Original subtitles

[birds chirping]

[male narrator] Every year Spring brought its special magic

to Waltons' mountain.

As the dogwood and redbud came into blossom

the very earth seemed to vibrate and burst into life.

In the spring of 1947

no one felt this more deeply than Mary Ellen.

Our mother was still recuperating

in an Arizona Sanatorium.

And as Mary Ellen's wedding day approached

her joy was only dimmed by our mother's absence.

For it was in such times of celebration

that we most keenly missed her.

[Olivia] 'Western Union.'

'Yes, I'd like to send a telegram.'

'Yes.'

To Mary Ellen Willet.

Waltons mountain, Virginia.

"My darling Mary Ellen

"how I wish I could be with you tomorrow

"to see you and Jonesy walk down the isle together.

"But the miles that separate us

cannot keep my love and prayers from you."

[Mary Ellen] '"I wish I could send you some magic formula'

'"that would keep your marriage happy forever.'

'"But I can't.'

'"Besides, marriage is made up of mountains and valleys'

'"and we need the valleys to better appreciate the peaks''

May you have your share of both. Love, mom."

That's really nice.

I can't wait for you to meet momma.

If she doesn't get better soon we'll just have to go see her.

You mean that?

Sure, Arizona's not so far away.

I love you.

[bell ringing]

[pipe organ music]

- Congratulations. - Thank you, thank you.

- Welcome to the family. - Thank you.

Alright, let's all go home and celebrate.

See you over at the house.

Folks, listen up here.

I'd like to propose a toast.

A long and happy life together

'to Mr. and Mrs. Arlington Westcott Jones III.'

'In other words to Mary Ellen and Jonesy.'

[all] Cheers!

Thank you, John.

And I would like to drink to my beautiful wife.

And also to Mr. Harry Philpot..

...of Harry's Used Cars in Deadeye Gulch, Nevada.

[crowd laughing]

Because without the lemon of a car he sold me

I never would have had an accident

and never would have met Mary Ellen

had her nurse me back to health and on to matrimony!

[crowd cheering]

You know compared to Mary Ellen

I'm practically an old married woman by now.

Don't you think we should start planning our second honeymoon?

Wait till we finish this merry time on the contract sure?

Maybe.

- Want some more punch? - No, thanks.

- How about you? - No, thanks.

- No? - Mm-hmm.

Would you like to sit down?

- Ha ha ha. - Ha ha ha.

Ben, it's two months before this baby's born.

Please don't start mollycoddling me yet.

- See you in a while. - Okay.

See if we can help along with some of that recipe, huh.

- Oh, good idea. - Ha ha ha.

Won't have too much of this for the next month.

- With all that work we've got. - Yeah.

Think we can drive the first load by Wednesday?

Think so. Wednesday would be great.

Cindy's mother's coming by for a visit that afternoon.

You don't seem too thrilled.

It's hard to be thrilled about a woman

who gave up Cindy for adoption.

I'm sure she had her reasons, Ben.

Oh, I'm sure.

How did she finally find Cindy after all these years?

She didn't. Cindy went looking for her.

Found her living in a Washington Suburb

married to a wealthy man.

First, the woman denied being her mother.

- Hurt Cindy a lot. - Well, they finally made up.

Oh, yeah. And who knows. I may even learn to like her.

Being Cindy's mother she can't be all that bad.

Let's go.

[people chattering]

I'm really looking forward to my graduation.

Mine wasn't that exciting. Corabeth and I didn't come.

Some little emergency at the store.

Do you have any of the Baldwin's recopied? This juice is bland.

Aimee, I'd like you to meet the Reverend and Mrs. Marshall.

- This is my daughter, Aimee. - Hi, Aimee. Nice to meet you.

If you'll excuse me. I promised Mary Ellen

I'll keep an eye on John-Curtis.

Aimee just graduated from the Warwick Preparatory school

and she's their outstanding art pupil.

Congratulations. I'd love to see some of your work.

We could use some nice paintings around the church.

I don't do religious art.

[Ike] 'She's the best drawer I ever saw.'

She can do people, trees, fruit. It all works.

Does your talent come from your father's

or your mother's branch of the family tree.

Neither. Ike and Corabeth adopted me.

It was the smartest move we made.

Bet it was.

Anybody wanna help putting this sign on the Jeep?

- I will. - Okay.

It's been ages since I've seen you.

How do you manage to stay so incredibly young?

Oh, I don't know. You've sure changed.

Remember a few years ago I had a crush on you?

How could I forget something like that?

Wasn't I the silliest thing?

Oh, I didn't think so.

James Robert, if I didn't know better. I'd say we're flirting.

- Me? - Uh-huh. Ha ha.

Help me with this.

Such a shame.

That your mother and John-Boy could not attend the nuptials.

Well, John-Boy couldn't leave his job in New York.

Where are you and Arlington

planning on spending your honeymoon?

Jonesy said he's found us a great camp site.

Oh, well. I hope it's somewhere near 5th Avenue and 59th Street.

As a matter of fact it's somewhere along the James river.

Don't worry. We love camping. It'll be a perfect honeymoon.

This is Jones. Time to get changed.

Ready in a minute, Mr. Jones.

- Excuse me, Corabeth. - Bye, Corabeth.

Jonesy, I thought you two would be long gone by now.

Well, as soon as I get my wife, I guess we'll be off.

Wife. Ha ha. What a great word.

That is a good word, isn't it?

So will you be going back to Olivia soon?

Yeah, as soon as I fill that Maritown Contract.

You must miss her very much.

Yeah, I do.

Well, I think both of you have an awful lot of courage.

We get it from each other.

That's one of the best parts of being married.

I want some more cake.

John-Curtis, do you wanna get as fat as Santa Claus?

- Yeah. - Ha ha.

Don't worry, John-Curtis. There'll be plenty of leftovers.

John-Curtis, there's your momma.

Johnny, come here.

- I'll see you soon. - Come to grandpa.

Now you and your grandpa behave yourselves.

We'll try.

Don't forget your bouquet.

- Okay, Elizabeth. - Bye, Jonesy. Bye, mom.

Bye-bye.

[crowd cheering]

- Bye, Jonesy. Bye, mom. - Bye-bye.

- Goodbye. - Bye, daddy.

Be happy, honey. You take care of her now, Jonesy.

- We're outta here. - Bye, careful now.

[pleasant music]

[fire crackling]

What is this here? We have something for you.

Hmm.

Oh.

It's lovely.

Is there something in it?

It is up to you to find something to put in it.

Maybe you'd like a lock of my hair.

I think I'd rather have a picture of you on one side

and John-Curtis on the other.

I guess that'll work until we start having more children.

After I finish medical school.

I think we should first have a little girl.

Johnny would like that.

I know, I always wanted a baby sister.

Or a baby brother.

Or an older sister or an older brother.

Don't worry, John-Curtis will not be an only child.

I can just see our little girl.

See, she'll have..

...your nose...your chin, your brow, my eyes--

What's wrong with my eyes?

Nothing but, she's gotta have some of my looks.

And otherwise, what would the neighbors think?

How about your nose?

- Ha ha ha. - My nose?

You honestly want our darling little girl to have this?

- No. Ha ha ha. - Okay, okay.

Of course, if we have little boy first

then...we've got to think of something to name him

other than Arlington Westcott Jones IV.

Good.

Good? You don't like my name?

I love your name.

Arlington.

My darling Arlington.

My ardent Arlington.

- My darling, ardent-- - Stop, stop, stop.

Arlington my darling--

[orchestra music]

[birds chirping]

[orchestra music]

I think you like Drew. He's a dream buff.

Mm, personally I find college freshman terribly immature.

He's almost a soft one.

