Miss Lettie and Me (2002) - full transcript

What I remember most
about that day was the calm.

There wasn't a hint of breeze.

It didn't fool me any, though.

I knew it was just the lull
before the storm.

Only this storm
wasn't from the heavens.

This storm came courtesy

of the U.S. mail.

Huh!

Isaiah!

Isaiah Griffin, where are you?!

Hi, Andrea!



Hi!

Well, well!

You must be Travis.

I'm...
I know.

You're Isaiah.

My mom says

you're the best ever.

And that Aunt Lettie'd

be lost without you.

Yeah, she's right about that.

Where is she?

Miss Lettie?

Oh, she's at home.

She told me to tell you



she's real sorry
she couldn't come and get you.

She had business to tend to.

To tell you the truth,
she don't get out much.

Bet she's tying balloons

on the front porch
for me.

Mom says she does
that for important
celebrations.

Uh, Travis...

we didn't know nothing
about you till yesterday.

About my visit?

No, about you.

Alison is not much
of a letter writer.

I know.

And I don't remember she ever
mentioned she had a daughter.

Didn't you get
my school pictures
I sent?

I signed them
and everything.

Well, Travis,
we didn't get no letters

but you know how
the mail is.

Not too dependable, huh?

That's right.

Well, I hope you like
traveling in style.

You get to ride
in the sardine can.

Sardine can?

Yup,
that's what I call her.

My first second-hand truck.

Not a scratch or dent on her.

And you won't find a speck
of dust inside, neither.

Oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh.

Oh, no!

Wipe your feet
before you get in.

What's wrong
with this place?

Wrong?

Yeah, there's nothing here.

Not even people.

Well, what do you
call her?

People are supposed
to come

in bunches.

They're supposed to walk fast
and be scrunched up together.

Oh, I see.

And where's all the sirens
and stuff?

What stuff?

Traffic... noise...
stuff like that.

I'm afraid we ain't got any.

You don't got a drug store,
either.

This must be the most boring
town in the whole world, huh?

Yeah, I guess.

Guess where mom and I
are moving now?

Where?

California.

Yeah, is that so?

We've already lived
in 28 states.

You two sure like being
on the road, huh?

It's 'cause
she's a singer.

Oh...

Mostly she waits tables
but she likes singing best.

Well, your mama
loved music.

She's going
to be the singer

for this band
in Hollywood.

Oh.

Only first she has to get
settled.

Ah.

Then we're going

to get a place
right under the Hollywood sign.

That's where all the stars live.

Yeah.

Well, the only stars here
are in the sky.

But we've got plenty of sheep.

I know.

Yeah...

sheep, lamb.

Miss Lettie's got quite a flock.

Keeps me busy.

All God's creatures need care,
you know.

There it is.

She lives here
all by herself?

Yeah.

This is a
mansion, huh?

Yeah.

She must be upstairs
fixing her face

'cause I'm company.

Miss Lettie!

We're here!

Miss Lettie?

Wait here while I go get her,
okay?

Miss Lettie?

Miss Lettie!

She's here, Miss Lettie,
safe and sound.

Why don't you come down
and say "hello" to her?

You hear me?

Come on, I know
you're in there now.

Why are you banging
on my door?

To get your attention.

Well, you've got it.

Now, what can
I do for you?

I want you to walk down
those stairs

and give Travis
a proper greeting.

If you're expecting me
to be the Welcome Wagon,

you can forget it.

There ain't nothing worse
than an obstinate old woman.

Hey, whoa,
whoa!

No, no, no.

Nodody's allowed
in the dining room, Travis.

Now, this
is for special occasions.

I think it's awesome.

If it were mine,
I'd use it all the time.

No, no, no!

This is Miss Lettie's
good china.

You can't eat off it.

But that doesn't
make any sense.

Well, if it's sense you want,
you've come to the wrong place.

Now, come on.

Miss Lettie?

Hmm?

This is your niece.

Travis.

Well, how do you do,
Travis?

What kind of name

is that?

Don't go saying
it's a boy's name.

I'm sick of people
telling me that.

What was Alison
thinking about?

I thought
you'd be bigger.

My mom said you were
formida...

Formidable!

Well, I'm delighted
Alison knew the word.

Is that how you dress
for travel?

I dress for comfort.

That's what you're supposed
to do when you travel.

Well, then you've done
a formidable job.

Excuse us.

Mm-hmm.

I thought you might like
this room.

There are big bedrooms
upstairs

but this
is my favorite.

Besides, you got a view
of my house from here.

That's my mama

hanging out
the wash.

She ought to go
to the Laundromat.

Oh, no, no.

There's nothing
like sun-dried clothes.

Makes them smell
like flowers.

The Laundromat's better.

They've got
candy machines.

I thought great-aunts
would be great.

All she is is regular.

Maybe she's having
a bad day, huh?

Maybe.

I never had
a waffle iron.

But one time,
we had this room

with a bed
that pulled out
of the wall.

You all sound
like gypsies.

Mom says we're free spirits.

What kind of house is this?

No potato chips,
no cookies

no popcorn.

I'm going to starve here.

Can't use this either, I bet.

Oh, no, no!

Uh-uh, that's
for the Mahjongg Club.

What's "Mahjongg"?

It's an excuse
for Miss Lettie
and the ladies

to get together
and gossip.

Well, what does
she do up there?

She's busy bookkeeping,

working
the farm accounts.

Didn't look busy.

Mostly she's busy adjusting.

To what?

To you.

:
My mom said this place
is just like heaven.

Sure doesn't smell like it.

How do you know
what heaven smells like?

Can I help you
feed the chickens?

Mm-hmm.

And in the morning,
we'll, uh... collect the eggs.

For real?

Oh, yeah.

There's a lot of chores
to do around here.

You can be my helper,
if you want.

Can I feed the sheep?

Oh, this one's my favorite.

What's his name?

Her name.

That's Tallulah.

Come here, Tallulah.

Come on, girl.

Oh, she likes me, huh?

Yeah.

You're all warm,
aren't you, Tallulah?

