The Waltons (1971–1981): Season 1, Episode 24 - The Easter Story - full transcript

When we were growing up
on Walton's Mountain...

Sundays were very special.

Six days a week, overalls
and sneakers...

were the family uniform.

But on the seventh day
we got out

our Sunday-go-to-meeting best...

shined and scrubbed
and brushed and polished.

Getting ready
to go to church...

was as much of a ritual
as the services...

once we got there.

I remember one February Sunday



that began like any other...

but ended in the gravest crisis
our family ever faced.

A crisis that threatened the
sheltered life...

we'd taken for granted...

and tested our belief
in God's mercy.

You can get anything to grow,
can't you, Mama?

Aren't they lovely?

So nice to see them inside,
green and blooming...

when it's winter outside.

-They're just lovely, Mama.
-This bug thinks so, too.

Jim-Bob, you get
that bug away from me.

-It's just a little bug.
-Get it away!

Jim-Bob, leave Erin alone.

It's nice, Jason.



-You really like it?
-Mm-hmm.

Shouldn't we be going?

Can't abide people
who straggle in late.

But that way everybody gets to
see the new hat or the new coat.

Turning the Lord's worship
into a style show?

Libby, you look flushed.
It's winter aches and pains.

It's this weather.
Sometimes it seems...

spring will just never get here.

Jason, that's not exactly
what I'd call Sunday music.

Now, that's more like it.

I liked the other one better.

What do you call it?

I don't know.
I haven't named it yet.

You mean you just made that up?

Don't I just have
the most talented children?

You sound just like daddy.

-Will you get your boots on?
-Yes, mother.

-Come go with us.
-Maybe next week, honey.

You've said that every Sunday
since I married you.

And you keep trying.

-It'll do you the world of good.
-Raise your spirits.

If my spirits got higher, they'd
go right through the roof.

-We'll pray for you, Daddy.
-You do that, honey.

Personally I go mostly
for the music.

and the singing.

* Oh let's be the tailabine

I keep all that music
pent up inside...

go to church and let it come
forth. Gives me pleasure.

Anything that gives
a man my age enjoyment...

is something to be encouraged.

You can even make
going to church sound wicked.

That's one way
of bringing in the sinners.

* Bringing in the sinners
bringing in the sinners *

* We could come rejoice..

Hurry up everybody.
The truck's ready.

Mary Ellen!

It's such a pleasure to see you
in a dress.

You look real nice.

I feel like a scarecrow.

You're a very attractive
young woman

if you'd only cooperate with
nature a little.

What's being your back?

Mary Ellen, you are not taking
a baseball mitt to church.

-But, Mama, if G.W. wants to--
-No.

My best to the reverend.

Hurry along.

-I've got my neck warmer here.
-Come along, Livie.

Hello, sir. It's always
a pleasure to see you.

I'm pleased you all could come
worship with us this morning.

-Fine service, Reverend.
-Thank you, ma'am.

-I sure enjoyed your sermon.
-Thank you, Mr. Walton.

Come have dinner with us,
real soon.

Thank you.

-Bye, Reverend.
-Bye.

Wasn't that a comforting sermon?

Splendid. He was just splendid.

How would you know? You slept
through the whole thing.

I was not asleep.

Your eyes were closed
and your mouth was open.

I was meditating.

Mama, Ben got another star
for saying Bible verses.

"Happy is the man who finds
wisdom...

and the man who gets
understanding.

"The gain of it is better than
silver...

its profits are
better than gold."

It looks to me like we could
have a young minister...

in the Walton family.

Two ministers, Mama.
I'm going to be a preacher, too.

Don't laugh.

No, I think that's a lovely
ambition.

Mama, are you alright?
What's the matter?

You turn your ankle?

My knee just seemed to give out.

-Better come back to the church.
-I'll be alright.

Mama, can I walk home with G.W.?
-If you like.

-We'll come with her.
-You will not.

-Why not?
-I'll explain in a few years.

In a few years
you won't have to.

It feels like my legs suddenly
don't have any strength in them.

Sounds like you're fighting
the grippe.

We'll get you home in a hurry.

Alright?

Mary Ellen, I've got to
ask you something.

Go ahead and ask.

Promise you won't
say no right off?

You want to borrow
my baseball mitt?

Eighth grade's gonna have
a spring dance.

I know that.

-Well, do you wanna go with me?
-No.

I asked you not to say
no right off.

-I can't dance.
-Neither can I.

So what are we gonna do,
sit around looking dumb?

-People can learn how to dance.
-Not me.

Won't you think about it?

Alright. But I'm not
going to change my mind.

We're gonna get you
right into bed.

Here they come right now.

-Hey, look who's here.
-Oh, good morning.

-Good morning.
-Good morning.

We were on our way home
from church.

I didn't see you at church.

No. Sister and I are members of
the Episcopal Congregation.

The Baldwins have always been
of that persuasion.

Papa was a deacon.

Anyway, we were passing
so close by...

we just had to stop and pay
our respects.

That was very thoughtful of you.

Somehow the idea of going home
to face another quiet Sunday...

was not appealing.

-Children, take off your boots.
-Before you catch a cold.

I don't know. Put it back there.

I'm so glad we stopped.

I'll treasure the memory of you
all in your Sunday best.

It's such a treat.

Liv, look, the ladies brought
you along a little present.

Nothing very extravagant.

Mamie's mint jelly.
It's delicious with lamb.

Thank you.

-Livie, you alright?
-No, she isn't.

She's feeling poorly.

Oh, dear! And here we are,
chattering away.

What is it, honey?

Grandma says it's the grip.

Sister, we must be going.

I'm sorry to spoil
your visit, ladies.

You take care of yourself, dear.

Thank you for the tea and
hospitality.

-Thank you, John.
-Come back soon.

I'll see the ladies to the car.

Bathe your temples
with lilac water, dear.

There's nothing more soothing.

-Thank you.
-Good-bye.

Liv, you look feverish. Did this
come over you in church?

No woke up this morning with
a backache and a stiff neck.

Gotta chill, you shouldn't
have gone out this morning.

Don't fuss. An afternoon in bed
and I'll be good as new.

I'll fix you some hot chamomile
tea. Get yourself to bed.

What are we gonna do
with this dab of mint jelly?

Save it. Maybe next time the
ladies will bring us some lamb.

Come on, now,
let's get you upstairs.

Liv, what is it?

I don't know.
My legs just....

I feel so strange
all of a sudden.

Honey, come on,
I'll take you up.

-Be sure you save the corn silk.
-I am, Jason. I am.

Shelling corn is almost as fun
as popping it.

Or eating it.

John-Boy, do you know
how to dance?

-Some, yeah.
-How much is some?

I guess I know enough to keep
from stumbling over...

a girl's feet
once the music starts.