Mm, I like men who are more worldly and sophisticated.

Do you meet them at school?

Dana, my art professor is worldly.

He's also a great artist.

I inspire him, and he, me.

So, you see I'm beyond young men like Drew.

Although I'm sure he's very sweet.

He's also pretty terrific. I wish I was at his school

so I'd have more time to spend with him and you too.

You can't have all that much work left.

There are final exams and I also have a final essay.

Haven't even started writing it.

They still give those dreary assignments?

I've to describe what sorta person

I wanna be when I grow up.

Oh, that'll be easy. I'll be a great artist.

And devote my life to art...and love.

- That'll be exciting. - Ha ha ha.

[orchestra music]

Hi.

Missed you so much.

Aimee, this is Drew. Aimee Godsey.

- Aimee, Drew Caller. - Hi, nice to meet you.

Hi.

Coffee, bread and what else?

Uh, worms..

...for the fish.

Hey, wait a minute.

This is ridiculous. This is our honeymoon.

You-you can't go off grocery shopping.

The first time in our married life that we've been apart.

It's too early for a separation. I'm coming with you.

No, you stay here and try and catch us some supper.

- Hurry back - First, let me go.

- No. - Yes.

- Love you. - Love you.

[engine revving]

Bye.

[dramatic music]

[screams]

[glass shatters]

[female #3] 'Doctor Harper. Doctor Kell Harper.'

'Emergency..'

[soft music]

- Jonesy, how is she? - She's in shock.

The doctors are in there. They may let us know something soon.

What happened?

Well, she went off in the jeep

and somehow God knows she crashed.

By the time I got to the hospital she was unconscious.

Dr. Coleman.

Mary Ellen suffered a bad puncture wound.

We've stopped the external bleeding

but she's still losing blood inside.

She may-she may have ruptured her spleen.

I'm gonna need your permission to operate.

How complicated is the operation?

Well, it might take a few hours.

We wanna make sure we've got all the bleeding stopped.

- How are her vital signs? - 'Steady.'

Mary Ellen's strong and she's a fighter.

I believe she'll come through this with flying colors.

Thank you, doctor.

Uh, what does this mean? Taking out her spleen.

Well, she can live a normal life without it, but uh..

...she may be more prone to infections.

Has anybody talked to Johnny?

No, nobody said anything. No use saying anything no more.

Yeah.

Hi, honey.

Hi.

Did you have fun drawing?

Uh-huh. There's so much to draw in the mountain.

- Wanna see what I've done? - Oh, yeah.

Oh, these look really good.

Hey, look at you.

- What's this for? - That offensive lipstick.

That lipstick is a little too much.

You two are so provincial.

Everyone wears dresses like this at school.

- Everyone wears makeup. - Not my daughter.

'You were sent to a finishing school'

'to learn to be a lady.'

And a lady does not...paint her face and bare her shoulders.

If we were to put these pictures

in the front window, I bet somebody would buy them.

You mean it?

Mr. Godsey, you cannot peddle your daughter's masterpieces

amidst the cayle and cucumbers.

But those are only sketches of local scenes.

Aimee, one day your paintings will hang in museums.

'As of now, your talent is still very easily influenced.'

'And it must not be channeled into crass commercial areas.'

Now, in the fall you will be sent

to a very fine woman's college in New England.

In New England.

Well, we cannot allow Aimee's talent to languish

because of a lack of a good local school.

My art professor Dana thinks you can learn about art anywhere.

You call...your teacher by his first name?

Dana is more than a teacher.

I'm his favorite student. His protege.

If I have any talent at all, it's because he's inspired me.

And how did he do that, pray tell.

We'd spend long hours in front of the fire, talking about art.

I think it is high time that you were sent to a different school.

I'd rather stay on Waltons Mountain and paint here.

Aimee, this summer you will sketch the local scene.

Then you will be sent to college.

Now, I must see about the dinner.

You know, you're the first artist in the Godsey family.

And I think that's pretty special.

I'm not really an artist.

At least not yet.

Well, could I see that picture you're working on now?

Oh, I don't let anybody see my rough sketches.

It upsets my artistic flow.

Well, I...guess I'd better go help your mother with dinner.

Don't you think they could send a nurse out

and give us a report or something?

- Hello. - How is she?

- Doing fine. - Did you stop the bleeding?

Uh, that's why the surgery took so long.

We, uh...we found some minor bleeding

apart from the spleen and had to stop that too.

- You did take out the spleen. - 'Yes.'

She'll have to stay in the hospital about two weeks

and then spend the next four weeks taking it easy.

Can we see her now?

Just long enough to say hello then let her rest.

Why don't you have a moment with her alone?

- I'll be there in a minute. - Thank you, John.

[soft orchestra music]

- Hey. - Jonesy.

You better believe it.

I'm sorry.

No. No, don't apologize.

Doctor says you're gonna be just fine.

What happened?

You've been in surgery.

They removed your spleen.

I can't imagine you or I will miss it very much.

The deer.

A what?

The deer on the road. Did I hit it?

Oh. So, that's what happened.

[exhales]

Oh, what an awful honeymoon.

No. No, you're alright and we're together.

I'll settle for that.

[knock on the door]

- Hi, honey. - Daddy.

I'm so glad you're here.

I wouldn't be anywhere else.

[Drew] 'Hey, Elizabeth. Wait up.'

Drew, I wasn't expecting to see you.

I figured you still walked from school the same way.

Nothing ever changes.

How about you let me carry your books?

Oh, sure. Here. Something I don't wanna change.

Well, when you start calling I'll carry them every day?

Looking forward to that.

You know, you're a pretty good letter writer but I'd still--

- Yoo-hoo, Elizabeth, Drew. - Hello, Aimee. How you doing?

Hi, Aimee.

I'm on my way over to Maude Gormley's.

Her Irish Setter just had a litter of pups

and I'm dying to see 'em. Wanna come along?

Yeah, maybe I'll even take one.

It'd be pretty nice having a pup at college.

- You wanna go, Elizabeth? - I can't.

I have to get ahead on my essay. But you two go on.

Elizabeth, I promised I'll take your books home for you.

Don't worry about it. You just go ahead.

If you insist.

I'll take good care of Drew for you, Elizabeth.

Deliver him home, all in one piece.

Well, thank you.

We'll both get there a lot faster if I drive.

- How are we gonna do that? - Just hang on. I'll show you.

- I'll see you later, Elizabeth. - What!

- Bye-bye. - Be careful!

[laughing]

Hi, sweetheart.

Well, mother, what do you think?

It's lovely, but won't it be cramped when the baby comes?

I'm hoping to add a room by then, Mrs. Norris.

Oh, hello, Ben. I can see you're way ahead of me.

But you mustn't go on calling me Mrs. Norris.

How about Bernadine?

- Bernadine. - Good.

Cindy, you and I must go shopping soon. You like that?

Of course, I just don't wanna take up too much of your time.

Oh, no.

Since my husband got promoted, he travels a great deal.

I'd love to spend the time with you.

Well, then, we'll just have to have you come visit more often.

[Bernadine] 'And we can go baby shopping.'

We already have everything we need for the baby.

Yes, mother. Come and see.

- Isn't it cute? - Oh.

It's been in the family for generations.

- My mom added the lace. - Oh! It's lovely!

But don't you think it'd be nice if your children

had some new things from Cindy's side of the family as well?

If you like.

Cindy, you and I will go to Charlottesville

and have ourselves a shopping spree.

Charlie, come on, pal. We're gonna be late.

- How's Mary Ellen doing? - She's coming along just fine.

Won't be too long before I bring her home.

That's good. You two off to visit her?

No, I'll go later today. They're very strict on visiting hours.