Looks like you made a friend.

Must be nice to have a pet, huh?

Yeah.

Must be the nicest thing
in the world.

How come you didn't make
enough for Miss Lettie?

Oh, I don't cook for her.
She takes care of herself.

You've been scrubbing
that thing forever.

Well, Miss Lettie likes things
done just so.

Miss Lettie; Mama...

Does everybody here
talk like that?

Yes, ma'am.

We surely do.

What's our next chore?

Well, we're done
for the day.

You going home now?

I'll stay a while longer,
if you want.

I know how to baby-sit myself.

I've been doing it forever.

Oh, okay.

Don't feed the chickens
without me.

I won't.

Night, Isaiah.
Good night.

You're here
bright and early.

I'm always here
bright and early.

Mmm? Well, you're
particularly
early today.

Well, I got a little girl
to check up on.

That little girl is my business,
you know.

As long as you go on
ignoring her, she's my business.

I haven't been ignoring her.

Yeah.

You know...

she's only here
for a couple of weeks.

Maybe you should
get to know her.

You know, there's a whole
section here you missed.

Yeah, I see it.

What in the world
is wrong with Alison?

Why did she let
so many years go by

before telling me
she has a daughter?

Well, she was probably
scared to tell you

after the way you
blew up over that
boyfriend of hers.

Ah, yeah, well,
I was right, wasn't I?

Oh, you're always right.

Look where right's got you.

I am perfectly content.

Contrary, you mean!

Sitting up there in
your office all day

hiding from your
own flesh and blood.

I haven't been hiding.

Mm-hmm.

Listen... Travis is family.

Why don't you give her a chance?

You mean
like I did Alison?

Look... just because
you love somebody

doesn't mean they always do

what you want
them to do.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My, this is
quite a mess.

What is it you think
you're doing?

Cooking us breakfast.

Well, I only have tea
in the morning, so...

I can make it for you.

Usually I make coffee for my mom

'cause she's not
a morning person, either.

But I'm positive I can cook tea.

Oh, really?

My mom says
I'm even better

than all those
TV cooking chefs.

Your mom is certainly
full of surprises,

isn't she?

What's wrong with surprises?

They tend to wear me out.

Oh, put the
ball away.

Why?

Because we don't play ball
in the house.

Never did see much
point in baseball.

How can anybody
not like baseball?

I expect you to
clean up this mess

when you're finished.

But... I made breakfast
for the two of us.

I didn't even use
any of your Mahjongg stuff.

I have never had
a finer breakfast.

Don't tell Nadine
I said that, though.

Who's Nadine?

Well, she's my wife.

Her peach cobbler took first
place at the county fair.

You've got a wife?!

Well, of course I do.

The Good Book
says that every man

needs a helpmate.

Well, where is she?

Oh, she's got a job.
A good job, too.

Is she a bartender?

No!

She drives the bookmobile.

Bookmobile?!
Mm-hmm.

What's that?

Well, it's kind of like
a library on wheels.

Weird.

Mmm.

Hey, this is
certainly delicious.

What do you call it?

Peanut butter dreams.

Mmm! Mmm!

You've got how many
brothers and sisters?

Seven.

How come you're so
old and you still
live at home?

Well, being the oldest,
I stayed to help out

while the others moved on.

Sometimes I make up
a family for myself.

You do?

Like when I was in second grade

I told my class that my dad was
a lion tamer for the circus.

And that he was
always on the road.

After that,
everybody was nice to me

because I told them
that when he got back

he would give us all
free circus tickets.

It's a good thing I only stayed
at that school for a month

or I'd have been
in big trouble, huh?

Yeah, yeah.

Your daddy
still play the guitar?

Do you think maybe
she's a vampire?

Miss Lettie?

What put that
into your head?

'Cause she comes
out mostly at night

after I'm asleep.

I never thought
about that, but
maybe you're right.

How come she doesn't
like me?

It's got nothing
to do with you.

It does so.

No, it doesn't.

She's just hurting.

Hurting from what?

Well, love, I reckon.

Seems that everybody
she ever loved

disappeared one
way or another.

That's a lot of
heartache for one woman,

so you've got to be
patient with her.

Well, she's not
patient with me.

Well, just
give her time.

Give her time.

Don't forget!

I get to help
collect the eggs!

Miss Lettie says
she like her eggs fresh.

You know what, Travis,

it's time for you to start
calling her "Aunt Lettie."

She doesn't act like an aunt,
she acts like a miss.

Mail's here!

That's mine!

Dear Travis... well...

I'm not going to be a singer
after all.

I was fired.

Maybe all I'm good at
is being a waitress.

I've been thinking it over and
until I get myself together,

I want you to stay there
with Aunt Lettie.

I know you'll have a good time,

and I know Isaiah
and Aunt Lettie

will take good care of you.

It might be a while.

I'm sorry, Travis.

All my love forever.

Mom.

You ought to just let me
buy a new latch.

My grandfather put
that latch on the gate.

It's an antique.

Well, an antique
is valuable.

This is just old and worn out.

What's the matter
with Travis?

She's been moping around
all afternoon.

Well, a letter came.

From Alison?

Uh-huh.

Well, what did it say?

Well, you better get used
to being an aunt again

'cause it looks like
Travis is going to
be here for a while.

How long?

Way longer
than two weeks.

Seems that Alison
had a setback.

She's going to need
some time to get
herself together.

Mmm.

And has the musician
had a setback, too?

I'm not sure he's
still in the picture.

Is that what Travis said?

No...

but whenever I
ask her about him,
I get one of these.

Uh-huh. Well, that child
is not my responsibility.

She is now.

What if my mom forgets
what I look like, Tallulah?

I should be with her.

I'm the one who brings
her good luck and stuff.

What are you wearing
a suit for?

Oh, it's Sunday.

So?

Sunday, I go to church.

Whole family does.

I've never been to church.

You haven't?

Well, it's something
special, all right.

Wish I could go.

Well, I'd be happy to
have you, Travis,
but you need

to get Miss Lettie's
permission first.