Don't you feel like a fool,
hippity-hopping around...

while everybody's watching?

Like a fool?

Yeah, I guess sometimes
I feel a little foolish.

Then why do you do it?

Feeling foolish can be fun.

John-boy.

Your daddy wants you
to fetch Doc Vance right away.

Is mama worse?

Will you just
tell him that

that she's talking out
of her head...

and that she can't seem
to move her legs?

-Can't move her legs?
-Will you just tell him that?

Where is he going?

It's your turn, Erin.

-I don't want to play anymore.
-Me neither.

Why don't you turn on
the radio

I think it's time for Edgar
Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

Why doesn't daddy come down
and tell us about mama?

I don't know what the doctor
is doing up there all this time.

Don't you worry none
about Doc Vance.

He's one sawbones
that really knows his business.

John-Boy, could you possibly
see how mama is?

I don't want to keep pestering
Daddy about it.

I do believe
it'd be a satisfaction

to have some good news
to help pass the evening.

Alright.

Daddy, the children are worried.

John-boy, Your mama's very sick.

Does the doctor know what it is?

-Yes, it's polio.
-Polio.

Infantile paralysis.

-Is it very bad, polio?
-It's bad.

She'll have to go
to the hospital, aye?

Well, we can't move her tonight,
but tomorrow we'll see.

Let's not say anything yet
to the children, son.

Lets...let's just say, doctor's
taking good care of your mama.

Okay. Sure.

The children. John,
the children.

The children are fine, Liv.

I'm really sick.

That would be you, honey.

My plants, I forgot
to water my plants.

The plants are perfectly
alright, Liv.

Liv?

Are we gonna be able
to see mama after school?

Probably not today, darling.

-Tomorrow?
-I don't know. Maybe, Jason.

-That's G.W.
-Is he whistling for you?

It's so unladylike
being called for like that.

So who's a lady?

I don't jump up and race out
of the house...

every time
a boy whistles.

I don't hear any boys
whistling for you.

-Your slip's showing.
-Grandma.

Doc? You're still here?

I've gone and come back, Livie.

Delivered a baby and set
a broken arm since I saw you.

-I've lost a day.
-Don't you worry about that.

I'm so weak, I can't even
lift my head.

-Still in pain?
-Comes and goes.

Mostly I seem to have worn it
out, or it's worn me out.

I don't want you to move around.
You just rest.

Won't give you an argument.

What was it? Influenza?

We'll talk about that later.

Now the important thing is that
you get your strength back.

Well, I'm due at the Faznots
right this minute.

-Who's sick over there?
-Nelly. Laryngitis.

Can't say a word.

Jim says it's the best vacation
he's had in 27 years.

Well, I'll see you again
this evening, Livie.

Grandma?

What's the doctor
holding back from me?

How would I know. I'm just
fetch-and-carry lady now.

I'm going to have to
tell her, Doc.

I know, John. I know.

Let's let her have
a few more hours.

How bad is it?

There's considerable
nerve damage.

And paralysis seems to have
moved down...

the lower spine
into both legs.

-Will it pass?
-I don't know.

That's the hellish thing about
polio. We just don't know.

In a day or two, if the feeling
doesn't come back...

-I'll have to put on splints.
-Splints?

The theory goes that
the affected muscles are weak.

That being the case, the other
healthy ones are likely...

to pull the weak ones
out of shape, cause crippling.

Is she going to have
to wear these splints long?

I've got to say it again.
I don't know.

-How's mama?
-When can we see her?

-Quiet.
-I drew a picture for her.

Quiet. Oh, well,
I'll show it to her.

Keep quiet around
the house now...

your grandma's trying
to have a cat nap.

-Is grandma sick too?
-No, she isn't.

She's wore out from taking care
of your mama all night.

I didn't know
you peeled potatoes.

You don't know
a lot of things about me.

You'll have to learn to do
a lot of things ...

before your mama
get's up on her feet again.

-When will that be?
-I don't know.

But in the meantime,
I'm gonna keep busy...

and when I'm busy I like to see
everybody around me busy, too.

-Well, I'll take the hint.
-Shh, tippi-toe, tippi-toe.

If your grandma wakes up,
she'll give me the dickens.

-Is Daddy upstairs?
-Hasn't left her side all day.

Careful now, honey.
Don't cut yourself. That's it.

I'll watch if you'd like to get
a breath of fresh air.

No, thanks, son.

It could help, though...

if you and Jason finished up
those timbers for Halvorsen.

Sure.

Now get me some fresh coffee.

John?

John?

John?

My legs.

I can't feel my legs.

I can touch them, but it's like
they belong to somebody else.

Polio. That's what
it is. Polio.

-John
-Yes, Liv.

-The children, are they--
-The children are fine, honey.

Just fine.

Liv, it's
gonna be alright.

...regard those who work
with hand or brain...

as different
from or inferior to...

those who live from their own
property.

We insist that labor is
entitled...

to as much respect as property.

But our workers with hand
and brain...

Deserve more than just respect
for their labor

I guess it's time we all
had a little talk.

I've been waiting till were 100%
sure before I said anything.

But now there's...
there's no doubt.

Your mama's real sick.

She's got polio.

Polio? mama?

What's polio?

It's a disease
that happens mostly to children.

Like that little Marlowe girl
at school, remember?

You mean, the one with the
crutches and wires on her legs?

Mostly it happens to children,
but it happens to adults, too.

When will mama be over it?

Son, it's going to take
a long time.

-Can she walk?
-No. She's too weak right now.

Will mama have
to use crutches...

and have those
wires in her legs?

It's too soon to know, honey.

-I wish we could see her.
-You're gonna see her.

You'll see her soon. Soon as
the doc says it's not catching.

She want to see you
real bad.

Daddy, what if mama
can never walk again?

Nonsense.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
our president...

had polio when he was about
your mama's age.

Hasn't stopped that fellow
none yet, has it?

Not so as you could notice.

It'll be kind of tough around
here for a while...

but we're gonna get by
real good.

There are going to be a lot
of things you can do to help.

I'm gonna get back
to my homework now.

That's a good idea. Why don't
you all finish your homework.

-Daddy?
-What is it, honey?

There's one thing
I don't understand.

What's that?

How come it
had to happen to mama?

You know, baby...

that's kind of hard
for me to understand, too.

How'd they take it?

They're our children, Liv.

It's gonna be hard for 'em.

As soon as I can see them...

I've got to show them
that they can depend on me...

same as always.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Elizabeth.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Ban.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Jason.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Jim-Bob.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, John-Boy.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Mary-Ellen.

Aren't you going to say
goodnight, Erin?

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Erin.

Okay, come on.

Goodnight, John-Boy.

John, could I have some
of my plants up here tomorrow?