They won't let Johnnie see her and they've rationed my visits.

Then why you all dressed up?

We do look unusually dashing and debonair today, don't we?

We are going to have our photograph taken.

C-H-E-E-S-E.

[both] Cheese!

What do you think? We've been practicing that all morning.

It's gorgeous.

Why are you gonna have a photo taken, if Mary can't be in it?

It wouldn't be a surprise for Mother's Day, would it?

That is a super present idea.

Come on, pal. You wanna come with us to Rockfish?

Ah, wish I could, but I gotta work my school essay.

Oh, yes. I remember those. I always got a B+.

This is going to be an A paper.

Oh, you better get back to work. Come on, John.

Can I have a piggy-back ride? Please.

Alright, you know I'm a soft touch, don't you?

Come on, partner. Let's go.

- Bye, Elizabeth. - Bye.

Good morning, Mary Ellen.

- How do you feel? - Restless.

And I'm not thrilled with my scarf.

Hmm, what's wrong with it?

For one thing, it's longer than I expected.

Did you go exploring after you took out my spleen?

Mary Ellen, now that you are stronger I think you should know

that we had to patch you up in more than one place.

But I'm okay now.

Well, not entirely.

You see.

During the surgery, we found bleeding in the pelvic region.

We discovered a tear in your uterus.

How can that be? The uterus is so protected.

Not against car accidents and puncture wounds.

You were very lucky the bladder or left kidney wasn't damaged.

- What did you do? - We sewed up the tear.

But as a medical student you must recognize the consequences.

'And if you become pregnant, there is considerable risk'

'that as the baby grew, the seam would not expand'

'with the rest of the wound and it could rupture.'

Then I don't know if the baby or you could be saved.

'It was real bad luck.'

I am sorry.

Isn't there a slight possibility

that I could have a full-term pregnancy.

That the stitches would hold?

I can't imagine you or your husband

would wanna take that risk.

Does Jonesy know?

No.

I thought you'd want to find your own way to break the news.

[sniffles]

He so wanted a large family.

Lots of...brothers and sisters for John-Curtis.

Mary Ellen, is there anything I can do for you?

[piano music]

John-Curtis, come on, stop it. Let me brush your hair.

Don't you wanna look handsome for your mamma? Yes, you do.

[car honking]

That's them.

So John-Curtis misses his mama.

♪ For she's a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ For she's a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ For she's a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ That nobody can deny ♪

[applause]

I wasn't expecting a welcoming committee.

Well, you got one.

Daddy, Ben and Paul would've been here

but they are at the lumbering camp.

Welcome home!

How do you feel?

Sit down, sit down, make yourself at home.

I baked some of mama's apple sauce cake

now that your finally here, we can cut it.

Oh, just a tiny piece for me.

I think after a couple of weeks of hospital food

you'd be ready for some home cookin'.

Hospital food's the one thing that

I'm not looking forward to, at this next baby.

As long as you have a healthy baby

I don't see what there is to complain about.

John-Curtis, why don't you and I spend some time together?

- Okay? - Okay.

I think that Mary Ellen's a little bit tired from the drive.

'It'll do her good to spend some time alone with...John-Curtis.'

And I think I will have her piece of apple sauce cake.

[indistinct chattering]

- There is one. - I'm starving.

I think we just bought out Hearson's Baby Department.

Why is it all baby clothes are pink, blue or yellow

when what we're looking for is something in peach or green.

Everything is beautiful, mother. I can't wait to show Ben.

Now, there's one more shop right around the corner

that we must look at.

Can we stop for a few minutes, I'm gettin' little tired?

Aw, of course. How about a cup of tea?

That sounds great.

Little place right here, I think.

Ben seems as excited about this baby as you are.

Ben's a terrific father.

I wonder that he doesn't worry about paying the bills.

Supporting a family is no easy task.

I know.

Ben's worked very hard at the mill.

This is the first time in a long time

we don't have to worry about money.

Didn't you say Ben wanted to go to college?

Well, right after the war, he thought about getting

an engineering degree, but his father needed him.

And you know, it's just as well

I don't think we could've made it even with the GI Bill.

I'd like to help.

I could pay the bills while Ben went to school.

Thank you, mother. But I don't think

Ben's even thought about going back to school.

He's so involved in the mill.

It would be a wonderful opportunity for him

why, he could make something of himself.

Get you and the children a home of your own

outside Washington or Charlottesville.

We have a good life, mother.

And I don't think Ben would even consider taking your money.

Cindy, you've depended so much on his parents

the last few years.

Why not depend on yours?

I don't know.

[groans]

What is it, dear?

But-but you're not due for weeks.

Mother, I think you better get me to the hospital

[intense music]

Have some soup.

Ah, maybe later.

- Hi, Elizabeth. - Hi, Gini.

- Soup? - No, I don't want soup yet.

Where'd you find that typewriter?

- It's one of John-Boy's. - Why are you playing with it?

I'm not playing with it. I'm writing.

- Well, it's time to stop. - I gotta finish the essay.

Elizabeth, we got a date to go fishing today.

- I have to take care of Gini. - 'She can come with us.'

'Drew, I don't wanna break my train of thought.'

We can go fishing anytime.

I can't believe I'm being stood up for a stupid essay.

Writing about what I wanna do with my life is not stupid.

Yeah, what about, want to be my girlfriend.

Drew. Drew.

[water gushing]

[birds chirping]

You spoil me too much. I'm not an invalid.

That's why I think you should take the rest of the day off.

We can go up the mountain. Take a picnic supper.

Watch the sunset.

And...make a wish on the first star.

I'm too far behind in my class work already.

I-I happened to have one more brilliant idea.

I'll take the phonograph up to our bedroom

and we can rendezvous there after supper

for a little... cheek to cheek dancing.

Just you and me alone, together.

With the music and the moonlight.

[giggling]

You really are trying to distract me.

Pathology is hard enough as it is.

I just wanna sweep you off your feet for a little while.

Can it wait?

Alright.

- Elizabeth? - No.

Oh, Aimee. I should've known it wasn't Elizabeth.

It's not her perfume.

Oh, it's called Lamoure Duprente. Do you like it?

Well, sure, but it's a little faint.

It would be vulgar to put on too much perfume

in the middle of the afternoon.

So, I only put a little here, behind my ears.

- Wanna smell it? - Oh, yeah, that's nice.

You know, I bought Elizabeth some rose water one time.

But she only wears it on special occasions.

Now, I think Elizabeth's wrong.

A woman should wear perfume everyday.

Well, she never knows whom she might bump into.

And then it could become a special occasion.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

You know sometimes, I'll be in gym class, right and I'm..

...I get through and I won't have time to shower.

Well, there, I'll be smelling like a dirty old sweat sock

and sure enough I run into some girl I know.

Don't go on, please.

Am I embarrassing you talkin' about sweat socks? I'm sorry.

We can find other areas for conversation.

- Where's Elizabeth? - She's home, doin' her essay.

How dreary.

Yeah, for me too, we're supposed to have a date today.

I was just doing some drawings, mostly landscapes. Wanna see?

Well, yeah.

I'd sure like to practice sketching the male physique.

If you haven't made any new plans

well...maybe I can draw you.

No, Aimee, I'm sorry, but I'm no model.

Oh, but you are! You are so like Michelangelo's David.

Broad shoulders and a firm torso

virile stance.

'It would be such good training for me.'

Well, what I go to do?

Try standing over there, under the tree.

Relax your arms.

I may need several sessions to capture the real you.

'Now, stand still.'

Good.

[chuckles]

[sawing]

[phone rings]

Ben, get that.

Okay, daddy.

Hello.

Hey, Paul.

I can't hear you.

