Love, War, and Peace

 by Alison Fritts (ages 14-17)

Fresno, California 1917

Life had not always been easy for Andrea Carter, but God had shown Himself true in many circumstances. His blessings were everywhere.

Andi was the mother of five children and the proud grandmother of seven. Over the years, all her children had married. All except her youngest child, William. William was 21 years old and was in a relationship with Cory’s and Jenny’s beautiful daughter, Charlette. E

In 1898, Cory and Jenny had moved from San Francisco to take over Cory’s father’s livery stable after they had learned of his passing. There, Jenny bore two children, Charlette, now 19 and her last child, Jimmy, now 17.

William and Charlette were childhood sweethearts. Neither of them would have ever thought of taking another to the school dance or the Sunday picnic. When Cory gave William a job at the livery, their young love bloomed, and their affection grew towards each other more. Everyone knew an engagement was coming, but war came first.

****

On August 1^st, 1914, Germany declared war on Europe. For most Americans, it was not a worrisome thought. Many made great profits by selling their goods to warring countries, and President Woodrow Wilson promised the United Sates would remain neutral. He kept that promise for three years. But after German submarines torpedoed several neutral ships, killing many Americans, President Wilson went to the Senate requesting the entering of the war.

 “The world must be safe for Democracy.” His voice rang out.

On April 4^th, the Senate voted 82-6 in favor of Wilson’s request. The House of Representatives followed suit on April 6, 1917 voting 373-50. America was going to war.

 ***

The news hit America hard. The atmosphere was one of mixed confusion. Friends, some as young as 14, went arm in arm to fight next to each other. Many, never to return. Mothers wept. Fathers eyes glistened with pride. Young girls knitted clothes and rolled bandages. Prayers were frequent and urgent.

On May 18^th, 1917, Congress passed the selected Service Act. All males age 21-31 were required to register for the draft locally. As they did, each was giving a number. Then on June 5^th, the Provost Marshall General randomly drew from a fishbowl. As he unfolded the crudely turn paper, he frowned. He knew the number that he drew would send someone overseas. Possibly to their death.

****

“William, what is wrong?” Charlette asked worriedly. “You haven’t spoken a word since our walk around the pond.”

William gripped Charlette’s hand tighter. “I’ll miss our walks together.”

Charlette stomach dropped. She could feel William’s hand get

sweaty. “William, what is it?”

          “Charlette, I’ve tried to keep this from you as long as I could.” He sighed. “My number came up.”

          Charlette let out a gasp.

          “I leave on the train Saturday. I’ll be taken to a training camp.”

          Charlette lowered her head to hide the tear that rolled down her check. “I prayed so hard that this moment would never come.” She said softly.

          William stepped closer to her. “God has a plan for us. Remember no matter where I am, I’ll always be thinking of you.”

          Charlette nodded her head and gave him a small smile. He gently pulled her into a strong, loving hug.

                        *****

Train Depot

        “There are so many boys.” Charlette observed, while looking at all the young men waiting to head to their destination. She personally knew many of them and cringed as she thought about what laid ahead for them. How many would return to their anxious family? Would William be left on one of the battlefields he would soon fight on? The thought of losing him overwhelmed her and she burst into a fit of tears.

          William put his arm around her. “It will be alright.” He handed her his handkerchief.

          “Oh, William!” She sobbed as she wiped her eyes. “I am sorry. I didn’t want you to see me this way.” She turned to him and looked tearfully in his eyes. “I just care for you so much.” The train whistle blew, and William knew it was time to say goodbye.

“I will be back.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Wait for me.” He whispered.

         She nodded and wiped her tears. William drew her closed and kissed her. And without taking his eyes off her, he boarded the train.

As the old engine puffed out of sight, Charlette silently prayed. “God, please bring him home.

                         *****

France-on the German Line

“The Kaiser has forsaken us and left us here to rot in these muddy ditches.”

“Peter! You must not say such things. The Kaiser will never forsake us!” Peter’s friend Klaus replied.

“Then why are we losing this war? Why are the Americans so strong?” Peter asked as he poked his finger through the mud.

“I don’t know!” His friend sighed. “But I do know that the Kaiser is no coward and I have faith in him to help us win this war.” Klaus was angered by his friend disbelief. “Now shut up,” Klaus hissed. “Before anyone hears you and reports you as a traitor.”

