the woman who gave birth to me, Trudi who saved me and Sally, the woman who took me into her home and continues to love and raise me as her son. I believe that makes me one of the luckiest children in the world.”
Sally broke free of her husband and friend and rushed to gather Tom in her arms. Second later, Liesl joined them.
“I love you both very much and I am thankful to Trudi for sending you away. She gave me the greatest gift a woman could ever have.”
The sun broke through the clouds at that moment, bathing the little group in light.
Liesl gasped before saying, “I think Mummy sent us a sign. She’s happy with Papa up in heaven. She knows we have a good home and a new mum and dad.”
Derek picked the little girl up in his arms. “We should all listen to Liesl. My daughter is a very wise old soul.”
“Dad, I’m not old. I’m only eight. You’re old. Your hair is all grey.”
Sally and Derek exchanged loving glances. Derek put Liesl down, and