Yeah, this is Ben.

When?

Tell Cindy I'm on my way. Thank you. Bye-bye.

- What happened? - Cindy's gone into labor.

- It's a little early. - It's much too early.

- Where is she? - Charlottesville Hospital.

- I've gotta go. I'm worried. - I'll go with you. Come on.

Okay, daddy. Tell everyone what's happened, okay?

- Yeah, I will. Good luck. - Bye-bye.

- Cindy! - Ben, I'm glad you made it.

You sure it's not false labor?

The baby and I are way past that.

- I love you. - Oh, I love you too.

[doctor] We have to go now.

My mother's in the waiting room. Keep her company, will you?

I will.

I hate waiting.

- Hopin' for a boy or girl? - A girl.

We've already got Gini.

Yeah, but she needs a little sister. I always wanted one.

How about twins? One of each.

I don't think there are any twins in the Walton family.

I think there have been some in my family

so it's possible Mary Ellen and I could have one.

- Where is Mary Ellen? - Studying. What else?

Here, play these.

I'm gonna try to pry her away from her books for a while.

How can you calmly study

when you're just about to become an aunt again?

Haven't you heard, "Patience is a virtue?"

[chuckles] Well, I can't wait to have a baby around here.

What's that?

Aah! You're curious, ah?

I saw this in a Charlottesville store

and it screamed out to me

"Buy me for Mary Ellen."

So I did and..

...well, I was gonna give it to you for Mother's Day.

'But, what the heck?'

Well, open it.

It's beautiful.

- You wanna try it on? - Now?

It's so sheer.

I'll bet you'll be able to see my scar through it.

Mary Ellen, do-do you honestly believe

that your scar bothers me?

I-I'm relieved that it will mean an end to any desires

you may have for a career as a belly dancer.

[both laughing]

Come here, beautiful.

[chuckles]

What's so funny?

No, I was..

Nothing. I was just thinking of something I was telling others.

It is entirely possible that we could someday have twins.

[dramatic music]

Getting it wrinkled.

We can't afford this kind of luxury.

Especially, after the hospital bills.

- You'll have to take it back. - I will not!

Look, I-I will doctor animals from here to South Carolina.

I will work overtime but I'm not gonna take that back, damn it!

Please don't swear.

Mary..

Mary Ellen...Mary Ellen.

Honey.

We had one wonderful night on our honeymoon.

And we went through the hell of the accident

and now you've been home recuperating

for more than a month.

There is no reason that we cannot make love.

Unless, you don't want to.

Jonesy, it's just too soon.

I think we should wait a few more--

Well, then your medical opinion differs from the doctors.

What.. Why do you keep pulling away from me?

- What have I done? - You're rushing me.

Well, I guess the honeymoon is really over.

[sighs]

Don't be hurt.

I love you.

That's reassuring.

I'm gonna say goodnight to John-Curtis.

[door closes]

You sure have spent a lot of time here lately.

But do either of you have a cigarette?

- No. I'm sorry. - I don't smoke.

Just as well, I have been through nearly

a whole pack since breakfast.

It's a terrible habit.

Daddy, were any of us premature babies?

Yeah, John-Boy. I was away at the war when he was born.

I missed all the excitement.

Like I did with Gini.

She was early but not like this.

Oh, dear!

I think I better go find some cigarettes.

Do either of you want anything?

No. Thank you.

I get along with your mother-in-law, son.

I'm not crazy about her. We get along fine.

Phew!

Daddy, how could you stand all this waiting

for so many children?

Grandpa used to sit with me and tell me

a bunch of stories to pass the time.

He hoped it would take my mind off Liv.

It never did.

I sure wish grandpa could have seen Gini.

At least would've known about her.

I think he knows.

Mr. Walton?

- Yes? - Yes?

Congratulations! You have a little boy.

Boy! You hear that, daddy?

- How's Cindy? - She's eager to see you.

I'll be back to get you in a few minutes.

A daughter and now a son. That's a good feeling.

It sure is, son. It sure is.

- Congratulations! A son! - Thank you.

Ha ha ha.

Meredith Town Construction.

No.

You sure?

I'm positive. Was it important?

Oh, sure is. They should have sent the first payment by now.

Sounds like that job is running you ragged.

Phew! It sure is.

Here are the things Mary Ellen ordered.

Well, thank you, Corabeth.

How is the latest addition to the family?

To tell you the truth, I've been so busy

I haven't seen him since the night he was born.

But that night, he was real small and healthy.

- Pick him a name yet? - Named him after Ben.

And Cindy's adoptive father.

Charles Benjamin Walton.

Charles Benjamin.

That has a melodic yet stately ring.

Yeah. Me and Ben are already calling him Charlie.

Charlie?

Charlie.

[door closes]

Charlie.

[Ben] Charlie is so tiny.

Shouldn't he be growing a little faster?

Charles Benjamin is like any other premature baby.

Dr. Roper says it just takes longer for him to grow.

[Ben] He's so cute.

Hello! Hello!

Oh, mother, they're beautiful.

I thought you'd like them.

Oh, Ben, may I?

Of course.

Oh!

[Ben chuckles]

Oh, hello, Charlie.

It's your nanna.

[all laugh]

Have you been a good boy?

Oh, he's been very well behaved.

It's his mother who's starting to feel a little cranky.

What's wrong?

I just want to go home and see Gini.

I'll take you home in a day or two.

But Dr. Roper said that Charlie has to stay on another week.

- Something wrong? - No.

No. He's so tiny, they want to watch him for a little longer.

Well, then, we'll just drive out here every day.

[Cindy] 'But you have so much work to do.'

[Ben] 'Daddy and Paul can cover for me at the mill.'

I can always work at night and just get up early.

May I make a suggestion?

'I already have a room at the Jefferson Hotel.'

I'd love to have Cindy stay with me.

And it's within walking distance of the hospital.

That would be perfect.

Then I could see Charlie whenever I wanted

and you could drive over when you had the time.

It seems like a lovely solution.

Ben? Is it alright?

Well, I can't think of any better ideas.

[Ben] 'Thanks, Bernadine.'

Watch this.

[screams]

You did that on purpose. Didn't you? Didn't you?

- Didn't you? Didn't you? - No, no, no, no, no.

Let's build another one.

Okay. I think we need some more small blocks.

Why don't you go up to your room and see if you can find any?

- Hi, honey. - 'Hi, daddy.'

Stopped over at Ike's and got the groceries.

Well, thank you.

What a mess.

It's your grandson's fault.

We were building a tower and he sabotaged it.

Do you wanna help us build another?

I haven't got time. I got to get over to Charlottesville

and pick up some tools.

I'm gonna see Cindy and the baby. Do you wanna go?

I think I better stay with John-Curtis.

Erin's lookin' after Gini.

She could look after John-Curtis as well.

No, thanks.

'Honey, that baby was born a week ago.'

Everyone in the family has been to see him but you.

Ben and Cindy might begin to wonder.

They'll get over it.

Come on. Now, you don't wanna hurt their feelings.

Just don't ask me to go and coo over their baby.

I don't think I can manage it yet.

Mary Ellen, that didn't sound like you.

What's going on?

I'm envious.

Oh, come on now, Mary Ellen.

Tell me. What's-what's wrong?

I don't think Jonesy and I will ever have children.

Whatever gave you that idea?

The accident.

There was more damage than they thought at first.

If I would become pregnant

I could be risking my life and the baby's.

Is the doctor sure of this?

I'm sure.

Honey, can't they do something? Isn't there an operation?

No.

Oh, Mary Ellen.

Honey, honey, honey.

Honey, I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

You know a while back your momma wanted to have another baby.

She had to face the same thing.