Peter fell silent, but his mind whirled with questions. Who was fighting for the Americans?

                  ******

My Darling Charlette,

After 3 months of intense training, I have finally been transported to France. God has been good. The food is not bad here but tell mama her pie was well received. We are moving on again, so I must go. You are in my thoughts, as always. Love forever, William.

 William crammed the letter in the envelope and handed it to the mail boy. He then grabbed his rifle and took his place in line. As they were quietly marching to their destination, shots rang out. Men all around William fell.

“Move back!” Their commander shouted. Another round of shots broke out. This time, William was a victim.

A sharp pain pierced his side. Blood oozed slowly as he fell to the ground.

                                                   *****

A shot shook William awake. What happened? He thought to himself. He turned to see what appeared to be a German soldier shooting in the air. William tried to stand and run but he had no strength. The German walked over to him.

“Lie still before you reopen that wound.”

William remembered what happened. “Who are you? Where am I?” He asked the German as he grimaced in pain.

“I am Peter. Private in the German army. We had you under a surprise attack. You were one of several to be taken prisoners, but when my commander saw your wound, he ordered me to have you shot. Those shots I fired earlier were your execution.”

William looked at him painfully. “I don’t understand.”

“Simple.” Peter stuck the gun back into his holster. “I will be your pass out of here if you will be my pass to America.”

“You mean,” William shot up but then fell to the ground. “You mean, you will get me home if I help you start a life in America?”

“Yes!” Peter nodded. “I know many of the American customs. And as you can see,” He smiled proudly. “I can speak English fluently.”

“How?” William asked.

“My mother was an American.” Peter shifted uncomfortably. “Well, will you take my offer. It will take months,” Peter examined William’s wound. “Especially since you can’t walk much.”

“I don’t think I have that amount of time left.” William said breathlessly.

“I am no physician, but I do know enough to take care of your wound.” Peter held out his hand. “Deal?”

“You do know the American customs,” William chuckled while shaking Peter’s hand. “Deal.”

                    ****

Charlette ran down the uneven steps of the post office with an envelope in her hand. Every letter she received from William reassured her that he was well. They were often short, but she treasured them. With every sentence he wrote, she knew he had not lost his faith, humor, or his love for her. On these glorious days that Charlette received a letter, she would ride to Andi’s house. The atmosphere was a happy one as they shared their letters from William.

But today was different. As Charlette approached the ranch, she felt a tension in the air. The eerie silence sent shivers down her spine. She cautiously knocked on the wooden door, but when there was no answer, she quietly let herself in. There on the knees, hands clasp together, were Andi and Riley. There tear stained faces looked upwards, praying fervently.

Charlette froze as she saw a yellow telegram laying on the floor next to the distressed parents. Half hesitantly, Charlette picked up the telegram. Her eyes glanced at the word William and then they moved until they saw the undesirable sentence.

“It’s not true!” She cried with anguish. “I won’t believe it!” Andi and Cory looked up at Charlotte. “I won’t.” Charlette whispered as tears flowed on the telegram she held in her hands.

Andi stood up and put her arm around the frantic girl. She pulled Charlette into a motherly embrace.

“It’s true.” Andi said, choking back a sob. “William has been captured.”

                 ****

Charlette walked home in shock. She clinched the telegram in her hand. Her eyes were red and puffy. She was almost blinded by her tears. She reached her doorstep and slowly turned the door handle. Her family had excepted William as part of their family long ago. He was dearly loved, and it was she who would bring the heart wrenching news to her unprepared family. But it was Charlette who was not prepared for what happened next.

          As she walked into the living room, she could see her father supporting her ghostly white mother. Charlette could tell he was fighting back tears.

          Charlette put her arm on her mother. “Mama, what is wrong?” She asked fearfully. Jenny tried to answer but no words came.

          Jimmy stepped up to Charlette. He looked at her with a smile and saluted. “Private Jimmy Blake reporting for command!”

          Charlette dropped the telegram she was holding and sank into a chair, half fainting as her whole body shook. “No,” She slowly shook her head. “No, Jimmy. This cannot be true. You are just a boy.” Charlette felt all energy drain from her body as she thought about what would happen if her brother went off to fight. She became limp and numb.

          Jimmy frowned and shook his head defiantly. “I will be eighteen next month. Much older than some of the boys that have enlisted.”