Of course, honey.

It'll remind me that winter
doesn't last forever.

You up to company?

Guess so.

Reverend, Fordwick.

We've been extremely concerned
about you, Mrs. Walton.

How are you feeling?

The doctor says I'm improving.

Well, I'm certainly
relieved to hear that.

I'm here as an emissary
from the Ladies' Aid Society.

They asked to present
this to you as a token...

of their affection

My goodness,
such a large packet.

-Want me to open it for you?
-Thank you, Grandma.

How nice of everybody.

I hope they haven't gone and
spent a pile of money.

I was assured
the cost was minimal.

-Livie, would you look at this.
-I do vow.

Why, it's a signature quilt.

I've never seen one before.

"Get well soon. Evelyn."

"Courage, from Alma."
Good old Alma.

"Best wishes from Tibbie."

They've been working on that
ever since you were stricken.

"Thinking of you. Myrle."

Oh, grandma, put it over me.

It's like having all
my dear friends around me.

Would you tell them I consider
myself a lucky woman...

to have such good friends?

I certainly will.
God's blessing be on you, ma'am.

Thank you.

I'll see him out.

How are the children
taking this?

Oh, well, it's hard
for them to understand.

It is for all of us.

Even you? A man of God?

I accept his ways, ma'am.

I don't always understand them.

Good day.

Will you stop it?
Ben, get off of there!

Who started that?

-I don't know.
-He did.

What was it about?

I don't know.
Something just came over me.

-I'm sorry.
-Me, too.

This is the wrong time to fight,
you know. Just get back to bed.

-Where did you get that?
-I got it in a trade.

What did you trade for it,
and who did you trade with?

That's my business.

You're getting more picky than
mama and daddy put together.

-You just stop picking on me.
-I'm not picking.

I'm sorry. I'm not picking.

Elizabeth, I thought
you gave that up for good.

I thought so, too.

Big girls don't suck
their thumbs.

I don't feel very big tonight.

Go back to bed.

-Can't we stay, John-Boy?
-No, you can't.

Just a little while.
Please.

I promise not to suck my thumb.

-What's going on here.
-We're getting into your bed.

No, you're not.
You've got beds of your own.

So have they.

Alright. Let's just get one
thing straight:

This is special. This is not
a regular arrangement.

You've seen mama, haven't you?

Only from the door.

Does she look very different?

No, of course she doesn't, Erin.

Who put a thing like that
into your head?

I don't know.

But I just couldn't stand
to see mama different.

-That hurt?
-No. I can't feel a thing.

Now, these splints supposed
to protect the muscles.

Aren't there some exercises
I can do?

The only exercise you can do
is maybe trying to sit up.

Of course I'll sit up.

-That's not gonna be easy.
-Who said it's going to be?

How am I gonna get the feeling
back in my legs...

if I don't
do exercises?

In time you may want
to be fitted with braces.

No, I want to do
something now. Today.

I'm sorry, Livie, but I don't
think you've got a choice.

There must be something
she can do, Doc.

Some kind of medicine, maybe.

Not that I know of.

But you've got time on your
side, Livie.

You're a young woman, you're
determined...

and I think you'll make
a good recovery.

I'll look in two,
three times a week.

If the pain should get worse...

or the fever come back,
you send for me.

Is it safe for the children
to come in now?

-Yes, I think you can see them.
-Now?

-If you like.
-I'll go get em. Be right here.

I'll let myself out, John.

Alright, children,
you can see your mama now.

Slowly, Ben, quiet.

Come on, Erin.

Mamma!

This is my medicine.

Mary Ellen, I hardly recognize
you without your baseball mitt.

Jimbo, if you don't
get a haircut

somebody's gonna mistake you
for a sheepdog.

Ruf, ruf.

And Miss Elizabeth what's
this I hear about...

your rediscovering your thumb?

I've stopped again, Mama.
For good.

I'm glad to hear it.

Can you feel this?

No, Elizabeth, I can't.

Where's Erin?

-She was downstairs with us.
-I'll find her.

Jason you've got your harmonica?

Yeah.

Play us a tune.
Something lively.

Grandma, where's Erin?

She ran outside.

Erin?

Erin?

Erin?

What are you hiding out here
for? Your mama's asking for you.

John-Boy, I'm afraid.

You've got nothing
to be afraid of.

I don't wanna see mama sick.

-Like a different person.
-Erin.

John-Boy, I don't want mama
to change!

Quiet, now. Hush, honey.
Erin, you listen to me.

The important things about
your mama haven't changed.

They never could.

The way she feels
about you and me.

Maybe now she can't walk...

but she's the same person and
she want's to see you.

I'm ashamed.

You've got no reason
to be ashamed.

It's natural to want the people
you love to stay the same.

Come on, she's waiting for you.

Shh!

Here's your stray lamb.

-Erin.
-Mama.

Sweetheart.

Mama's room has become
the center of the house.

Every day she talks with us...

telling us of the hopes and
dreams she has for each of us.

"Meetheth me beside
the still waters.

"He restoreth my soul:

"He leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness...

for his own name's sake.

Though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of...

That's lovely, Ben.
But would you do me a favor?

Would you read
from the "Song of Solomon"?

I just love
chapter two, verse eleven.

Sure, Mama.

Here it is.

"For, lo, the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone.

"Flowers appear on the Earth.

"The time of the singing
of birds is come...

"and the voice of the turtle
is heard in our land."

Ain't that beautiful.
You read it with such feeling.

You really want to be
a minister?

-If that's what you want, Mama.
-What do you want?

Preaching would be fine, but I'm
interested in being a salesman.

Salesman?

Remember that big fish
that I caught...

and Daddy said it would
be okay if I sold it?

I sold it to Mr. Gards for 15
cents and he doesn't like fish.

He said at the time
I'd make a crackerjack salesman.

-You ought to try it.
-What would I sell?

Doesn't see to be much
of a future in fish around here.

How about magazines?

Like Collier's and
Saturday Evening Post?

I hear some boys are very
successful at it.

I'd sure like to give it a try.

It seems that mama is anxious
to see us make a start...

toward fulfilling the
possibilities...

she feels
we have.

I want you to go
for that dance with G.W.

I wanna see you looking pretty
and girlish in a frilly dress.

-I don't have a frilly dress.
-I know.

And that's why
we're going to make you one.

Go get the Ladies' Home Journal.
Go on.

We all tried to carry out
mama's wishes

to please her and ourselves.

She encourages Jason
to work on his music.

Says he should try out for the
amateur show...

in Charlottesville.

With me she seems most to enjoy
about talking about college

and what I'll be doing there.

University of Virginia.

I can just picture you there.

In my raccoon coat
and my porkpie hat?

What you'll wear doesn't concern
me as much as what you'll learn.