I could do that.

What time are we going?

Well, not till 9:30, but...

Well, don't go waking
her, Travis, she...

It's okay!

Oh, no.

Lettie, aren't you up yet?

It's exactly 7:20!

I know, I've
been up forever.

What...?

You've got tons of stuff, huh?

Um, uh, put that down, please.

Thank you.

My, you are elegantly
dressed today.

That's 'cause I'm going
somewhere fancy.

Really?

Mind telling me where?

Church.

Is that so?

Mm-hmm.

Only I'm supposed to get

permission from you first.

Isaiah said.

So you mean to tell me
that you're going to
church with Isaiah?

Mm-hmm.

That should be interesting.

I know.
I've never been.

To church?

Mom and me sleep in on Sundays.

I.

Huh?

"Mom and I...

I sleep in on Sundays."

I know, it's already 7:30.

No, uh...

Never mind.

Mom always does a double
shift on Saturdays

'cause the tips
are good.

But by Sunday,
her feet are all blistery.

Well, let that be
a lesson to you.

What kind of lesson?

You finish school,

that way you won't have
to do double shifts.

And you won't
get blisters.

This is for the
collection plate.

And I don't want you

twisting and turning
in your seat.

You're an Anderson,

and the Anderson
girls know how

to conduct themselves in public.

Come on, sweetheart.

Hey.

Come on.

You smell really good.

Must be from drying out
in the sun like your sheets.

Do you mind if she stays
for dinner, Lettie?

She doesn't. Do you?

That's awfully sweet of you.

Thank you, but don't you go
filling her up with sweets.

Don't need any
stomachaches
around here.

We'll get her back
to you safe and sound.

Don't you worry.

Oh, I'm not worried.

Hey, Tallulah.

You really like that
girl, don't you?

Yeah, you do.

Well, I can see where you would.

Don't get used to her.

Well, this town ain't going
to be so boring no more.

How come?

'Cause the drug store
is about to reopen,
that's why.

Now who on who
on Earth would be
opening a drug store?

Mr. Samuel Madison,
that's who.

Lord have mercy.

Who's Mr. Samuel Madison.

Well, he's the most famous
person from these parts.

Baseball player.

Played shortstop
for a farm team.

Why would a shortstop buy
a dumb old drugstore?

Probably has some unfinished
business to attend to.

? He's got the whole world
in his hands ?

? He's got
the whole world in his hands ?

? He's got the whole world
in his hands ?

? He's got
the whole world in his hands ?

? He's got you and me brother
in his hands ?

? He's got you and me
brother in his hands ?

? He's got you and me brother
in his hands ?

? He's got the whole world
in his hands ?

? He's got the little bittie
babies in his hands ?

? He's got the little
bittie babies in his hands ?

? He's got the little bittie
babies in his hands ?

? He's got the whole world
in his hands. ?

Mmm, this is so good.

This tastes good.

Mildred and Lettie used
to slip off over here

for dinner all the time.

Who's Mildred?

Child, are you telling me you
never heard of Mildred?

Well, she's your grandma--

your mama's mama.

Where is she?

Passed.

Passed?

She and
your grandpa both.

Killed in a car wreck when
Alison was just 3 years old.

That's how Lettie come
to raise your mama.

And let me tell you something,
she was a handful.

Didn't want nothing to do with
this small town, no, ma'am.

She had stars in her eyes.

She was going to be
a famous singer.

That's all
she talked about.

I'd be trying to teach her
to knit,

she'd be talking
a mile a minute.

I could learn to knit too, huh?

I just bet you could do anything
you put your mind to.

You know what that
child told me?

She's never sat down
to a family dinner.

Family dinners are
overrated.

Sounds to me like Alison
and Travis

were living on soda pops
and pizza.

They've barely been
able to survive.

Well, Alison certainly made her
Christmas cards sound

as though they were living in
the lap of luxury, didn't they?

"Wintering in Florida...

visiting a friend
in Manhattan."

Oh, that was pride
writing to you.

But if she had
told me

she had a baby,
I could've helped them.

I know that.

But I'm not sure Alison did.

No, because that man
had her fooled.

Oh, what a charmer he was, huh?

Well, charm doesn't feed a wife
and it sure doesn't feed a baby.

No, sure won't.

He was far too old for her.

Would you tell me what
a 25-year-old man sees

in a 17-year-old girl?

Besides that.

Well, it was love.

She took one look at him
playing his guitar

and it was love at first sight.

Well, if there's
one thing

even more overrated
than family dinners...

it's first love.

Honk, honk.

What are you doing?

I'm going on a picnic.

You want to come?

It's the Fourth of July.

I know what day it is.

Every Fourth of July

you used to bake a pecan pie--

then you'd go to the park
to watch the fireworks.

What else did your mother tell
you about me?

Some things.

Well, don't expect me to go
driving you to the park.

People change.

I can go with Isaiah.

And how's Isaiah going to get
any work done

with you trailing around
after him?

It's a holiday.

He doesn't have
to work on holidays.

Oh, really?

Well, who's going to look
after things here?

Me.

I'm assistant numero uno.

Oh.

Guess what
my job is today?

I have to sing to them.

Sing to whom?

To the sheep.
It keeps them calm.

I've got the touch,
just like Isaiah.

Is that so?

I made bologna and cheese
double-decker sandwiches.

There's enough for two.

Uh, I want you out of this car.

Why?

It's off limits, that's why.

Well, you never drive it.

Look at these things.

It's lucky you didn't poke
a hole in the seat.

They're not things--

they're knitting needles.

They're...
weapons of destruction.

They're mine.

I'm knitting just
like my mom.

I didn't know
your mom ever knitted.

My mom did too knit.

Mama Rose taught her.

Being taught something and
actually doing it

are two very different things.

My mom does lots of stuff.

Like what?

Receptionist
and coat-check girl

and next month
we're flying to Alaska

so we can live in an igloo.

Next month you're going to be
attending school right here.

So you better get used to that.

Your dumb car has
squeaky brakes.

Dumb old town...

doesn't even have sidewalks.