          Charlette shook her head. This could not be happening. Not to Jimmy. Not to her dear baby brother. “I will not let you go!” She said determinedly.

          “Charlette,” He kneeled by her chair. “I must go. It is my duty to my country.” He said proudly.

          Charlette did not answer. She looked pleadingly at her father.

          “He is a man now, Charlette. We cannot stand in his way.” Cory said sadly.

          “Don’t worry about me sis,” Jimmy smiled kindly. He then put his hand in hers. “God is in control.” His eyes watered as he looked into Charlette’s eyes. He then tenderly said. “I love you, sis.”

             *****

          Charlette and her parents walked back from the train station in silence. Once again, they had left a love one behind. Each of them was proud of Jimmy. He saw responsibility and fulfilled it the best way he knew how. Yet they were all fearful of the future that laid ahead. Would Jimmy’s fate be the same as William’s? Or would it be worse?

                       *****  

    “Please, may we rest?” William begged.

          “Sure.” Peter replied while helping William to the ground.

          “Tell me, Peter,” William said as he moved around on the hard ground. “Since we have known each other for a while now, may I ask you a few questions?”

          Peter scratched his head. “Sure.”

          “Why did a boy, such as yourself, join the war to fight for the Kaiser? Then risking your life, you disobey orders by keeping me alive, desert your position, and now flee to America?”

          Peter shrugged his shoulders sadly. “That is the story of my life.”

          “I would like to hear it.” William hoped he was not going too far.

          “Well,” Peter began. “My mother came to Germany from America as a tourist. She and Papa met and fell in love at first sight.” Peter chuckled. “After they met, Mama detained her trip back to America. That gave Papa enough time to get to know her and propose to her.” Peter leaned down and tied his bootlace tighter. “Mama was so happy, so I was told. Yet, she always missed America. She always wanted me to live there.” Peter leaned back on a tree.

“It was settled. When I got old enough, we would go as a family. It was all so perfect. But Papa started listening to the Kaiser’s lies. Mother and I knew our dreams were broken. We knew Papa would never leave Germany. Eventually, Papa kicked mama out of the house. He said he did not want to live with an American. Mama wanted to take me with her, but Papa would not give her anything she wanted.

          “She left me the address of her relatives. She told me I could always find her there. We wrote letters for a while, but Papa found out. He sent her letters back unopened. After that he despised me.” Peter stopped and wiped his forehead.

          “And?” William encouraged him to go on.

          “Every day he told me that I was a disgrace to the family. He was so full of hatred and bitterness. I couldn’t stand it anymore! I joined the army when I turned eighteen. I wanted to make him proud, but the things I’ve seen and heard in the past year made me hate the Kaiser even more.”

          “William,” Peter said in earnest. “I am done with killing and hate. All I want is peace and love. I figured if I could meet up with Mama, I could start over again. I want a chance in life. I do not want to be ashamed of who I am. I want to be proud.” Peter lowered his head. “Is that stupid?”

          William’s eyes watered. “No. Our life on earth is short. We should want to live it as our Creator intended. We are to only fear one Supreme Being.”

          Peter raised his head. “The Supreme Being you just spoke of, is He the one who protects you Americans and gives you strength? Is He the one that is fighting for you?”

          William smiled. “Yes, He is also our Creator. Except, when He made the world, it was full of love, peace, and beauty. It was we humans who sinned and turned it into a upside-down world. Nonetheless, if we ask our loving Creator, He will forgive our sins and when we die, we will live with Him in Heaven.”

          “Does this amazing Being have a name?” Peter wondered.

          “His name is God.” William’s smile beamed.

          Peter nodded. “I should have known. Mama knows your God too. She used to say if God was fighting for you, you need no other. Because He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Peter smiled as he thought of his mother and the times she would tell him of her loving Savior.

          “Your mama is wise,” William began. “No matter what I have gone through, God has always been the one seeing me through.” William rubbed his side.

          Peter looked at William thoughtfully. “I had almost forgotten the stories she told me. I never saw until now why the world would need love and forgiveness.” Peter sighed. “I wish she were here now.”

          “Where does she live?”

          “In Fresno, California.”

          William shot up. “In Fresno?”

          Peter nodded his head. “Yeah. She was born there.”

         “Peter,” William laughed. “I live in Fresno.”

          Peter eyes widened in disbelief. “That is too crazy to believe.”