-What courses you gonna take?
-I don't know.

I hope I can get in. They've
got so many requirements.

I want to get it all
fixed in my mind.

You know, Mama, the campus is
only about 25 miles from here.

I can just drive down there
and pick up catalogs.

We could plan it out,
right here.

-I'd like that.
-I would too.

I'm gonna ask Daddy
when he can spare the truck.

John-Boy, do you think
I'm being foolish?

No, Mama.

-Oh, good morning.
-Good morning

-You're new?
-Well, I'm not really here.

I mean, I'm not here yet. I'm
here, but I just want to talk.

About what?

How you register, how much
it costs...

what courses you have, and
everything.

Almost everything,
is in this brochure.

Fees, tuition cost, schedule
of classes...

and an entrance application.

Will you be applying
this fall?

This is sort of long-range
planning.

Also could you direct me
to the School of Medicine?

I would have thought you were
the arts and humanities type.

You're right. I am interested
in a career in journalism.

My mother's sick, so I was
wondering ...

if I could talk to someone.

-Your mother's sick how?
-With polio.

Then you should see Dr. Miller
in Experimental Medicine.

Over in Jefferson County,
Walton's Mountain.

Yes, I know. I come
from up around Crabtree Falls.

-Are you in your freshman year?
-No, I'm still in high school.

I'd like to come here, if we can
get the money together.

-I see. Please sit down.
-Thank you.

Doctor, one of the reason's I
came here today was to see you.

I wish I could examine
your mother...

but I never seem to get very far
away from this lab.

I hope there was something you
could suggest for us to do.

There's no vaccine
to stop the damned crippler...

and no medicine to repair
the damage once it's been done.

But we're working on it.

I gather you've noticed
I've got a personal interest.

I was 18 years old,
a pretty good football player.

Then one Saturday I had these
strange pains in my back...

on Sunday I was completely out
of my head...

and by Monday I was paralyzed
from the waist down.

It's the same way
with my mama.

That's the pattern.
We stand by helplessly...

and just hope for the best.

Our doctor, Dr. Vance,
has put splints on her legs.

That's the accepted approach.
Nobody knows if it really helps.

I was reading in the newspaper
about Sister Kenny...

and she's worked out
her own treatment?

She's an Australian nurse. We're
now checking into her methods.

She claims an extraordinary rate
of recovery.

But, she's also attracted
to a lot of controversy.

I'd like to find out
more about her.

Nobody knows too much yet.

Maybe there's some place I could
write to...

in Australia or something.

I'll tell you what: Leave me
your name and address...

I'll see if I can get some of
her pamphlets...

detailing the procedures.

I'll mail them. Show them to
your doctor, see what he thinks.

I would be grateful
to you for that.

It's no trouble at all, son.

Isn't that something, Doc?

It certainly is remarkable,
Olivia.

Never thought a few weeks ago...

I'd be proud as a peacock
at just being able to sit up.

You got quite a nurse here.

-Isn't she a wonder?
-I may steal her away from you.

I'll get mama some fresh water.

Erin's different.

You never know what a person
is till she's put to the test.

Now that you're
able to sit up...

I'd say a wheelchair
might be next.

I don't need a wheelchair.
I'm going to walk.

You're a stubborn woman.

But for a stubborn woman,
anything's possible.

You keep up
the good work, Olivia.

What's the use of making the
frilly dress? I can't dance.

We'll get to that.

Yes, I heard of Sister Kenny.

Is she a nun?

Uh, no, grandma, I think
in Australia

they call any nurse "sister."

As I remember, she was...

working in the back country
down there...

and she came up with her own
treatment for polio.

The doctor at the University
says she claims...

a really high recovery rate.

You know what she does
different, Doc?

No, I don't, but if you get
the pamphlets, I'll study them.

Okay.

But don't get your hopes up.

Most times these quick cures...

turn out to be some
kind of quackery.

Could use your help
out back, son.

Okay, I'll get my coat.

Mama, make them go away.

It's bad enough
without them watching.

There'll be people watching you
at the dance.

If they snicker I'll slug them.

Quite a well bred young lady,
you are.

Okay, Jason, strike up the band.

-Quit hawing at me.
-Mary Ellen, you've got to move.

G.W. is not gonna carry you
around the dance floor.

-The tortoise and the hare.
-Yeah.

-Not too fast.
-Mary Ellen, what are you doing?

You're leading me. Remember
what I told you?

You're the girl, I'm the boy.

She forgot.

Let's do it right, okay.
Last time.

Looks like a tugboat.

It's the dumbest thing
I ever did.

That's better.

-Smile.
-I don't feel like smiling.

Smile anyway. One, two, three.
One, two, three.

Very good, Mary Ellen.
Very good.

Won't I get any credit
for my feet?

You're elegant, John-Boy,
just elegant. Like your father.

Lift your feet little higher.

A little higher.

Liv, you moved your foot.

Liv, you moving your foot.

It's moving.

Your foot's moving, Liv.

John-Boy, children, look.
I can move my foot.

Mama, you did it!

I moved my foot.

Mama!

I'm going to walk again.
Just wait and see.

I'll be walking by Easter.

You're gonna walk right
to the Easter sunrise service.

I can't believe it.
I moved my foot.

-Here you go, John-Boy.
-Thank you.

-Is this it?
-Yeah. What were you expecting?

Big check for one of those
stories you send off?

A doctor at the University of
Virginia...

promised to send
pamphlets on polio.

-Hi, men.
-Sheriff.

-How's your mother, John-Boy?
-She's able to move her leg.

-Thank you.
-Well, that's good news.

-That's good. I'm too late, Ike?
-No, we got lots of time.

It's like a day without sunshine
if I miss it.

John-Boy, you better send that
doctor a note and remind him.

I guess I'll do that.

Funny. He didn't seem
the man to forget.

-Ike, time's moving right along.
-We won't miss a word.

John-Boy, if anything
comes in from the university.

-I'll bring it over.
-Thanks, Ike.

-How do you turn this on?
-I'll turn it on.

John-Boy, why don't you stick
around...

and listen to
Ma Perkins with us?

-Not today, Ike.
Thanks for the licorice.

My best to your mom.

On your way back from
Charlottesville...

stop at Ike Godsey's
for my stew beef.

About 15 cents worth
will do just fine.

And I need 15 cents
of blue sash...

for Mary Ellen's new dance
dress.

15 cents for a piece of ribbon?

I promised Livie.

Man does not live by stew beef
alone, old woman.

Don't misquote Scripture
to me, old man.

15 cents for a piece of ribbon.

Tell Ike to throw in
a large soup bone for that.

I'll try, Ma.

What do you feel about the
audition, Jason?

I guess I'm ready.