How much does

a glass
of water cost?

Oh, a glass water...

That would be on the house.

What's your name?

Travis.

Travis?

Well, Travis,
it's nice to meet you.

My name is Sam Madison.

I know.

Guess what
I've got for you?

My triple-treat

Fourth of July special.

Go on, take it.

It won't cost
you a penny.

Thanks.

How come
everything's free?

'Cause you're
my first customer.

Of course tomorrow, I'll have
to charge you double.

How come you moved back here?

It's got nothing,
you know.

It's my hometown.

I always dreamed

of coming back home.

You're from the city, huh?

How'd you guess?

Easy, you're...

sophisticated.

City people know how
to do stuff.

People here, some of them,

are peculiar.

Like where I live, there's this
huge, huge dining room.

Only Miss Lettie won't let
anybody eat in it.

Miss Lettie?

I call her that because
I'm no way

ever going to call her aunt.

I guess that living room
is spectacular.

Oh, it is.

The whole house is.

You'd like it.

I bet I would.

Thanks for the ice cream.

Bye! See you later!

What was that about?

Huh?

I don't want you
accepting rides
from strangers.

He's not a stranger,
he's Mr. Samuel Madison.

He's famous.

Oh, don't be silly.

Sam Madison hasn't
lived around here
for a long time.

Uh-huh, he just moved back.

And guess what?

I couldn't possibly.

He's a widow.

Really?

Uh-huh, I told him
about how you hate
baseball and stuff.

Why on Earth did
you tell him that?

'Cause he was interested in us.

He especially liked the part

about how you
never got married.

Why is your face all pink?

I don't like the idea of you
running around town

telling tales about me.

I wasn't telling tales.

Mostly we were talking about
business.

You know, how to make quality
ice cream--

stuff like that.

Well, you just make sure you
know the difference

between your stuff
and my stuff...

young lady.

My, my, look at all
of these candy wrappers.

Hey, this looks like
Mr. Madison!

Um... put that away.

This is my Mahjongg
day, you know.

I know.

Why don't you go read a book?

Who are all these people?

Relatives.

This one's my favorite.

Who is this lady?

She's the prettiest.

Oh, that's my
sister Mildred.

My grandma?

Yes.

Grandma Mildred looks

exactly like my mom.

All right, let's put this away.

I never got to meet her
'cause she passed.

Isaiah's mom told me.

Mildred was the sweet one

and you were the feisty one!

Your feet don't belong
on the furniture.

How come nobody tells me
all this family stuff?

There's not much to tell.

Don't we have
any more relatives?

Isaiah's house
is full of relatives.

Why is yours so empty?

Because that's the way
I want it: empty.

Quiet, peaceful.

Oh, what I wouldn't give
for some peace and quiet.

It is quiet--
too quiet!

I hate it here!

It's the saddest place
I've ever been.

And guess who else I saw
in the album? Mr. Madison.

I saw him!

Maybe you did.

I did?

I'm not saying one more word
till you finish your knitting.

I bet you have some
real good secrets, Mama Rose.

Thanks for coming,
Louise, Lucille.

Catch you later, Nick.

We had a full house
at lunch, huh?

Yep. On days like today,
folks don't want to cook.

You know who's a great cook?
Miss Lettie.

Have you heard
about her molasses cookies?

Not recently.

You know all the stuff
I was saying

about her
the other day?

Well, she's not that bad.

Her favorite game is Mahjongg.

After that, it's baseball.

Really?

Today's Mahjongg day.

She made iced tea
with mint in it.

You don't say?

Even used the crystal glasses.

Pretty fancy.

Miss Lettie is

very, very tidy.

And guess what else?

She put flowers

in all the vases.

Gardenias?

How'd you know?

Gardenias
and iced tea.

Sounds pretty nice.

You look rested today, Lettie.

I can't imagine why.

This farm is killing me.

Taxes keep going up

and the price of wool is going
down, down, down. Two dots.

You ought to move,
put your feet up

and let somebody else
work for a change.

Well, the Anderson farm's
been here forever.

Now, Lettie couldn't sell it.

Why not?
She's all alone now.

Not quite.

Who'll take over this place
when you're gone, Lettie?

Alison isn't interested,
and...

there is no family.

What about Travis?

And when are we going to
get to meet her anyway?

Isaiah is always bragging
about how bright she is.

When is Alison coming home?

Who'd like some more iced tea?

Dear Aunt Lettie

I hope you like
your birthday gift.

It took ages.

Mama Rose taught me to knit.

I love you with all my heart.

Forever, Alison.

When are you going
to tell me more?

More of what?

More about Miss Lettie
and Mr. Madison.

Oh. Well, let's see.

The whole town knew

that Samuel Madison was going
to make something of himself.

All the girls chased after him,
but he wasn't interested.

Did Miss Lettie chase him?

Not Lettie.

That wasn't her style.

Maybe that's why
he was so fond of her.

Watch out.
You dropped a stitch.

Knitting's hard.

Pretty soon
your fingers'll be flying.

My old bones
are talking to me today.

Talking to you?

What are they saying?

Storm's coming.

Fall's just around the corner.

I hate fall.

Why is that?

Fall means school.

Oh...

:
I see.

Winter's the
worst, though.

It gets all cold and slushy.

Everybody gets in bad moods
'cause of the holidays.

Even Mom.

They ought to just
forget winters, period.

Forget winters?

Oh, sweetheart,
every season is special.

In spring,
the ground thaws

so we can replant again.

And summer's the time
for just rejoicing in the sun.

In the fall,
we gather in the harvest,

and in winter,
the Lord sends the cold

so we sit around the fire

with our loved ones.

Every season puts itself to rest
and a new one's born.

But if summer stayed,

we could rejoice
and dance around forever.

Yeah, we could...

but for every thing,
there's a season.

That's what the Good Book says.

What's that mean?

Well, it means...

we can't hang on to anything
forever.

Not even the summer.

Our days on this earth
are numbered,

but if we live the good life

and we're generous
with our love,

the sweetest season will follow.