I wish momma were here now.

So do I.

[sobbing]

Jonesy and I always planned to have a large family.

He seems to be taking it pretty well.

He doesn't know.

I haven't had the courage to tell him.

Mary Ellen, do you think that's fair to him?

Is it fair to him that he's married to a woman

that can't give him the children he wants?

Oh, daddy, I'm so frightened.

I'm afraid I'm gonna lose him.

Knowing that he'll stay and pity me.

Honey, you just got to talk it over with him.

If only I could talk to momma.

I need to see her so much.

Hm. Then, maybe you should go see her then.

But before you go, you got to promise.

You're gonna tell your husband about this.

[sighing]

I promise.

When are Ike and Corabeth getting back?

They just left. Elizabeth, are you a scaredy-cat?

I just think if they saw you like this, they'd be surprised.

It's how I looked all the time at school.

How could you get away with it?

It's called having allure.

You take what nature's given you

and enhance it a bit.

I think it's more than a bit.

Especially, for Waltons Mountain.

Well, one never knows who could drop by.

Who would you like to drop by?

Hm, Dana, my art professor.

Here, you sit down and I'll see what I can enhance.

First.

- Mascara. - Be careful.

Trust me.

Maybe, you shouldn't do my eyes.

You wanna have bedroom eyes or not?

Well, maybe not bedroom eyes.

Of course.

If you think you can't handle your own sexual allure.

I can handle it.

Hello?

Aimee? Elizabeth?

Am I supposed to be expecting you?

I saw your dad. He said you finished your essay.

I thought you'd like to celebrate with ice cream soda.

Oh, that's nice.

Why don't you come along, Aimee?

- I have to watch the store. - Oh, that's too bad.

I know. I can have Jim-Bob keep an eye on the place.

He's awfully busy.

Oh, he won't mind. Come on, let's go.

Jim-Bob!

'Be a darling and watch the store for me.'

I'm busy.

We won't be long.

Where are you off to?

Thanks, Jim-Bob. You're a doll.

Bye!

Hello. Welcome.

- Come in. - Thank you.

Hello, Ben.

I'm glad you're here.

Uh, Ben, would you put Cindy's suitcase in the far room?

- Sure. - Thank you.

I thought you'd be more comfortable in the bedroom

with a private bath.

- It's fine. Thank you. - You do like the rooms?

If you're not satisfied, I can talk to the manager.

It's wonderful. I feel like I'm on a vacation.

You know, I feel like I could put my whole little house

in here and never find it.

Would you like me to unpack for you?

No, that's okay. I can do it.

Oh, don't strain yourself.

'I'm here to wait on you hand and foot.'

Bernadine, I think it would be better if we move Cindy

to a less expensive place.

I don't understand.

That room is more than we can afford.

Oh, well, when I mentioned this idea..

...it was with the understanding that Cindy would be my guest.

I have been staying in this hotel for a week.

The added expense of a larger suite is minimal.

Ben, this is mother's gift to us.

[Bernadine] 'It will be hard enough on Cindy'

'being away from you in Virginia.'

The least I can do is to try and make her surroundings

as pleasant as possible during the separation.

I appreciate the offer.

But I prefer paying for Cindy's bills myself.

Ben, your family has done so much for us.

This is my mother's chance to do something now.

Please.

Okay.

You know I won't say no to you.

I got to get going.

Give my love to Charlie.

Give Gini a kiss.

I will.

- Bye. - Bye.

Oh, don't worry, honey.

He-he just had to make a show of being a good provider.

He's grateful.

It's his pride won't let him admit it.

I know Ben's proud.

But he has always been fair.

Oh, yes. I know.

[crickets chirping]

I woke up and when I reached out for you, you were gone.

[gasping]

Don't you think it might be time for a second honeymoon or..

Mary Ellen, what has happened?

I love you but I don't know what's going on.

Do you..

You still love me?

More than ever.

Then in God's name what is it?

What? Look at me. What is wrong?

It's not your fault.

It's me.

All our dreams for the future

our big family of Arlington Westcott's

the fourth, fifth.

It's not going to happen.

All our daughters and sons..

...I can't give them to you.

I want to but..

...it's impossible now.

[gasping]

Oh, my God!

It's the accident. Something happened, didn't it?

The surgeons found a tear in the womb.

They...sewed it up.

But it would be very dangerous for me to have children.

Oh!

[dramatic music]

Why-why didn't you tell me about this

as soon as you found out?

I didn't know how.

Then you kept raving about Ben's baby

and it got harder and harder--

Look, the most important thing is you.

You're safe and you're alive and we're together.

Now, that accident could have done much worse.

But there won't be any babies.

If we decide we wanna have more children, we can adopt.

No!

I want your children.

You deserve that.

Look..

If life was-was...good and fair and just

then yes, I-I would love for us to be able

to have children together but it's not always like that.

I know you're trying to comfort me.

But you haven't lived with this knowledge like I have.

You may feel differently about me.

About us.

After it all sinks in.

Not if you love me.

I love you...enough that I'm not sure I should hold you.

Keep you from the kind of life you thought

you'd have when you married me.

Mary Ellen, what-what do you think of me?

You-you love me and yet you can say something like that?

- I'm sorry. - Mary Ellen.

Oh, Aimee. Did you read the college pamphlets I gave you?

- Not yet. - Well, I wish you would, dear.

You know, I myself am particularly partial

to the finewomen schools near Boston.

Such a marvelous cultural area--

- I got to go or I'll be late. - 'Are you meeting someone?'

I just wanna do some sketching while I still have morning life.

Bye.

See you, honey. Have a nice day.

Hello, Aimee.

- Hi. - Hi.

- How you doin'? - Good.

[knocking on the door]

Hold on!

Come in. The door's open.

Hello!

Mrs. Norris.

Hi, nanna.

Hello, Virginia, my sweet girl.

I'm here to put some stuff on her.

- O-oh, my. - I'm afraid you missed Ben.

He went up to the lumber camp.

I came to pick up Gini and take her to Charlottesville.

Cindy wants Gini with her.

No doubt, she's spoken to Ben about it by now.

Do you want me to get some of her things?

No, we'll pick up whatever she needs in Charlottesville.

I miss happy, shanny, nanny, nanny.

- Uh, here, don't forget this. - Oh, thank you.

- That's.. - How is Cindy?

Oh, a little home sick.

Seeing Virginia is going to cheer her up.

You miss mommy as much as she misses you?

How long is Gini gonna be staying?

Only a few days. Give my best to Ben.

- Yeah. B-bye. -'Bye.'

Say hi to Cindy and Charlie for me.

- Elizabeth, where's Gini? - Mrs. Norris picked her up.

She's gonna stay a while with Cindy.

I don't remember Ben mentioning that.

Uh, me neither. He probably forgot.

If you miss baby sitting John-Curtis is available.

Oh, thanks a lot.

[knocking on the door]

Yoo-hoo.

'Yoo-hoo.'

Yoo-h.

Corabeth, hi. Come on in.

Hello, Mary Ellen. I was wondering is Aimee here?

- No. - Oh, well.

She left to sketch, I thought, perhaps, she's stopped by here.

I haven't seen her. Have a cup of tea.

Yeah, perhaps a quick one.

I think it's wonderful that Aimee has surprised everybody

by turning into an artist. I don't remember her drawing.

Well, it wasn't till this year that her art professor

discovered her talent and...encouraged her.

You know, I sometimes wonder

if perhaps, Aimee's natural parents.

Well, if, perhaps one of them wasn't an artistic genius.

Do you remember what it was like to adopt Aimee?

Oh, my dear.

That scrutiny we had to go through

was absolutely staggering.

I didn't realize you had difficulties adopting.