He should be.
He's in the barn half the day...

worrying
that guitar to death.

You got nothing to worry about.

Have a way with music
like no one.

Can we come with you, Daddy?

What would you two be doing
in Charlottesville?

-We could do something for mama.
-Everybody else is.

Mama did ask me to bring back
some springtime with me.

Where can you find that?

Can't find that
in any catalog I've ever seen.

I have an idea of how you can
do something for your mama.

-What is it?
-Come, I'll tell you on the way.

Take those gloves out of your
pocket. Here we go.

You want to go to
Charlottesville, son?

I can't. I got too much work.

-Bye, Ben.
-Good luck.

-Thank you.
-He doesn't need it.

-Yes, I do.
-In you go.

Don't put your feet on the seat.

Okay, Daddy.

Bye.

Pick you up in about
a half an hour.

Okay.

-Good luck.
-Thank you.

-John-Boy, I don't know.
-Don't know what?

Playing for the family
is one thing...

but playing
for Osgood Tennyson...

who's used to hearing the best,
is something else.

-You're one of the best.
-Maybe I'm not.

-You don't want to find out?
-No, I do, but I don't.

I think this is it.

What are you kids
doing back here?

We're looking for the place to
audition for the amateur show.

Oh, okay, this way.

Are you Mr. Tennyson?

No, he don't get here
till the day of the show.

I'm his advance man, Snyder.

Well, what's your specialty?

Tap dance? Juggle?

Imitate Laurel and Hardy?

No, not me. My brother
plays the guitar and sings.

-Sensational.
-Jason Walton.

Okay, let's hear it.

Right now?

Well, you gonna audition.
Audition.

Hold this.

Let's have the entry fee first.

The entry fee?

It didn't say anything on
the poster about an entry fee.

$1 in advance.

Then I guess I can't audition.
I don't have $1.

Wait, kid.

Tell you what, for you
I'll make it 50 cents.

Everybody's got 50 cents.

Not me.

Come on. Let's wait and audition
for Mr. Tennyson.

Program will be set
when he gets to town.

Then maybe the manager
of the theater...

or someone over
at the newspaper.

Wait.

-Mama, guess what?
-You earned your first million.

My first 50 cents.
I've got eight customers.

Three for The Saturday Evening
Post, two for Collier's

two for Liberty and the Baldwins
took the $3 special.

You're a salesman alright.

-Mind me not being a preacher?
-I'm proud of you.

Oh, watch out, Elizabeth.

-Is that Daddy and the children?
-Yes, ma'am.

What're they doing out there?

I can't tell. It's going
to be a surprise for you.

What do you call
these things, Daddy?

Crocuses, honey.

Crocuses.
That's a hard word.

I know, but it's one of your
mama's favorite flowers.

These things really
turn into flowers?

They sure do.
The sun shines, the rain falls.

One day this is going
to be blooming with color.

How long will it take?

Well, they should
come in about Easter.

Mama will be well
then, won't she?

I hope so, son. I sure hope so.
Now, pat it down real good.

There you go, honey. Drop it
right in there. Attagirl.

I've got to get
that order into town.

You're still at it, huh, Liv?

I try to add
five minutes each day.

Don't overdo it.

- There's no change, John.
- What do you mean?

Just look at the way
that leg's moving.

I could do that a week ago.

I wanna swing my legs
over the side of the bed

stand up, walk to the closet,
choose me a dress

dash down the stairs
and run out into the yard.

Healing takes time.

-Do you think I'll walk again?
-I think you will.

Dr. Vance doesn't think so.

-Did he say that?
-Not in so many words.

But every time he comes he talks
about braces and the wheelchair.

He's saying, "Face it, Livie.

Resign yourself to being
an invalid."

Liv...

I told you as plain
as I know how.

I believe you're
gonna walk again.

How much does the doctor charge
every time he comes here?

That's no concern
of yours.

I can't just lie here
with an empty mind.

That's a good sign.

I don't follow you.

You're getting feisty.

Is that Dr. Vance?

No. I don't know who it is.

It sure was a pleasant
surprise...

for you to come all the way up
here and make a special visit.

It took a long time
to locate those pamphlets.

And I know how important every
day, each hour can be...

when you first start trying
to work your way back.

So I decided to deliver them
in person.

Alright, children,
go on back to your homework.

Elizabeth.

What do you feel about this
Sister Kenny method, Doctor?

Well, it's radically different
than our accepted procedures.

She said she doesn't believe
in using splints.

No, she insists that instead
of preventing muscle damage

splints can cause it.

As I understand it, she thinks
the muscles go into a spasm...

and need to be relaxed
by using hot compresses.

That makes
good sense to me.

Yes, we can learn
a lot from folk medicine.

Sister Kenny uses wool blankets
wrung out in boiling water.

Then, once the muscles relax,
she starts massaging them.

The idea is to keep a path from
the brain to the muscles open.

That sounds simple enough.

Many of my colleagues
think it's too simple.

Now, understand,
I can't prescribe it.

You can show it to your doctor,
if he sees merit in it....

Well, I'll get these
to him right away.

Would Mrs. Walton feel up
to seeing me for a few minutes?

John, I think
she should.

Well, sure, fine.

-I'll tell her you're coming.
-Good.

-That's very encouraging.
-Thank you, Doctor.

I'm not speaking
as a doctor.

I'm remembering
when I was in your place.

It was months
before I could do that.

I figure if I keep exercising,
I'll get more and more control.

That's certainly possible.

I know you want
more than possibilities.

You want certainties
and guarantees.

Well, there are none with polio.

-But as long as there's hope.
-That's the spirit.

Remember, we human beings
are highly adaptable creatures.

There may come a time when
you'll feel you can't go on...

unless you know you'll get back
to the person you were before.

Trying to tell me I'll have
to settle for less than that?

Not for less,
but maybe something different.

I hope you don't have
to face that, but if you do...

I know you'll know
how to handle it.

-Thank you for coming to see me.
-Good luck.

I'm looking forward to the day
when you can come and see me.

Down here, G.W.

Hurry up, G.W.

Mary Ellen, you go
at everything too fast.

This is as good
a place as any. Okay.

You said you want
to practice.

-Where's your mitt?
-Not baseball, dancing.

Now, Mary Ellen?

When we start moving around
that dance floor Friday night...

nobody's going to be snickering.

What's that?

Ricky May's movie magazine.
She loaned it to me. Look.

-Who are they?
-Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

That's what I want for us.

-Mary Ellen...
-Now, take me in your arms.

Are you going to take me in your
arms, or am I gonna wham you?

Closer.
Okay, now relax.

It's very simple. It's just
one, two, three, okay?

One, two, three.

-Sorry.
-One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Well, what worries me
is taking off those splints.

Without that support...