Rose, forgive me
for barging in like this

but honestly--

this child.

How dare you go snooping around

my bedroom.
I wasn't snooping!

Well, if this
isn't snooping,

then what is?

I have been far too lenient
with you.

All I did was unwrap it!

You opened a box
that didn't belong to you.

Well, you didn't
want it.

It was all
dusty and sad,

and it had my mom's writing
on it.

That's no excuse.

You cannot take things
that don't belong to you.

It is so an excuse!

And I wasn't taking it.

I just wanted to see
what she gave you.

She made you the most beautiful
sweater in the whole wide world,

and you didn't even care enough
to open it!

Just lower your voice.

I'm not sorry for
what I did, either.

Well, you just go
back to the house

and think about it until
you are sorry, young lady.

Thank you for
the knitting class, Mama Rose.

You're welcome, sweetheart.

I'm sorry if she's been
bothering you, Rose.

Have a good night.

Lettie?

Why don't you sit a while,
have a cup of tea?

I heard all about
how you've been acting

but I just didn't want
to believe it.

It just didn't sound
like you, Lettie.

What's turned
you so bitter?

I cannot raise another child.

The Lord wouldn't
have sent her to you

if He thought you
weren't up to the task.

He never sends us more
than we can handle,
isn't that right?

If He likes you.

Your sister gave you
a precious gift.

She trusted you
with her child.

I know how hard it was on you

having to put
your own life aside...

but I also know how much it hurt
when Alison left.

Now you have Travis.

Apparently I do.

If you're feeling sorry
for yourself,

it's 'cause you closed
the door on life.

Joy is sitting on your doorstep,
and you're ignoring it.

Joy? I haven't had a moment's
peace since "joy" arrived.

Listen to yourself,
Lettie Anderson.

And remember this--

there's no greater
reward on this earth
than your own family.

Think about it.

Well, you're leaving us?

You know, ah,
last time somebody left here,

Miss Lettie didn't eat or sleep
for I don't know how long.

I didn't think
she'd ever recover.

Well, she did.

Well, I'm not
so sure about that.

I am.

Yeah.

Well, I guess you wrote her
a note, huh?

Mm-hmm.

Well, what about me?

You know, uh,

you're supposed
to give a week's notice

before leaving a job.

And, uh,
what about my mama?

And, uh, Samuel Madison?

You see, around here,
we say good-bye to our friends.

But I guess it's different
for you city girls, huh?

Everybody's going to get
a ten-page letter.

Oh, well, great.

But don't bother
sending one to Tallulah.

She's going to be
too busy to miss you.

Why?

Well, she's having
a little baby lamb this fall.

For real?
Yeah.

What about the daddy?

What about him?

Is he staying?

Yeah, of course he's staying.

Why, he's out there bragging
to the other sheep

right this minute.

Oh...

'Cause sometimes daddies
get scared.

What put that in your head?

That's why my daddy
didn't wait for me to get born.

He got all nervous.

One day my mom woke up

and his side of the closet
was empty.

And she didn't even cry.

You know why?

No.

'Cause she wanted me
more than anything in the world.

Well, she would.

And when I was born,
she didn't even care

that she was the only person
in the hospital

that didn't have flowers
and balloons and stuff.

Not even a visitor.

She said she was all alone
in the world, except for me.

But it was worth it 'cause
we'd be together for always.

She should have phoned me
or Miss Lettie.

You're catching a cold, huh?

:
Yeah, it looks like it.

Are you going to see
Tallulah now?

Yeah.

Don't worry, I'll...

I'll give her your regards.

And when the little one comes,
I'll send you a picture.

But I want to see it up close.

Oh, that ain't possible.

How come?

Oh, you're going to California.

Oh.

Well... I could turn around.

Yeah, you could.

Except...

I'd have to stay
with Miss Lettie

and she doesn't want me here.

Well, I can't speak for her,
Travis,

but I sure want you here.

Are you telling me
that that creep

didn't even have the decency
to marry her?!

He didn't stick around
long enough.

Huh, so much for love
at first sight.

Alison had that baby
all by herself.

Why didn't she let us know?

Why didn't she come home?
Home is where she belongs.

Poor Alison.

Poor Travis.

Where's everybody been

anyway?

We've been shopping.

Isaiah?

Well, he attempted
to assist me, yes.

What'd you get?

Small clothes.

I thought this
would be lovely

for your first day
of school.

A dress?!

Yes, with...
matching socks.

What's this thing made of?

Oh, that's pique.

All the girls are wearing it.

Why didn't you get any shorts?

They're cheaper.

Oh, well

I got this jumper for
you for casual wear.

You can change the blouse.

Is it okay if I go take a walk?

All these dresses
are making me dizzy.

You're probably just
not comfortable

with more formal attire.

Sure.

I've never had firsthand clothes
before, Miss Lettie.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Did you know that Mr. Madison
is very, very fond of you?

Well, that was a long time ago.

I'm sure he's recovered.

Why do I have to go to school?

Well, did you ever hear
of algebra and geography?

I've been in almost
every single state.

I'll just be wasting my time
in school.

And besides, it's
terrible there.

Who told you that?

Miss Lettie.

She says all the girls
wear pique dresses.

No disrespect,
but it's been a long time

since Miss Lettie and I
were in school.

Maybe the fashions
have changed.

Try telling Miss Lettie that.

How is she anyway?

Oh, she's great.

And she's
always watching

baseball on TV.

Really?

And guess what?

She has a picture of you
in her scrapbook.

If I didn't know better,
I'd say you were a matchmaker.

Did you take a look at that
condo I told you about?

Lettie'd hate
living in a condo.

Well, there's
Meadow Wood.

Sounds like a cemetery.

Palm Court has a lovely
retirement village.

Ah, now, I like
the sound of that.

Why do you want to do
such a foolish thing?

It's too big for me.

Well, this is a family farm.

Well, I don't
have a family.

Well, what do you call Travis?

A visitor.

What about Alison?

Gone, I call
Alison gone.

Well, the way Travis
tells it,

Alison's heart and soul
is still here.

