In the winter of 1941, the war in Europe brought turmoil. However, since it was over there, it seemed far off to many people in the U.S. yet. However, no one expected the tragedy that Sunday morning in early December would bring. It was the tragedy that would bring the war home.
December 7, 1941
Jason walked up onto the front porch and sat in a chair next to his brothers.
"The snow looks so pretty." Ben smiled.
"Yeah but not for long." Jason chuckled.
"What do you mean by that, Jase?" Jim Bob asked.
"We're supposed to have another 4-5 inches by the end of the week." Jason replied.
"And so it begins…" Ben sighed.
"The never-ending season of winter." Jim Bob added.
"So long grass. See you in March." Jason said. Then he laughed.
Upstairs, the girls were complaining about the weather as well.
"Winter has to be the worst season." Elizabeth said. "I have to wear these wool socks that make my feet sweat. Then I have my dress on. Then I have my jacket, hat, and gloves. And I'm still cold besides my feet!"
Erin laughed. "Oh I know, Elizabeth. But at least you only have to wear wool socks. I have to wear pantyhose that have a run in them. And they're thin so they're really cold this time of the year. But I actually really like December. I love Christmas and New Years'. I just wish we could skip from January 2nd to… oh maybe March 15th or 16th."
Joy smiled.
Mary Ellen strolled into her younger sisters' room. "What a beautiful morning, sisters. Are you lovely ladies ready for church?"
"We will be in about 5 or 10 minutes." Erin said.
Mary Ellen smiled and nodded. She walked down the hall singing, "You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss…"
"What's got her in such a good mood?" Elizabeth asked.
"Christmas?" Joy suggested.
"Maybe, but you also have to remember that woman is going to Hawaii to see her husband Tuesday. Not only will she get to see the love of her life, she'll also get ou here just in time to miss the big dumping of snow we're gonna get." Erin smiled.
"MORE snow?!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
Erin nodded.
The girls grabbed their jackets and gloves.
"Hurry up, April." Elizabeth said, following her sisters out of their room.
"Are we gonna pick up John-Boy and Jenny?" Joy asked as the girls went down the stairs.
"I think so." Erin replied.
John-Boy and Jenny had been married for six and a half years. Together, they had four children: 5-year old Jen, 3-year old John, nearly 2-year old Isaac, and 1-year old Andrew. And just three weeks ago, John-Boy and Jenny found out that they were expecting baby five in May.
As for Mary Ellen, she and Curt had just celebrated their second anniversary in October. Their son John Curtis had turned a year old in late July. Currently, Mary Ellen was six months pregnant with their second child, due in late February or early March.
The three younger Walton girls sat down at the breakfast table.
"Where's Mary Ellen?" John asked.
"I'll go check on her." Erin said.
Erin went upstairs into John-Boy's old room, currently occupied by her sister.
"Mary Ellen!" Erin gasped. "Are you all right?"
Mary Ellen sat on the bed with her hand on her stomach. She turned to her younger sister. She forced a smile. "I'm fine."
"No you're not." Erin replied gently.
"Oh, it's just that this little one is tough. He or she can sure kick."
After a minute or so, the kicks stopped.
"Whew!" Mary Ellen sighed. "Baby Willard is a tough one."
Erin smiled.
"Oh Erin, I'm so excited for Tuesday!"
"I know you are." Erin smiled.
"I'll finally be able to see Curt!" Mary Ellen beamed. "It's been so long. I really have missed him."
Erin nodded.
"It just hurts so much sometimes." Mary Ellen whispered, a lump in her throat.
Erin noticed her sisters' quivering lip and shiny eyes. Erin squeezed Mary Ellen's hand. She could only imagine how hard it was for her big sister.
"It just hurts to be so far away." Mary Ellen whispered, as a tear slowly ran down her right cheek.
"I'm sorry Mary Ellen." Erin whispered.
"Darn pregnancy emotions." Mary Ellen replied. "Sorry, I didn't mean to cry."
"Don't be sorry." Erin smiled. "You've been a shoulder for me to cry on many times."
"I have a pretty special sister, don't I?" Mary Ellen smiled.
"I know I do." Erin replied.
"I love you Erin." Mary Ellen smiled.
"I love you Mary Ellen." Erin replied.
The sisters hugged.
"Well, Daddy was looking for you at the breakfast table."
"Tell him I'll be down shortly."
"I will." Erin replied.