Spring came late in 1941. We were well into March when we finally got rid of the last of the snow. The Spring of 1941 is one that I will never forget, nor will my family. A great change was about to shake our family.
March 18, 1941
"How's it going Pa?" 47-year old John Walton asked his father.
The 75-year old smiled. "Almost have this row of seedlings planted."
"I'm glad Pa. Spring took her own sweet time getting here, but she's well worth the wait."
"Indeed." Zeb smiled. "You know, Son, this is my favorite time of the year."
"I knew you took a particular liking to Springtime."
"There's just something about watching life rise up again. It just makes you glad to be here to see it."
"I agree. There is something special about it." John smiled.
That evening, John and Zeb got back to the house. They ate supper with their wives and children. Everyone was over for supper that night. Curt was home on furlough, so he came over with Mary Ellen and John Curtis. John-Boy and Jenny were also over with Jen, John, Isaac, and Andrew. And Ben's girlfriend Cindy Burson came over as well.
"I like this, all my children together. John remarked at the table. "Curt, it's great to have you home, Son."
"I'm glad to be back John. I've missed Olivia's cooking. I've got a couple guys in my camp that you make jealous Olivia. Whenever you send me a cake or bread, they'll ask me who it's from. When I tell them my mother-in-law sent it, they ask me if my wife has any younger sisters."
Olivia laughed. "Oh Curt, it's the least I can do. We think of you everyday and are so thankful for all you do, not just for us, but for our country as well."
Curt smiled.
"And John-Boy and Jenny," John added. "It's always great to have you guys over. Your kids are growing like weeds."
John-Boy laughed. "It seems like everytime I turn around, Jenny's telling me we're expecting again." He turned to his wife of 5 ½ years. "We're not pregnant, are we Sweetheart?"
"Not yet." She smiled. "I'd love to be, but not yet."
"And Cindy," John smiled. "You're so sweet. You've become like one of the family. Olivia and I love you as our own daughter."
"I love you both as well." Cindy smiled. "Since my mother died when I was 10, I really value my relationship with Mrs. Walton."
"You've got a great girl, here Son. I think I hear wedding bells soon."
Ben laughed. "I hope so, soon."
"Curt, Mary Ellen, we'd like you to come over on Thursday night. We'd like to have a celebration for Curt since he's home." Olivia smiled.
"Oh Olivia, you're too kind. You don't have to."
"I want to." She replied with a smile.
Curt turned to his wife. "Why can I never say no to your mother?"
Olivia laughed.
"We'll be over."
"Good." Olivia smiled.
That Thursday they had a party for Curt. No one expected what would happen two days later.
March 22, 1941
It was a typical Saturday at the Walton house. Ben, John and Zeb were up on the mountain finishing planting seedlings. In the middle of doing this, Zeb collapsed.
"PA!" John ran over to his father.
"Ben!" John called for his son, who was up helping them.
"Grandpa," Ben ran to help his father.
They put Grandpa in the truck and drove down to the house.
John picked up the phone in the living room and called his son-in-law.
"Curt, Grandpa collapsed on the mountain. We need you."
"I'll be right over John." Curt replied.
Curt and Mary Ellen were over shortly. Olivia took John Curtis from Mary Ellen.
Mary Ellen stepped into the room and saw her grandfather. Tears came to her eyes.
"I can't." she whispered.
Curt nodded sympathetically.
Mary Ellen went to the living room.
"Mary Ellen," Joy said tearfully.
Mary Ellen picked up her 5-year old sister. She sat on the couch with Joy on her lap.
After half an hour, Curt came out.
"He had a heart attack with cardiac arrest. I've done all that I can."
"Is he going to live?" John asked the question running through everyone's minds.
Tears stung Curt's eyes. He shook his head.
Joy began sobbing. Mary Ellen tearfully hugged her.
Elizabeth stared at the floor, tears in her eyes. Jim Bob put his arm around her. Jason hugged Erin. John hugged Ben. Olivia put her arm around John-Boy.
Jen began to cry. Jenny held her.
"I'm so sorry Grandma." Curt walked over to his wife's grandmother.
The 63-year old had suffered a stroke two winters ago, but she didn't let it stop her from speaking. "You did the best you could." She said slowly.
"I'm just so sorry. You loved Grandpa, I do too. We all do."
Grandma just hugged Curt and let the tears fall. Tears rolled down both Esther and Curt's faces.
Erin covered her mouth with her hands to stifle her sobs. Elizabeth cried.
John spoke after a while. "We're gonna need each other a lot. Pa's in his last few hours. We have to stick together."
Curt emerged from the grandparents' bedroom. "John," he said quietly. "He's gone."
Joy clung to Mary Ellen as both sisters sobbed. Olivia hugged Esther.
It was a very sad day in the Walton family.