Well, then why doesn't Alison
come home and pick them up?

Well, maybe she's afraid.

Afraid of what?

You.

Me?
Yeah.

Yeah, the way you carried on

telling her she'd never
set foot in this house again

if she dared go off with
that boyfriend of hers.
Oh, I wasn't serious.

So what are you going to do,
just kick that little girl out?

Travis can stay with me
as long as she needs to.

In a retirement home?

Village.

It's a retirement village,
not a home.

Oh, you have lost your mind,
selling off your heritage.

It's my heritage, Isaiah.

And it's my land
and it's my business.

Travis, why don't you
tell us about yourself.

I'm from Kenya;
that's in Africa.

My dad hunts snakes there.

My mom flies him
in a three-seater jet.

It's only got three seats

because the rest of the space
is for the snake cages.

Next year we're going
to Florida.

We're going to be living
in this houseboat

with our pet flamingos.

It'll be great seeing
my family again.

Mama.

I'm fine.
Mama.

I'm fine.
Oh, Mama.

You shouldn't be
cleaning up all day.

Come on,
I want you to rest now.

Oh.

Mama, you look tired.

I'll finish up for you.

Ms. Anderson used to say

I could get more work done
in one afternoon

than anybody she'd ever seen.

Those days are behind me now.

I've been on this farm 75 years.

I can't imagine it going
to strangers.

But Lettie's determined to sell.

Mama, I tried
to talk to her.

Oh, son, you got to be
patient with Lettie.

It can't be easy on her

carrying a stone
around her heart.

You have a wonderful gift
for storytelling,

just like your mother.

Do you know my mom?

Mm-hmm, we went to
high school together.

For real?

We were absolutely
inseparable.

We were, too.

Could I have her address?
I'd love to write and...

We never have addresses,
just PO Box numbers.

You must miss her.

Uh-huh.

Me, too.

When she comes for me,
you should quit your job

and come with us.

Every day's a new adventure.

What are you doing here?

I come to
drive you home.

But I'm going to the drug store.

I've got responsibilities.

Oh, no.

Miss Lettie wants me to
drive you straight home.

Why, so she can get mad at me
if I touch a Mahjongg plate?

No...

So you can do your homework.

Homework?!

Now don't blame me.

Okay, I'm just following
instructions.

But what about my customers?

They need me.

Travis, I know somebody
who needs you

a lot more than your customers.

Who?

We lost Tallulah.

What do you mean "lost"?

She passed on.

Died?

Yeah.

But...

We took good care of her,
didn't we, Isaiah?

We sure did, Travis.

She wasn't sick or anything.

It was just her time.

But she was my friend.

I know.

I can tell you something
you can do for Tallulah.

This little girl needs help,

and I think you're
just the one

to take care of her.

Orphan? Listen--

You come here this minute!

Orphan!

Orphan!

Orphan.

Orphan.

No!

Orphan.

Children! Children!

I'll see you in my
office, young lady.

Oh...

Isaiah, where'd
you hide my keys?

What keys?

Car keys.

Your car keys?

Want me to drive?

I do not.

Want me to back it up for you?

Hey! Whoa! Take
it easy with that.

Now, come on, let me
drive the car.

I cannot concentrate
with all this yakking.

Oh, my...

Have you been warming
this car up

every morning?
Yes, Ma'am.

You're sure?
Yes, Ma'am.

For ten minutes?
Yes, Ma'am.

You're certain of that.
Yes, Ma'am.

Well, then,
what's wrong with it?

I said it's not in gear.

Come on, now, let
me... Hey! Hey!

Hey, wait a minute!

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold it, now.

Oh, put the thing in reverse.

Come one, put
it in reverse.

It was in reverse.

Now it's in reverse
and it's not going.

Now, put the thing in reverse.

Somebody hasn't been
oiling this car.

Yes, Ma'am. Take it easy, now.

Easy. Take it easy.

Hold it, hold it,
take it easy.

Don't... Whoa, whoa,
take it easy.

Hold, Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Don't go stomping
on that gas pedal, now.

Take it easy. Whoa!

Easy!

Hey, watch that fence.

What on earth were you
thinking of, bringing
this animal to school?

He's not an animal--
he's my pet.

Yeah, well.

You and Fido are
in big trouble.

I can promise you,
Travis won't be bringing

any more animals
to school.

Actually,

I'm glad we've had
a chance to talk.

I am concerned about Travis.

Well, I will see to it

that she studies further
if she's behind.

It's not a matter
of studying.

Travis is bright,
but her mind...

It seems to be
somewhere else.

Oh, yes,
of course, it is.

She's worried about Alison.

When a child is separated from
her mother, it's very difficult.

Well, she said that Alison
would be here any minute.

Well, I'm afraid she's
in for a disappointment.

I don't think Alison has any
intention of coming back here.

Want me to steer?

No, thank you.

You ought to get
a truck like Isaiah's.

They go faster.

Well, unlike Isaiah, I
follow the speed limit.

You're 12 miles under.

You know,
I bet driving's

made you thirsty.

You know what we should do?

We should stop and visit
Mr. Madison and get a soda.

Nonsense.

What's nonsense about it?

You're being punished, remember?

What's that got
to do with it?

He'd like to see you.

Where do you get
these absurd notions?

He's always
talking about you.

Yeah, well, that's all
he ever was-- talk.

It's not too late.

For what?

Isaiah says there's
hope for you yet.

Well, you can
tell Isaiah

something for me.

He had no right
to give you this lamb.

Why?

Because it belongs to me!

Well, you don't want it.

That's beside
the point!

Isaiah!

Isaiah Griffin, where are you?!

Why is he never around
when I need him?

All right young lady.

You put that
lamb in the barn

and you go to your room.

Come on, Mama, now,
you got to eat.

Come on, Ma.

Come on.

I'm too tired.

You watch
over things...

while I sleep.

She had a good,
long life.

I know.

Her end was peaceful.

We can take
comfort in that.

I guess.

We were so lucky
to have her as a friend.