Well, fortunately, our finances were in good order

but the agent she checked out Mr. Godsey and I

to make sure that we were of upstanding moral character.

- What did they wanna know? - Everything.

Religious preference, family background, marital stability.

How did they determine that?

Oh, for an instance, I doubt that any adoption agency would

ever place a child with you, my dear, because you see

you have been divorced.

Isn't that rather narrow minded? Curt abandoned me.

Oh, well, that doesn't make the least bit of difference to them.

You should be so grateful that you and Arlington

can have children of your own.

Well, thank you so much for the tea.

I really must be going. Goodbye.

[Aimee] 'Hold still.'

I'm getting goose bumps. I'll put my shirt back on?

How can I draw the male torso through cotton?

And yours is the first really masculine physique

I've ever been able to sketch.

I'm getting a crack in my neck.

Okay, we'll take a break.

Come here, I'll give you a neck massage.

Yeah.

[groans]

- Yeah, that feels good. - Mm-hmm.

How many more of these sessions we got? Till we're through.

That's hard to say.

I don't wanna give you a portrait

until I feel I've done my best.

Maybe you can do it in time for me

to give it to Elizabeth for graduation.

That could be a good motto. You stop scrumming.

Come on, Aimee, stop.

I never thought you'd be so ticklish.

Ha ha. No, I'm-I'm gonna get you back.

No!

[chuckling]

Aimee Godsey!

Miss Godsey, we were just horsing around.

I was doing Drew's portrait.

You were rolling on the ground.

It's not like that, we were just..

Drew, I find your behavior deplorable.

Aimee, I'm embarrassed beyond belief.

- There was nothing going on. - Please, leave us.

Aimee, I'm sorry.

How could you humiliate me in front of him?

Humiliate you? I am mortified.

Here, I was so proud of you and you've been sneaking around

like a...shameful hussy.

Mother, you are so Victorian.

Would, that you were.

Now, not another word, young lady. You're going home.

- How's school going? - Uh, pretty good.

Mrs. Rudner gave me an A in my essay.

Do we have another writer in family?

I wouldn't bet on it.

[knock on the door]

I'll get it.

- Reverend Marshall. - Hi, Elizabeth.

- Evening, Ellen. - Good evening.

Can I get you a cup of coffee?

Uh, no, thanks, I can only stay a minute.

Elizabeth, I have a big favor to ask you.

Sure, what is it?

Well, Mrs. Rudner showed me your essay.

Why did she do that?

Because she was quite impressed and so was I.

Well, thank you.

I was wondering if you would be willing to read it in church.

- 'In church?' - Mm-hmm.

For the Mother's Day service.

Ah, I'm not very good at that sort of thing.

I'm sure you'd be perfect.

It will be some real special for a lot of people.

- 'Please.' - Alright.

Terrific. I can count on you then?

- Sure. - Oh, wonderful. Thank you.

I've got to get going because Doris is waiting supper on me.

- Goodnight, dear. - Goodnight.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

And thank you very much, Elizabeth.

Night.

Your essay must be pretty wonderful.

Yeah. I guess it is.

Pull it up, Ben. It's getting late.

- Let's finish this tomorrow. - That's a good idea.

I'm glad you're finished. It's time for supper.

Hey, did you feed Gini?

I thought you knew. Mrs. Norris picked her up.

- What? - Took her to Charlottesville.

To visit Cindy. She said that Cindy had told you.

This is first I've heard of it.

- I'm sorry. - 'It's not your fault.'

Bet this is Mrs. Norris's idea.

But she's not gonna get away with it.

I'll fetch Gini home now.

Ben, now wait a minute, son.

You just can't go there and snatch Gini away.

If Mrs. Norris is behind this

you're gonna force Cindy to choose between you and her.

I can't pretend, nothing's happened, daddy.

I'm not asking you to pretend, but talk it over with Cindy.

Come on now, don't lose your temper.

Mary Ellen, time for supper.

I'm going to visit my mother.

Isn't this kind of sudden?

I've been thinking about it for a while.

I see. Well, certainly, you're a great one

for keeping secrets, especially from your husband.

Would you have just gone without letting me know?

- Of course, not. - I see.

Perhaps, I would've found a brief note

propped up on the pillow, something to the effect that

you were running away to your mother.

- I'm not running away. - What would you call it?

She had something similar happen to her. I need to talk to her.

Please try to understand.

Alright, but I would like to come with you.

No.

I need time

'to be by myself and with her.'

She'll know better than anyone else what I'm going through.

Naturally.

While you're there, why don't you ask her about

what I'm going through?

Mary Allen, I love you

but I will not help you run away.

[door closes]

Well, that's good. Yeah, well, tell him to hold it.

I'll send someone right in. Yup.

Good news. Find me a 24 inch combination blade.

- Where? - Charlottesville.

Why don't you get it, and see a show at the same time?

- You go, daddy. - 'Why should I go?'

You're the one that's had the long face the past few days.

Certainly, not true with Cindy. She's having a time of her life.

Come on, Ben. I doubt if that's true.

'You didn't hear on the phone the other night.'

She was so excited to be with Gini.

I didn't even have the heart to tell her how I felt.

Maybe it's time you told her.

Walk into that fancy hotel and tell Cindy

I don't want her mother to interfere in our lives

and I want her and Gini and Charlie to come home with me?

Uh-huh.

Cindy will come back when she's ready.

Well, I'm sure, she will.

Image of our daughter, writhing and cavorting on the grass

with a semi-nude young man

will haunt me till the day I die.

I don't know, but I think you may have hurt Aimee's feelings

by calling her a hussy.

But you saw how she was dressed?

Vermilion lips, the revealing shorts.

That doesn't make her a loose woman.

Woman? But she's just a little girl.

And I know who is responsible for her behavior.

Now, wait a minute, you can't blame me for that.

Not you, the art professor.

He put those Bohemian ideas into her mind.

Ha ha ha, and I know what goes on in art studios.

Girls posing naked, free love.

Come on, Corabeth. Aimee explained what happened.

She was just tickling Drew.

It was just a little innocent play.

[screams]

Mr. Godsey, in all our years of married life

you've reached the lowest point of your perversity.

I'm sorry, Corabeth. I guess I lost my head.

Well, now..

...we must send Aimee to Aunt Matilda's in Doe Hill.

Uh, not that pruny old spinster.

She taught me to be a lady and she can do the same for Aimee.

It will be a hard task but by summer's end

we'll have found a very conservative woman school

to send Aimee to.

But when do we get to see our daughter?

Mr. Godsey, Aimee's well being is paramount

now, if she does not respond to our guidance

then we must find someone

whose guidance she does respond to.

Johnny, you wanna grab that dressings

from the cabin over there for me?

Okay.

- Take the lid off? - That's good, yeah.

Take the lid out for me.

Okay. Squeeze a little this in your hand, I'll let you do it.

- Okay. - It'll make her as good as new.

Okay, here we go, rub it right on the wound there.

- Will it be alright? - She'll be as good as new.

Her mommy will see to that.

When's my mama coming home?

Don't know, she's probably with your grandma by now.

Why did she go to see grandma?

She just wanted to visit her for a while.

Why didn't we get to go?

Because I'm too busy taking care of sick animals.

- You're too busy helping me. - Is mama too busy to miss us?

No, no, of course not.

She misses you every bit as much as you miss her.

Could be that she'll call you tonight.

Can I tell her I helped fix the calf?

- You better. - Okay.

[chuckling]

[knocking on the door]

Oh! Well, John Walton, what a surprise.

I was in the area, thought I'd drop by.

Oh, well, come in. Ah, you just missed Cindy.

- She went to see Charlie. - Where's Gini?