          William sat up straighter. “Don’t you see, Peter,” William said eagerly. “God has crossed our paths for a reason. He is a powerful God. He wants to come into your heart.”

         Peter inched closer to William. “Do you think you could tell me more about God?” Peter asked hopefully.

          William smiled as his eyes twinkled. “You bet.”

*****

Christmas Day in Fresno, California 1917

          “I can’t believe you know Mama!” Peter exclaimed.

          “Yup!” William said with delight.

          “I will drop you off at her house and then I will call on Charlette.” William said. Peter smiled at the name of Charlette. William had spoken so much of her that Peter felt as though he knew her.

          The two walked until they were standing in front of a small, but welcoming home.

          Peter turned to William. “Thanks again for everything you have done.” Peter said with emotion. “You gave me my life back.”

          “You saved mine,” William said gratefully. “I hope you find all the peace you deserve.” He said softly.

          Peter smiled and held his calloused hand out to William. As William shook it, he looked into Peter’s deep blue eyes. William did not see a boy, but a man. He didn’t see fear but hope. He didn’t see an enemy but a friend.

          As the two separated, Peter called out. “God bless you, William Carter!”

                     ****

        William could not keep his mind off Charlette. What would he say to her? Since it was dangerous to write, what had happened in the past couple of months, would Charlette think him dead?

          William froze as he reached his destination. There, sitting on the step, was Charlette. How beautiful she looked! Her brown hair flew softly in the wind.

          William stepped forward “Merry Christmas, dear Charlette.”

          Charlette’s head snapped up. She blinked her eyes in disbelief. “William?" She whispered in a shaky voice.

          “Charlette!” William cried.

          Charlette jumped off the steps and flew in William’s arms.

          “I told you I would come back.” He said, showering her face with kisses.

          “I knew you would.” She smiled gently. Charlette looked down at his handmade cane. “William, are you alright?”

          “I feel fine now.” He smiled. “It is chilly out tonight for California weather. Why aren’t you inside?”

“We were about to eat Christmas supper with your folks, but I kept hoping for a Christmas miracle.” She looked at him tenderly. “I prayed you would come home.” She grabbed his hand. “Come! What a reunion this will be!” She laughed. “Everyone will be curious how you got home.”

          Home! What a comforting thought!

         Charlette put her hand through William’s curly hair. “I missed you.”

          William smiled. I am indeed home.

*****

    The next months were heaven to Charlette. Under a doctor’s care, William would completely recover. But since it would take a while, he was not required to go back to the war front.

          Jimmy wrote often and William and Charlette’s wedding was set for after Jimmy’s return.

          Peter was doing well also. He was spiritually growing and had a profound love for his Creator. He had found a job at the mercantile and he had taken a liking to the young schoolteacher.

          Things were looking brighter for everyone, until one cold morning. A telegram, along with a package, arrived at the Blake’s house. Jenny looked at the box nervously. With shaking hands, she tore the envelope open. At a glance of the contents, she let out a moan and began crying on Cory’s shoulder.

          Charlette did not have to read the telegram to know what was written. Her beloved brother had been killed in action. Charlette bowed her head and prayed that God would give her strength. She glanced at the package, which was addressed to her. With a look of surprise, Charlette took the package and carried it to her room. She quietly opened it. She picked up a letter that laid on an envelope.

           Miss Charlette,

       Jimmy took a bullet for me. He died a hero. No man could have asked for a better friend. He told me to tell you that he was at peace with God and to send you this. My condolences, Tommy Blare

          Charlette opened the envelope and drew at a picture. It was Jimmy in his uniform. A tear fell on the picture as Charlette smiled. “My, he looks so grown up.”

          Charlette turned the picture around, and on the back, it read: I love you sis. Don’t forget me. Your loving brother, Jimmy.

          Charlette tenderly drew the picture to her chest. “I won’t forget you Jimmy. Ever!”

                                                 ***

On the 11^th day, of the 11^th month, of 1918, Germany surrendered. After 21 million men, women, and children lost their lives. On June 28^th, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed between the Allies and Germany. There was finally peace on the war front.

                                 ****

          William and Charlette were married in the fall of 1918. Two years later, they welcomed their first child: Jimmy Blake Carter. Like Jimmy, many Americans were not dead. Their memory lived on. As it shall, forever.