But Isaiah doesn't
have a mother now.

Oh, well...

Isaiah is strong.

He'll manage.

He'll still feel bad.

A person without a mom

always feels
lonesome inside.

Yes, I suppose
that's right.

Isaiah's mama had
bones that could talk.

Did you know that?

I did not.

They told her when it
was going to rain.

Really?

I'm not going to cry today.

Do you know why?

Because where she is,
it's winter

and she's sitting by a fire
with people she loved.

Did Mama Rose...

teach you that?

Uh-huh.

She taught me tons.

She taught us both tons.

And I'm not going to forget
any of it, either.

Even if I get amnesia,

I'll still remember her.

I wish Mama Rose were here.

She'd know how to fix this mess,

and then she could tell us
the rest of the secret

about Miss Lettie
and Mr. Madison.

That sardine can of yours
is a beauty.

Yeah. Well, I don't let nobody
drive too close to me.

How's the engine?

Smoother than your
homemade ice cream.

Sweeter, too.

Yep.

Well, you could get
a pretty penny for this truck

if you ever want to sell it.

No, no, it ain't for sale.

I don't blame you.

You ever change your mind,
let me know.

Oh, no, no.

I'm going to be buried
in my sardine can.

Anybody who says, "You
can't take it with you"

is in for a big surprise.

I'll see you later, friend.

All right.

Well, find a buyer?

Don't be ridiculous.

I'm not selling this farm.

What's the matter
with you, Isaiah?

Next thing you know,
you'll be suggesting

that I move
to a retirement village.

Want me to get rid
of this for you?

Yeah. Would you?

Yeah.

You taking off
on Thursday?

Well, it's Thanksgiving.

That's what I thought.

All right, I'll drive
by in the morning.

And in the afternoon

you'll celebrate
by overeating, won't you?

Well, don't you come
complaining to me

about your indigestion and
your ever expanding waistline.

I won't.

Well, you gonna be having
a fine Thanksgiving dinner.

Is that right?

Yeah.

I taught Travis how to bake
my famous sweet potato pie.

Oh, well, that's all we need,
huh?

And turkey with corn
bread dressing.

She already made a batch
of cranberry sauce.

Listen, Isaiah, Thanksgiving

is pretty much the same
as any other day.

She wants to surprise you.

So, on Thursday,

try to wipe that
sour expression

off your face and be grateful.

Think you can do that?

I think I know

how to comport myself, Isaiah,

and I don't need any lessons
from you.

Don't ruin it for her.

I have no intention
of ruining anything for anybody.

You mean it was love?

As a matter of fact,

I was in love with her, yes.

We were engaged.

You mean to get married?

Mm-hmm.

What happened?

Well, Lettie was, uh...

She had a lot of
responsibilities with a family,

taking care of them.

Said she was too busy
for romance.

You could have gotten married

without all the "romance."

I wanted to, but...
that's when the offer came.

You mean to
play baseball?

Uh-huh.

Mama Rose said you were famous.

Well, that was hometown famous.

She could have gone with you!

You should have just asked her.

I did ask her over and over.

After a while,
I gave up hope.

You never forget
your first love.

Orphan.

Orphan!

Orphan!

Orphan, don't eat the biscuits.

What is go...

I can fix it!

Ah!

Aah!

You get this animal
out of here... now!

Or else!

A... lamb in the kitchen?!

Biscuits on the floor?!

Miss Lettie is going to turn

Orphan into lamb chops!

Oh, she'll do
no such thing.

We don't slaughter
our sheep.

This is a wool farm.

So, stop moaning and groaning.

No time for tears.

We've got sweet potato pies
to bake.

I don't care what day it is.

A lamb has no business
prancing around the kitchen.

But it's her pet.

It's a commodity!

I am trying to run a farm here.

You want me to buy the lamb
from you? I'll buy it.

How much
do you want?

Isaiah, that's not the point.

Oh, no, no, the point is
Travis loves something

and you want to ruin it for her.

Oh...
I mean, just because
love gave you a black eye

doesn't mean it's gonna
do the same to Travis.

What are you babbling about?

About you!

Me?

Uh-huh.

About how
scared you are.

You don't think
I see through you?

You think I would have
stayed here all these years

if I would have believed that
you were as nasty as you act?

You've overstepped the line,
Isaiah.

No, I'm just talking the truth.

But let me tell
you something.

Look around!
You're not the only one

who's lost somebody
they loved.

I'm aware of that.

Travis is aching for a family.

And in case you
haven't noticed,

you don't have a
whole lot of years
left in you.

Is that so?

Yes, ma'am, it is.

The child doesn't need me.

But you are family.

That little girl
cares for you.

What you gonna
do about it?

Listen...

I don't want to be standing
in that....

churchyard, bawling over a woman
who wasted her final years.

When I laid
my mama to rest,

her passing
was peaceful.

You know why?

'Cause she had no regrets.

But I look at you and that's
all I see is regrets.

Regrets and a bad-
tempered, old woman!

I mean, it's...
it's Thanksgiving day.

Maybe you ought to think
of something to be....

thankful for.

My!

Isn't everything beautiful?

It's lovely.

I've never had a
real Thanksgiving.

Well, I think
it's time you had one

and I got an idea.

The Andersons always had
our Thanksgivings dinner

in the dining room.

What do we say
we eat in there?

Do you have a fever?

It's not Mahjongg day.

A guest!

A guest?

Ta-da!

Afternoon, ladies.

Travis, set another place
at the table

and find me the crystal glasses.

Did you notice Miss Lettie's
cheeks are nice and pink today?

Oh, please.

Yeah, she's prettier than Yankee
Stadium on a Sunday afternoon.

Well, your compliments
haven't improved

with age.

"Stadium"?

Your cooking
certainly has.

Oh, well, now, Travis
is the chef in this family.

She and Isaiah planned
the whole dinner.

Is that so?

Mr. Madison made
this batch special.

Cinnamon vanilla.

You remembered!

Uh-huh.

Just like old times, huh?

You watch that first step, Sam.

Right.

Well, if you want
any ice cream...