Olivia could find herself a lot
worse off than she is now.

Yeah, but the steam heat,
the massage.

Now that sounds exactly
like what Livie needs.

Well, you do
what you think best.

I guess I just don't
believe in miracles.

Sister Kenny doesn't claim
to work miracles.

But to my way of thinking

starting something like
this now is just postponing

the adjustment Olivia's gonna
have to make sooner or later.

-Adjustment?
-Olivia's not dealing the cards.

She's got to take the hand
she's got and accept the fact

that she's crippled.

It's hard, but it's true.
She's got to accept it.

Quit straining
to do the impossible.

Get on with the job
of shaping a life for herself

with her new limitations.

No.

I have tested
and retested those nerves.

I know what the odds are
against recovery.

-Doc--
-Just a minute, son.

You see, Doc, Livie's
not ready to hear that yet.

We're just gonna have to talk
it over with her, that's all.

Well, you all let me
know what you decide.

Thanks for the coffee.

Let's take the splints and start
the Sister Kenny treatment now.

It's not going
to work a miracle.

If you do it,
you'll be taking chances.

I'll take them. I'm making
no progress this way.

Livie, listen to the boy.
There are risks involved.

But the hot poultice will ease
the soreness in those muscles.

And that in itself
is a blessing.

At last I'll be doing something
instead of lying here.

-Come on, let's get started.
-You're right.

I'm going to get things
going in the kitchen.

-Livie...
-John!

Come on, John.

Alright.

-It's ready, Ma. Here it comes.
-It's hot.

-Just wait for me to get it.
-Don't scald the young 'uns.

Pour the lava out
of the volcano.

Oh, that's enough.

Here, use this.

Esther, watch your fingers
in the wringer.

There's always someone
on the sidelines giving orders.

When we get two of these,
we should take them to the room.

-Erin, I'll go with you.
-Okay.

Ah-ah-ah, Esther.

-Alright.
-Will you be quiet?

Don't rush it.
Come on, Erin.

-Here's another one.
-Here's another pot.

-Who's got a pot here?
-Quick.

-Where's the pot?
-Hurry up, Ben.

-I've got it.
-Grab it.

This can go.

Too hot?

No.

-When do we start the exercises?
-Not for two or three more days.

Okay, here.

I'm gonna go down
and get some more of those.

-Take the can.
-Of course.

-Put some more water on to boil.
-Right.

Alright, Livie?

-What are you so down about?
-I've been practicing my song.

I'm going to play
in the amateur contest.

Why should that depress you?

Well, the more I listen
to it the less I like it.

I think it's real pretty.

That's 'cause
you're my grandma.

If I didn't like it,
I'd say so.

Don't you think it's too quiet
and slow to please an audience?

If you don't like it,
find something else.

I want to play a tune
of my own.

Something will come to you.

Grandma, don't stop.

I'm finished.

Iron a little longer.
I was just getting the rhythm.

Keep on ironing
when the job's done?

Please, Grandma, couldn't you
just re-iron that sheet?

Oh, I vow, I don't know what
this family's gonna ask me

to do next.

A little faster, Grandma.

Just hold her under the calf
and turn her foot in a circle.

Okay.

Think you're turning
your ankle now.

Think of it. Try to pretend
you're doing it.

You're turning your ankle.

Pretend you feel it.
You're turning your ankle.

You're turning your ankle.

Okay now, let's do
the other leg.

John-Boy...

John-Boy, if I could
just get on my feet.

You're not ready for it, Mama.

Please, come on, help me.
Give me a chance.

Okay.

Alright, this will save you.
Here, scoot up.

-Say if you feel any pain.
-I will.

Get her under the arm, Erin.

Okay, one, two, three, up!

It's no good. I can't do it.
Why am I so impatient?

You've all been so good to me.
Why can't I just be satisfied?

It'll happen.

Alright, Erin.

You do the work
and I'll do the thinking.

Okay, now...

you're bending your knee.

Now you're bending your knee.

Keep your brain open.

Just keep the passage flowing
from the brain to the....

Pretend you're doing it.
You're bending your knee.

You're bending your knee.
Now turn her ankle.

-You two lose something?
-We're looking for our crocuses.

The ones we planted
for Mama.

Yeah. Well, I don't see
any signs of them.

-But what if they never come up?
-They'll come up alright.

As soon as they're ready, them
crocuses will start croaking.

Are you sure of that, Grandpa?

I'm just sure
as I'm sure of anything.

They're nice and snug
and warm down there.

They know if they stick their
noses up too soon...

old Jack Frost
might nip them off.

They're our Easter present
for Mama.

Easter, huh? Well, they've
still got plenty of time.

Have a little faith.

Well now, if it isn't
the Baldwin sisters.

Welcome, ladies.
Welcome

Mr. Walton, I hope you'll excuse
this unannounced visit.

Announced or unannounced

you charming ladies
are always most welcome.

You always say exactly
the right thing.

My old woman might dispute
that, but be that as it may

I thank you.

We thought we might
pay our respects to Olivia.

So far only
the immediate members

of the family
have been seeing her...

I believe you ladies
will do her a world of good.

We've also taken the liberty
of bringing a gift.

-You have?
-It's right back here.

We wanted something appropriate.

-What is it?
-It's a most impressive gift.

So thoughtful of you
to come and visit me.

We wanted you to know you're
in our thoughts and prayers.

-That's very kind.
-Thank you.

I do believe prayer changes
things. Don't you?

Well, I have an open mind
on that, Miss Emily.

Of course, the changes
may not always be exactly

what we would like.

It isn't always
easy to accept.

"God's ways seem dark

but soon or late they touch
the shining hills of day."

That's beautiful.

Can we bring
the present in, now?

Oh, yes, please do.

We hoped it might be useful.

It's one of the newest designs.

Mr. Godsey helped
us arrange for it.

Sister and I spoke
with Dr. Vance.

It's a very thoughtful
present. Thank you.

We wanted to do
something practical.

For a change.

This was his suggestion.

I hope we haven't overstepped
the bounds of friendship?

No. The best possible friends
and neighbors. Thank you.

Sister, we must go.

-We'll come back. If we may.
-Do.

Maybe after services on Easter.

-I'll look forward to it.
-Bye, Olivia.

Bye-bye.

John.

Livie....

-Liv.
-It's alright.

And the splints?

Taking them off
doesn't seem

to have caused them
any damage so far...

and these hot packs
probably made her feel

a little
more comfortable.

-Did you test the reflexes?
-No change.

That's a good, solid wheelchair.

Olivia should manage real well
with it whenever she's ready.

I don't want to hear any more
about wheelchairs!

-Listen, son, that's enough.
-No, that's alright.

I'd better be going.

I won't allow that kind
of disrespect in this house.

The water's boiling.

