A Call Home

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When I got back to Berlin, I thought I need to do this as soon as possible. I did not know what the  reaction might be. legally, I was of age, but it would be good to have my parents blessing. 

I called and my mother answered. Mom, its me Matt. "Matt, she said, it is great to hear from you. Are you getting ready to come back? I think you should be getting ready to leave soon. Remember, there are a lot of things you need to do before school in the fall.

"Mom", I cleared my throat. I blurted out as manly as I could. I'm not coming home! What do you mean, you are  not coming  home. You begin school in a few weeks. Mom, I'm staying in Germany. I just received a full four year scholarship to Humbolt University in Berlin. Mom, all expenses paid. 

Matt,  you are only 18. You will be far away from home. I am concerned you will get homesick and  this will impact on your grades. "Mom", I've been here all summer, and you know I love you all, but I have not been homesick. I haven't had time, I've been so busy. The  people on the crew and others have been kind.

Let me put your father on the line. My Dad  picked up. What is this about staying in Europe? Yeah, Dad, I've been awarded a full scholarship to Humbolt University in Berlin. "That's amazing son. You know your mother had her heart set on you being at Verdun. She felt you would be here at the house and commute to school. This is certainly a crimp in her plans."" Yeah, Dad, I know. but this is an opportunity of a lifetime. I agree son, he said, but your mother has her heart set on this. In the background I could hear my brother shouting with glee, now I can have Matt's room. My mother told him to be quiet. Dad said, I tell you what Matt. Why don't  you try it for a semester. If you do well and want to stay, great. if not, come home, and enter Verdun in the second semester. "O.K. Dad, that sounds fair. Good Matt, I'll talk to your  mother, just keep us posted. Right Dad, I hung up the phone, It was easier that I had imagined.

Now it was back to Frankfurt on der Oder for finish up the summer project. On the last day, we were having a reception at the hotel. The crew chief announced to all that I would be staying on in Germany for school. He wished me well, and told me I had a job when school was out, to continue to work with the team, but not as a volunteer. I would receive a stipend-not big-but a stipend since I would be considered an affiliate of the War Graves Commission. 

My crew came  up and slapped me on the back. We can all keep together. I understand the next site with be in the Ukraine. We will meet again in Berlin in the spring. Now do well in school Matt, and keep yourself in control with the madchen. We all laughed, soon the summer was over and I was on my way to Berlin.

Monika's famly invited me to stay with them until I could get settled. This was fine with me, since it meant I could spend more time with Monika. Things were really looking up.

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