Oh, come in, John, sit down. Ah, Gini is napping in.

I really wish you wouldn't disturb her right now.

She hasn't been sleeping at all well nights.

Child of her age probably feels strange, you know.

In a strange bed.

Now, John, don't make too big a thing of this.

Cindy and I are taking excellent care of Gini.

I'm sure, that's true.

It's just that I believe Gini belongs at home.

Well, if you've-if you've come to take her back

I-I really must protest.

No, I wouldn't do anything as high handed as that?

Are you implying that when I took Gini I was high handed?

Yes, I think you should've talked it over with Ben.

I wanted to surprise Cindy. Oh, John, please sit down.

Ben's just impossible to reach at that log and camp.

Well, he and Virginia couldn't have been seeing that much

of each other as it was.

I know Ben's hard to get hold of sometimes

he's working hard, but each night he looks forward

to coming home and seeing Gini there.

And you separated them.

Well, if he misses his family

why doesn't he come here to visit them?

[sighs]

He doesn't feel comfortable here.

He can't afford to give Cindy these kinds of things.

Well, if I have money, why shouldn't I spend it on Cindy

and the grand children?

I'm not sure, it just seems to me

like you're over doing it, aren't you?

I love Cindy.

You sure you're not trying to buy her love?

Making up for something in the past?

You resent me and my money and Ben resents me too.

I resent you get in between Ben and Cindy.

I was only trying to help Cindy at this difficult time--

If you wanted to help, you could have found a way to do it

that would allow her and the child to stay at home.

You know, I find it absurd.

That you can condemn my help

when you have involved yourself so much in their lives.

I've never done anything to keep them apart.

[door opens]

- Hi, grandpa. - Hi, ya.

- Where's daddy? - Your daddy's working, honey.

But he sent you a kiss.

Now you send one to him.

[chuckles]

It's good to see you, baby.

'It's good to see you.'

- How are you, honey? - Fine.

That's good. Look, angel, I gotta go home now.

So, I'll see you soon. B-bye.

Bye.

- I wanna go too. - Oh, you do, huh?

Honey.

'You stay here with your grandma'

you'll come home real soon.

Oh, pa.

Bye, grandpa.

- Bye. - Goodbye.

I can't get over how well you look.

That's what I keep telling the doctors.

Maybe they'll agree with me and let me come home for a visit.

That would be wonderful.

Oh, I so wanna meet Jonesy and Paul and Charles Benjamin.

What's my grandson like?

I haven't actually seen him but I hear he looks like Ben.

Well, that's a good start.

Here we are.

- Oh, mama. - Oh.

It must be hard for you to have a new baby in the family.

When your father called me and told me you were coming

I racked my brains, trying to think, what I could say to you.

So, I could make it better for you.

Couldn't come up with any answers.

When you found out, you couldn't have any more children

didn't you feel cheated?

I sure did.

But then, I had all of you

and you all were such a comfort to me.

I keep trying to spend more time with John-Curtis

Knowing I should just be thankful to have him

but when I'm with him, I'm aware of how unlikely it is

that he'll ever have any brothers or sisters.

What was Jonesy's reaction?

He wants a big family so badly.

We haven't been close lately. It's not his fault.

I just don't feel capable of being a real wife for him.

You don't feel like a whole woman anymore.

I feel damaged.

I'm so frightened Jonesy will come

to see me that way too and resent me.

I felt that way too. After 20 years of marriage.

- But you got over it? - With your father's help.

Tell me more about Jonesy.

He wanted to come with me, he was hurt when I said no.

Why did you say no?

What's wrong is with me, not him.

When you got married you became partners.

But this is beyond anything we ever imagined.

Don't you see?

I've ruined his dreams

and now I just don't wanna hold on to him so tight

that he'll feel obligated to stay.

So, you're pushing him away rather than risking him

pushing you away.

Don't you see you're not trusting him to love you?

'You said something about him'

'resenting you a few moments ago.'

I think that's a possibility.

Not because you've failed to have his children

but because you failed him as a wife.

Momma, I don't wanna lose Jonesy.

'Then put aside your own suffering.'

He's hurting too, not only for the lost children

but also for you.

When I found out, I couldn't have a baby

I thought it only happened to me but I was wrong.

It happened to your father and me.

'First, I was so full of self pity I couldn't see that.'

The healing began, when I realized that

John was in pain too, deep pain.

He needed to share with me

as much as I needed to share with him.

We took on some of each others' sorrow

and that helped ease the burden.

I guess I haven't given Jonesy much of a chance

to share his hurt or mine.

So, what are you waiting for?

[Aimee] 'Robert.'

Yeah, what do you want?

Aren't you gonna come out and say hello?

Can I help you?

Are you giving me the cold shoulder, James Robert?

I've got a lot of work to do, what do you want?

Jim-Bob, I'm so miserable.

My mother wants to send me away to some hateful old aunt.

I don't wanna go. I wanna stay here.

You'll be home for the holidays.

It's not the same.

Hey, don't smoke in here. This stuff's flammable.

Oh.

Wouldn't you miss me?

Shouldn't you be asking Drew that?

- I haven't seen Drew in days. - Did you drop him?

There wasn't anything going on. Why won't anyone believe me?

Probably because you flirt too much.

Aimee, sometimes you don't think about anybody but yourself.

'Elizabeth was supposed to be your best friend.'

I don't see how you could chase after Drew.

I didn't. We're buddies.

Even if I did flirt a little it was harmless.

To who? You? What about Elizabeth's feelings?

Did you know she's worried about you and Drew?

That's silly.

She knows I'm only attracted to older and more matured men.

Like you.

Don't waste your routine on me, Aimee.

- Jim-Bob! - 'No, I mean it.'

I think you're phony. You try and act little grown-up.

But the way you dress and smoke. All it does make you look cheap.

If you do go away, I won't miss you and I don't know who would.

[dramatic music]

[Corabeth] 'Aimee!'

Aimee!

Aimee, dear.

[sobbing]

Aimee, what's happening?

- Go away. - No, I won't.

I want to know what's wrong. I worry about you.

Don't.

I'll be going to Doe Hill soon and then off to some college

and you won't have to worry anymore.

Aimee, I shall always worry about you.

Now I want to know what's upsetting you.

Has someone hurt you?

Aimee!

Jim-Bob thinks I'm horrible.

And Elizabeth probably does too.

I don't have any friends anymore.

Oh, I'm sure that is not true.

But, Aimee, I myself have been deeply concerned

about your behavior recently.

Do you think I'm cheap too?

No, but I do think that the art professor has influenced you.

I blame him for the change in you.

That's ridiculous.

Aimee, stop protecting him.

A handsome free spirit, filling a young girl's mind

with all sorts of things.

I think he has encouraged you in your wild ways.

Dana is not like that.

It's not exactly like I said he was.

He's a sweet middle-aged family man.

Do you mean to tell me

that you've been spending all of those hours

in front of the fireplace with a married man?

His wife was there too. I used to babysit their children.

Aimee, I-I don't understand you.

I don't understand why you have made all of this up.

So, people would pay attention to me and I would feel special.

But you are special. You are very special.

Why, you are going to be a famous artist one day.

Please don't keep saying that. I'm not that good.

- You picked the wrong orphan. - Never!

Your father and I love you very much.

That's why you're always sending me away.

Because you love me so much?

We only want what is right for you

the best friends, right schools.

- But I don't want those things? - Oh, what do you want?

I want to stop feeling like an orphan.

I want a home.

[dramatic music]

[John] Couple of more days like today, we'll have this job lit.

[Ben] I sure hope so.

[Ben] Hi, sweetheart.

Hi, baby.

- Do I get a kiss too? - Of course.