Go on ahead. We'll manage
with it. I'll take that.

-You ready? For tonight?
-I guess so.

-You don't want to back out?
-No, do you?

-No. I'll be here by 7:30.
-Okay.

Oh, G.W., tonight,
don't whistle.

-G.W., come on in.
-Thank you.

-Hey, G.W.
-Good evening.

I've seen a suit like that
on a dummy before.

-Where's Mary Ellen?
-She's upstairs.

Is she sick?

No, she's practicing
a few dance steps.

Mrs. Walton'd

like to see the two of you
together before you go off.

Liv, look who's here.

-Hello, G.W.
-Hi, Mrs. Walton.

Mary Ellen.

Open your jacket
and let me see your suit.

-My, you look nice.
-Thank you.

What do you think?

You'll be
the prettiest girl there.

Mama.

Let's show them
how we dance, G.W.

G.W.

-Oh John, aren't they good?
-Real good.

Just think what it's going
to be like when you have music.

You two run along now,
and have a wonderful time.

Thank you, Mama.

-Goodbye, Mrs. Walton.
-Goodbye, G.W.

Goodnight, honey.

-G.W., have a good time.
-Okay, bye-bye.

-Don't stay out too late, hear?
-Okay.

John, would you please get
that thing out of my sight?

Livie....

Well, how was it?

At first it was terrible.

I mean, it was worse
than I expected.

Everybody was kind of standing
around looking at everybody.

So G.W. and I got up and started
to dance. And it wasn't so bad.

When it was time to go home, I
just wished it would never end.

In fact, three boys already
asked me to the next dance.

How did G.W. feel about that?

He wanted me to promise not to
go dancing with anybody but him.

Did you promise?

I told him I'd think about it.

That's my girl.

Thanks, Mama.

Why don't you go get ready
for bed, then come back?

Okay.

Don't forget to hang up
your dress.

Okay.

Here you go.

Jason, my boy,
tonight is your big night.

Maybe.

I wish we could
be there to hear you.

I'm gonna tell you something.

-You're gonna be.
-Really? How?

Hold on there, John.

You realize what it'd cost to
take this entire outfit there?

It's not going
to cost much money.

We're getting a special discount
because Jason's playing.

And when he gets up there
on that stage

I think he should hear
from us Waltons.

Good luck, Jason.

You can tell Livie and me
about it when you're back.

-You're going, too, Grandma.
-You inspired the song.

Well, I'd like to, but Livie
might need something.

I'm staying home
with Mama. I want to.

That's settled, then.

Pass those biscuits.
Here, and give me some butter.

-Take them off, please.
-But Mama, it isn't time.

Please take them off. I can't
stand them another minute.

Honey, I'm sorry
for snapping at you like that.

-After you've been so gentle.
-That's okay, Mama.

If I was you, I'd be
yelling all the time.

Sounds like Daddy
and the children.

They're coming in the house now.
I hope Jason won.

They're awfully quiet.

Then that might mean
that Jason didn't win.

-Did Jason get the prize?
-I won't tell you what happened.

We're gonna show
you what happened.

-Come on.
-John!

Here we go. Get
that comforter. Let's go.

Alright, watch the chair.

-Okay, ready?
-Look who's here.

-Look who's here.
-Miss First Nighter.

It's good to be down here
with all of you.

Tell you what we were thinking
when riding back tonight.

And we realized that
you and Erin have not seen

one of the best shows ever.

So we decided to do
a little show for you.

And Grandpa's kindly volunteered
to play the part...

of Mr. Osgood Tennyson.

The greatest discoverer
of raw talent in the world.

I do believe I'm too modest
to do the part justice.

But still, I'll try.

Please, no applause.

Very well, if you insist.

Now, my friends,
for I know you are my friends...

thank you for listening
to my incomparable show...

each and every Monday night
on your favorite radio station.

First, to start off with...

we have the greatest animal act
I have ever seen in my life:

The Whistler and his Dog.

Okay. Sit up.

Shake hands.

Play dead.

There, didn't I tell you?
Didn't I tell you?

That dog, now,
he's absolutely brilliant.

But we could do
with a new master.

And now, to mosey along,
our next act is:

Eleanor the Elocutionist.

Mary had a little lamb,
its fleece was black as soot.

And everywhere that Mary went,
his sooty foot he put.

Didn't I tell you?
Oh, she's marvelous.

Just brilliant. And to think,
that she's only 39.

And now for the great act
of the evening...

our contestant,
Mr. Jasbo Walton.

Mr. Jasbo Wilton.
Monsieur Jasbo Walton.

Monsieur Jason Walton...

and his celebrated guitar solo,
the Ironing Board Blues.

I'd like to dedicate this song
to my Grandma, who inspired it.

* Daddy's in the sawmill
cutting railroad ties *

* Mama's in the kitchen
baking apple pies *

* Grandpa and the children
have 'em chores to do *

* While Grandma tries to
iron out the Ironboard Blues *

* Oh, the Ironing Board Blues
it's old and it's new *

* It's fast or it's slow
it's just whatever you choose *

* You needn't be afraid
to state your views *

* And tell all the world you've
got the Ironing Board Blues *

* Grandma gets the rhythm
walking to and fro *

* Her feet tap syncopation
on the kitchen floor *

* The Ironing Board is squeaking
on the one and the two *

* And you know that

* Grandma Walton's playing
the Ironing Board Blues *

* Oh, the Ironing Board Blues
is old and it's new *

* It's fast or it's slow
it's just whatever you choose *

* You needn't be afraid
to state your views *

* And tell all the world you've
got the Ironing Board Blues **

Now, folks, although
the other contestants...

were celebrated
and equally talented...

I think there's no doubt
we must award first prize

in this contest to Monsieur
Jasbo Walton, or whatever.

Here it is.

Thank you.

-Jason, what a handsome guitar.
-It's a humdinger alright.

Oh, I'm so proud of you.

And thank you all
for the show.

It was almost as good
as being there.

Play something on the new guitar
for Mama.

It's been a long,
hard day. Go to sleep.

Can't you see I'm praying?

Put in a good word for me.

I always do.

I need all the help
I can get.

-Zeb.
-Hmm?

You were real good tonight
as the announcer.

Not that good.

Easter is less
than a week away.

Spring is still not in sight,
and Mama seems no closer

to walking.

Suppose this is the year
when spring never comes...

no green buds, no blossoms

with the promise
of fruit and harvest?

Men must have shared these same
doubts for thousands of years.

Asked themselves, "What must we
do to bring back spring?

What can we offer you in
exchange for an end to winter?"

The beginnings of new life.

Mama strong and well again.

What can we do?

Don't you think you've
done enough for one day?

No. Today, I am going
to take some steps.

Mama.