I'll be glad
to deliver it.

Well, that's good to know.

Good night.

And last night
I heard her singing.

No.

Mr. Madison likes her a lot.

I knew I was right.

Uh...

I've been, um,
thinking over

the lamb situation,

and, um, I don't think I could
get a penny for her, so...

why don't you
keep her, Travis.

You know what that was?

What?

That was an apology.

We've only got two weeks

to get ready
for our Christmas program.

We're going to need a manger,
costumes

and some volunteers
for the cast.

I'm always one of the Wise Men.

Ah.

Oh!

I remember this.

The church picnic.

Yes.

I'm an angel! I'm an angel!

I get to have wings and
a halo and everything!

And Isaiah is the wisest
of the Wise Men.

We get to star
in the Nativity scene.

Stupendous, huh?

Yes!

I don't think
the Christmas story

is ever going
to be the same.

What... what are you doing?

You gonna break your neck.

Isaiah, where did you hide my
Christmas ornaments?

Christmas ornaments?
Yes, that's what I said.

You retired those years ago,
told me to throw them out.

I did not.
Yes, you did.

Oh...
Well, there's got to
be more than this.

Well, there is, maybe.
And, listen, get your ax.

What do I need my ax for?

To cut down a tree.

A what?

A Christmas tree!

Isaiah, what's the
matter with you?

:
That stone heart
is starting to beat again.

We have Mary, Joseph, our
shepherd boy and our Wise Men.

Something's missing.

Travis...

we need our star angel.

Fear not...

So, what did Alison
write you?

Nothing.

Well, maybe your mama
will phone you on Christmas day.

No, she won't.

She hasn't called once.

I bet she's even forgotten
how to use the telephone.

And her name's
Mom, not Mama.

Don't you know anything?

You got to keep hoping.

'Cause if you want to something,

you got to believe
it can happen.

I don't want to believe anymore.

All right, then I'll do
the believing for both of us.

I'm never seeing my mom again.

Well, who told you that?

I just know, okay?

Well, listen...
I know some things, too.

I guess you forgot
who you're talking to.

I'm the wisest of the Wise Men,
remember?

Wow...

It's beautiful.

You want to help?

Okay.

Go ahead.

Ah, that's perfect.

Christmas makes people nice,
huh?

Yes.

How was rehearsal today?

I flubbed all my lines.

Isaiah just rolled his eyes.

Oh...

But don't worry.

I'll know all my lines
by that night, you'll see.

I have no doubt.

You're coming, aren't you?

You want me there?

Everybody else
will have family there.

Who will clap for me,
Miss Lettie?

"And so it was that while
they were there,

"the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered,

"and she brought forth
her firstborn son

"and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes and laid him in a manger

"because there was no room
for them in the inn.

"And there were,
in the same country

"shepherds abiding in the field

"keeping watch over their flock
by night.

"And lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them

"and the glory of the Lord
shone 'round about them

"and they were so afraid.

"And the angel said unto them...

"And the angel said

"unto them...

'Fear not, for behold, I bring
good tidings of great joy

which shall be unto all people.'

"For unto you is
born this day

"in the city of
David, a savior

which is Christ the Lord."

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

Hey, take it easy.

You going to wake the chickens.

Merry Christmas, Isaiah.

Merry Christmas.

What are you
doing up so early?

Well, you try to keep a child
quiet on Christmas morning.

What are you driving

this old thing for?

"Old"? That's my brand new
third-hand green bean.

What happened
to the Sardine Can?

Well... I sold her.

What?

Yeah, well...

I needed a change.

Besides, I thought we'd fix this
one up together, me and you.

Looks kind of sad.

Yeah, well, that's because
it's not used to doing

early-morning chores
like we are. Come on.

I made a present for you.

Uh-huh.

It's wearable.

That's nice.

And it's soft
and squishy.

Mmm.

Must be a marshmallow.

No, it's red.

What color's my present?

You'll see...

You and Miss Lettie.

You got us the same thing?

Yep.

Better not be Mahjongg stuff.

I'm going to bring it over
after breakfast.

Breakfast?
Yeah.

That'll take forever.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you.

You look really pretty.

Thank you.

Your mother's sweater.

How come I have so much?

Well, some are from Santa.

Some are from Isaiah,
and some are from me.

This is for you.

For me?

It's a scarf.

I made it
to go with that sweater.

So it is a scarf--
you did this?

You made it yourself?

It's beautiful.

Thank you.

And...

this is for you.

No pique.

And... this is for Orphan.

Now Orphan will have
a little sister to play with

while I go to school.

Yeah.

Oh, this is the merriest
Christmas ever, Aunt Lettie.

Oh, honey, isn't it just.

Thank you.

Hey...

Look. Look it, Isaiah.

Your present's waiting for you.

Oh, thank you.

Wow.

It's for your head.

Oh, well, of course.

Of course it is.

Look it here. Wow...

Look at that, huh?

Now... I'll get you
your present, okay?

Mom!

I missed you.

I missed you, too.

Oh, I knew you'd come.
I knew it.

Didn't I, Isaiah?

I never gave up hoping,
not for one second.

Travis...

now you got to share
with Miss Lettie now, okay?

Aunt Lettie, look who's here.

Oh... Alison.

It's... it's so good to see you.

I missed you so much,
Aunt Lettie.

You're home.

You're home.

You're home.

Mom, Mom...

you got to meet Orphan.

Yes, go, go, meet Orphan.

She looks beautiful,
doesn't she?

Yes, yes, she do.

Did you sell your truck
to bring Alison home?

What are you talking about?

Don't you get coy with me.

I don't want to
hear any of that

"Oh, I needed a change."

I can't believe you got rid of
your beloved Sardine Can for me.

For you?

Where did you get that idea?

No, no, no.
I did it for my church.

See, we needed
a choir director,

and the only person
I could think of

that was right for the job
was Alison.

Yeah, that's it.

Oh, you are a dear friend.

That Christmas night,

all the lost lambs in the world
had been found.

I truly could hear
heaven and nature singing.