- Bernadine. - Hello, Ben.

I'll be back tomorrow to drive you to the hospital.

Charlie only has to stay at the hospital a few more days.

Thank you.

Let's go home. Are you ready?

[kid mumbling]

Thank you, Bernadine.

It's not easy being a good parent or grandparent.

We're all learning.

"And then the jungle beast, he started to roar ferociously."

[mimicking roaring]

That's not scary.

No?

[mimics intensified]

- Still didn't scare you? - No.

Well, I guess, I don't make a very good lion.

- You take care of sick lions? - Don't know any sick lions.

They will be more afraid than cows.

I think I saw a yawn. Is that a yawn?

Is that another one?

Yes, I think that's a yawn trying to escape. Here it comes.

Come on.

- Time for you to go to bed. - What if momma calls?

- She won't call this late. - When's she coming home?

- I don't know. - But tomorrow is Mother's Day.

I'll tell you what.

We'll give her a call tomorrow

and then you can wish her Happy Mother's Day, okay?

But you said she's gonna call us.

She's probably been too busy having fun with her own momma.

We can't blame her for that, can we?

- You go brush your teeth. - Can I have a piggy back ride?

After you brush your teeth, go on.

[sighs]

[melancholic music]

Happy Mother's Day, Mary Ellen.

Is your mother meeting us here or at church?

Church. In about ten minutes.

I just figured out that we have to sit 12 people

at this table tonight for supper.

Are you sure you counted everybody?

Well, it's including Mary Ellen and Cindy's mother.

But not including cribs and high chairs.

Think Jonesy's so special dad's picking up Mary Ellen?

No, she wants to surprise him and John-Curtis.

- She called daddy at the mill. - Yeah?

[Drew] 'Good morning.'

Hey, Elizabeth, why don't you let me in?

Excuse me.

- Hello. - Hello.

I was hoping maybe I can walk you to church.

I thought you might be walking Aimee.

No. I am.

See you all at the church.

That just leaves you and me, doesn't it?

How did I get so lucky?

Elizabeth, you know, you're awfully rude sometimes.

Well, maybe you deserve it. How would you prefer me to be?

Shut up once in a while and let me speak my piece.

Say it then.

I love you.

Drew, in front of everyone?

Elizabeth, with all the brothers you got

I'd be a fool to go talking behind their back.

Okay, come on. Do you mind if I rehearse my essay on the way?

- No. Are you nervous? - Yes.

If you sound as good as you look, you're gonna be just fine.

- B-bye, everyone. - Hey, we'll see you all later.

[all] 'Bye-bye.'

John-Curtis, do you want some more milk?

- Already had some. - Good morning, John-Curtis.

- Where's Jonesy? - Getting dressed.

I bet he won't look as handsome as you do.

He said I could call momma later. Today is Mother's Day.

Little boys should be with their mommas on Mother's Day.

Jayson!

[car honking]

John-Curtis, won't you go see who that is?

- Okay. - Let's go.

- Hey, son. - Oh.

Oh, it's good to see you.

Mary Ellen, welcome home.

Mary Ellen.

Looking gorgeous.

Oh, I missed you, John-Curtis.

- What've you done with Jonesy? - He's a slow poke.

Alright, everybody, let's go to church, pile in.

John-Curtis, you can sit next to me.

- Where's momma gonna sit? - You go with your grandpa.

- I'll catch up with you. - Okay.

You're on your own.

- Thanks, daddy. - Good luck.

[engine revving]

Surprised?

Yes.

How about a welcome home?

You could've called. I would've picked you up.

When I saw you again, I wanted it to be here.

Not at some train station.

Johnny was hoping you'd be home by Mother's Day.

He missed you terribly.

And you?

Yes.

What's that?

Mother's Day present.

I didn't expect you back, so there's no wrapping.

'I had that taken while you were in the hospital.'

It's wonderful.

Johnny and I practiced saying cheese a lot.

Mary Ellen.

You and Johnny are my family now. You two are enough for me.

Me too.

You always have been.

Come here.

I feel like you've been away so long.

Ever since the accident.

I know. I'm sorry.

Don't you think we're crushing the photograph?

I'd like to have a small copy too.

You still wearing it?

Jonesy.

I've been so busy feeling my own pain. I shut out yours.

Momma made me see that.

I-I just wanted to comfort you.

And I needed you to comfort me.

- Well, I failed you. - No, no.

Not if you're here to stay and share bad as well as the good.

For better or worse.

It's going to get better.

Welcome home, Mary Ellen.

"One of the goals I have in life is to raise a family.

"I think of my mother and hope some day

"to be as fine a parent as she is.

'"I've asked myself what makes her so special.'

'"I think it is because she has so much love to give.'

'"She gives her love in all kinds of ways.'

'"When she listens to me.'

'"Or when she lets me make mistakes and grow from them.'

"When she is angry with me

"I know it is because she loves me.

"And wants me to be the best person I can be.

'"Her love makes me feel special.'

'"I don't need to prove anything to her.'

'"Or to try and win her love back if I disappoint her.'

"It seems that life is always changing

"but my mother's goodness is constant as a sun rising

"or the evening star at night.

"In my life if I could achieve only one thing I'd want most

"is to have my mother's ability to make others feel her love.

Whether she's in the next room or hundreds of miles away."

[sighs]

Dear Lord, we thank you for bringing us together.

All of us are safe and sound.

'We thank you for this food.'

'We ask you to bless this food..'

'...and this family.'

'And we ask you bless especially those who aren't with us.'

Amen!

[all] Amen.

[chattering]

[telephone ringing]

Hello.

Hang on.

Daddy, someone to talk to you.

Tell 'em to call back. Right in the middle of supper.

Sorry, momma but daddy says to call back.

No, no, no.

Liv. It's you, honey.

Who else would it be on Mother's Day?

We were gonna call you in a while.

I couldn't wait, you and the children

are all I've been thinking of since I got up this morning.

How're Mary Ellen and Jonesy?

They're fine. And nothing to worry about there.

Thank God.

You had something to do with it too, Liv.

You know it'd be a lot easier if you would just come home.

Well, maybe it won't be long.

- I love you, John. - I love too, honey.

[Jason] 'Let the rest of us talk.'

There's somebody here who wants to talk to you. I'll talk--

[chattering]

[Elizabeth] Hi, momma. Happy Mother's Day.

I talked about you in the church today.

Let me talk. Hi, momma.

'We are all doing okay. We'd be doing better if you were here.'

[Ben] 'Momma, you'll love Charlie. We'll take him to see you soon'

[Mary Ellen] 'Wait, wait. Momma, did you get the picture I sent?'

'Good. Okay, here's Jason.'

'Momma, it's Jason.'

'Those crocuses you planted, they're coming up.'

'They're not blooming, yet. They're comin' up real soon.'

'I think Elizabeth wants to talk to you.'

We would all spend other Mother's Days apart from her.

But nothing has ever separated us

from my mother's vibrant love.

Which continues to reach out to us across the miles

and across the years.

- 'Goodnight, grandpa.' - 'Goodnight, John-Curtis.'

- 'Goodnight, grandpa.' - 'Goodnight, Virginia.'

[John-Curtis] 'Goodnight, grandpa.'

[Mary Ellen] 'That's enough, you kids. Let your grandpa to get his sleep.'

[John] 'I can sleep some other time, Mary Ellen.'

[Mary Ellen] 'What's wrong with now?'

[John] 'There's a whole new generation of Waltons in this house.'

'They're learning our ways.'

[Elizabeth] 'Goodnight, daddy. Goodnight, everyone.'

[John] 'Goodnight, Elizabeth. Goodnight, everybody.'

[jolly music]