Thought maybe I'd stroll over
to the door.

Isn't that a nice word,
John-Boy?

"Stroll."

I never realized before...

how many beautiful words
we have to describe walking.

"Amble. Pace.

-"Stride. Saunter."
-Up.

It all comes down to putting one
foot in front of the other...

without falling on the floor.

Stand away, John-Boy.
Today, I'm going to do it.

It's now or never.

If at first you don't
succeed....

Okay, okay, okay.

Why can't I do it?
My legs are so much stronger.

The pain is gone.
What's the matter with me?

-You're doing your best.
-I'm not, else I'd be walking.

Stroll.

Amble.

Saunter.

Now, that's enough.
No more.

If you try any more, you'll undo
everything you've accomplished.

-Everything I've accomplished?
-Let's get back to bed.

Give me your arm.

Up.

Easy.

You know,
you're right, Mama.

Your muscles seem better,
your reflexes are good.

-Maybe you're trying too hard.
-John-Boy, that's enough.

Sometimes when you're trying
to learn something new...

and your mind wants your body
to do certain things...

the more you think about it,
the stubborner your body gets.

When Daddy was trying
to teach me how to swim...

at first I was all tense
and just straining

to remember everything
he'd said to me...

and I just nearly drowned.
But as soon as I loosened up...

and didn't think so much,
it came real easy to me.

John-Boy, I am very tired.

Maybe tomorrow.

Tomorrow's a good day to start
getting used to my wheelchair.

-Mama.
-Come on.

Close the door, please.
I want to get some rest.

She's tired and disappointed.
Tomorrow when she feels--

Tomorrow your mama's gonna start
using the wheelchair.

How you can say that? We know
she can't stop trying to walk!

You and I started this.

She's done her best,
and we all have.

-Now, it's no use.
-I don't believe that!

There's strength in her legs.
I won't let her give up!

John-Boy, will you stop
tormenting her and yourself?

The only way your mama's gonna
get peace of mind...

is to resign herself
to God's will.

Is it God's will that Mama
spends her life in a wheelchair

-Hobbling on crutches?
-So it seems.

If that's your God, Grandma

I won't accept his will,
for Mama or myself!

John-Boy!

John-Boy!

John-Boy!

-What's wrong?
-You better go after him, son.

Well, I hope you've run
yourself out, son. I sure have.

It's quite a drop.

Better be careful, son.

You never know when a piece
of that earth's gonna drop off.

Yeah.

I guess in this world you just
can't count on anything.

Can you?

I just don't believe that,
John-Boy.

Mama's given up.

She's given up.

Grandma says that's
for the best.

She says we have
to accept that as God's will.

John-Boy.

I think maybe
your grandma's right.

Oh, Daddy, all my life
I've been preached to...

about this God of love
and mercy watching over us.

Just show me one thing that's
loving and merciful about this.

-I don't know that I can, son.
-Of course, you can't.

What kind of a God
would do this?

You feel he hasn't kept up
his part of the bargain, huh?

He hasn't.

Well....

Maybe that's because
it's your bargain, not his.

I don't know much
about this personal God...

that your mama
and your grandma believe in...

but....

I do know there's a power
working in our lives...

protecting us, blessing us all
these years, son.

And we've accepted those
blessings.

Now, it's time for us
to accept the other.

That's you saying that?
You're saying that to me?

You? That's like lying down.
That's like quitting.

Like looking up
at the sky and saying:

"Okay, Lord, it's alright
with me if it's your will."

I don't accept that, and I don't
see how you can accept that.

It's not my way to lie down and
let life kick me in the face.

And it's not your
mama's way either.

I mean, things you can change
you gotta try to change.

But some things
you can't change in life.

Standing around and shaking your
fist at the sky won't change it.

It may make you feel better
for a minute or two

but it doesn't change anything!

Daddy, you listen to me.
As a boy I worshipped you.

I worshipped the ground
you walked on.

I tried with all my heart to
believe everything you told me.

And I tried to be just like you.

But now we've come
to a fork in the road...

and I just don't believe one
word you're saying to me.

John-Boy, you're going to have
to find your own answers, son.

But this much I do know...

good times and bad times
come to all of us.

And what counts...

what counts, son,
is the way you take them.

What you let those times
do to you.

That's what counts, son.

It's not enough for me.

John-Boy, that's all
I got to say to you.

I'm sorry.
It's not enough, Daddy.

I'm sorry.

Listen to that rain.

We sure need it.

The last storm of winter.

Or maybe the first spring rain.

John, is that wheelchair
still around?

Yes, it is, Liv.

It's out in the hallway.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna start
learning how to use it.

What's happened, Liv?

This afternoon I had a little
lesson in humility.

Got to get back
to the business of living

with things the way they are...

instead of the way
I wish they could be.

You sure?

Hmm-mm.

-Goodnight.
-Goodnight

Mommy, come and help me.

Mama, Mama, Mama
Help me, Mama! Help me!

One of the devil's after me.

Mama, Mama!

Livie.

I heard Elizabeth call.

I just had to go to her.

She was having a bad dream.

I'm alright.

I'm alright.

I'm alright.

Oh, look.

Isn't that beautiful?

It's our surprise, Mama.

Olivia, how did you do it?

I don't know.

Maybe you were right,
John-Boy.

Maybe I was trying too hard.

When I just got up
without thinking....

Well, look at me.

I can walk as well
as any 1-year-old in the county.

I just may take you dancing
when you grow up.

I will walk.

I'll be walking by Easter.

"I am the light of the world,
sayeth the Lord.

"He that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness...

but shall have
the light of life."

* Raise your joys
and triumphs high *

* Alleluia!

* Sing, ye heavens,
and earth reply *

* Alleluia!

* Love's redeeming
work is done *

* Alleluia!
Fought the fight.. *

My mother did go to the sunrise
service that Easter morning...

and there was a special joy
in all our hearts...

as she stood leaning
on my father's arm...

facing into the first glorious
rays of the sun...

which rolled back
the darkness...

and warmed the wakening world
to new life and hope.

Many Easters have passed
since then.

Other springs have been slow
to come...

but inevitably winter
has yielded to spring.

The years have brought the full
quota of blessings and trials..

joys and heartaches.

The same old questions recur:

"Why my child? Why my wife?
Why me? Why?"

And the search for answers...

has been taken up by new
generations of grandchildren.

But it's still reassuring
for me...

to catch the echo of those
dear, familiar voices...

on that Easter long, long ago.

* Alleluia! *

-Mama?
-Yes, Elizabeth?

Which crocuses
did you like the best?

Blue, or the yellow,
or the white?

They're all so lovely,
I liked them all equally.

-Same as us children?
-That's right.

-Goodnight, Mama.
-Goodnight, Elizabeth.