November 12, 1915
"You're pregnant, Olivia!" Dr. Vance smiled.
Olivia's mother-in-law Esther jumped up and hugged her.
"Oh, isn't it wonderful?!" Olivia beamed. "you're going to be a grandmother, Esther!"
"Wait until we tell Zeb and John." Esther smiled. "Zeb has been talking about becoming a grandfather since the day you two got married."
"When am I due, Doctor?" the young 16-year old mother-to-be asked.
"August." The doctor replied.
"Oh, a summer baby! It'll be harvest-time." Olivia smiled. "One of my baby's first sights will be the beautiful golden colors of later summer." She hugged Esther again.
Esther and Olivia went back to the waiting room where Olivia's 50-year old father-in-law sat. Esther sat next to him.
"Zeb," Olivia smiled, sitting on his other side. "We'll be calling you Grandpa before you know it. John and I are having a baby in August!"
Zeb jumped up. "Whoopee!" he hugged his wife and daughter-in-law. "That's the best news I've heard all week!"
Zeb drove Olivia and Esther to Ike's General Store on the way home. Ike Godsey was the young 20-year old storekeeper on Walton's Mountain. John was born in November of 1894 and Ike in September of 1895, so the two were very close to the same age. They had been best friends since high school.
"Ike, can I use your phone?" Olivia asked.
"Sure Olivia, is something wrong?"
"Something's wonderful." Olivia smiled. "John and I are having a baby in August!"
"Oh Olivia, that's wonderful!" Ike hugged her. "Let me pay for this call." He smiled.
"All right." Olivia beamed.
Once she dialed John's room, he answered. "John Walton speaking."
"John," she smiled. "How good to hear your voice."
"Livy, I've missed your voice too. How are you, Honey?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I went to Dr. Vance today. We'll be calling you Daddy soon because I'm pregnant!"
"Oh Olivia, that's wonderful news!" her 21-year old husband exclaimed. "I wish I were there to pick you up and hug you and kiss you."
"I do too. I sure do miss you John."
"I miss you too Olivia. I'll tell Ben the good news. He'll be so excited to be an uncle."
"I'm sure he will." Olivia smiled as she pictured how excited her 18-year old brother-in-law would be.
"When is the baby due?" John asked.
"Sometime in August."
"Hopefully I can get a pass to come home."
"I hope so too."
"I love you. Thanks for calling, Olivia."
"I love you John and I'll write you as soon as I get home. Bye John."
"By Sweetheart."
A tear streamed down her cheek as she hung up. "Why do you have to be so far away?" she whispered.
"Are you all right Olivia?" the young storekeeper asked.
"Yes." She turned to him with a smiled. "I'm fine. It's just so hard to have him away. What I'd give to have him here. I know he was only here last week, but right now that seems so long ago."
"It was good he could be home. He looks great. It's hard to believe we're the same age. Still, seeing him in that uniform. He looked 40 instead of 21."
"I know what you mean." Olivia smiled, her eyes shining from the tears.
After a few moments she thanked Ike and returned to the truck.
Once Zeb, Esther, and Olivia all got home, Olivia helped Esther with supper while Zeb chopped wood.
"It is a chilly autumn night. Winter is coming fast." Zeb said, coming inside with the firewood.
"The sun goes down earlier every evening. With that, it seems like each night is cooler and cooler." Olivia replied.
After supper, Esther and Olivia washed the dishes while Zeb read the evening paper. After that, everyone decided to turn in early. Before going to sleep, Olivia sat down in her bedroom and wrote a letter to John. She hated sleeping in that bed all by herself, but she had been doing it for the past 3 months. Her in-laws, whom she loved dearly, were downstairs in their room, but she still felt very lonely at times.
December 25, 1915
It was Christmastime on Walton's Mountain. The ground was covered with snow and everything was cold outside. But the warmth of love and family made things seem very different from the outside weather.
Zeb, Esther, and Olivia were at Ike's where Ike had the radio turned to a station where soldiers were sending greetings to their families. One by one, each soldier's voice came over the air.
My name is Ryan Connors. I'd like to say 'I love you and Merry Christmas' to my parents Jack and Sue Connors, my brother Matt Connors, and my girlfriend Abigail Larson.
My name is Frank Long and I'd like to send my love and Christmas wishes to my parents Adam and Erin Long, my fiancée Katrina Nelson, Katrina's parents Fred and Pam Nelson, and Katrina's siblings Eric and Lydia Nelson.
My name is John Walton.
"John!" Olivia gasped, a smile on her face.
I'd like to send all my love and Christmas greetings to my wife Olivia. I love you, Baby. Also, to our unborn child due in August. I love you, sweet son or daughter of mine.
A tear streamed down Olivia's cheek as Zeb kissed her forehead. Esther took hold of Olivia's hand.
I'd also like to send my love to my parents Zeb and Esther Walton.
"Hallelujah! My son just mentioned me on the radio!" Zeb exclaimed.
"Oh Zeb, hush up!" Esther chided.
Olivia smiled at her father-in-law's enthusiasm.
Also, I'm sending my love to my in-laws, Olivia's parents, James and Danielle Nelson. I love y'all and can't wait to come home.
"I love you John." Olivia whispered. "Come home soon."
June 25, 1916
Ike Godsey came by after supper. A very pregnant Olivia answered the door.
"Hi Ike, come in."
"Hi Olivia, I won't stay long but I have some news for you. I've been drafted. The good news is I'll be stationed where John and Ep are. The bad news is the store."
At that point, Zeb and Esther came in the back door from the garden.
"What's this about your store, Ike?" Zeb asked.
"I've been drafted so I'll be leaving in two weeks." Ike sighed.
"Well since I just turned 51 in April, I doubt I'll be getting drafted any time soon. What if I'd watch the store while you're overseas, Ike?"
"Zeb, I'd be eternally grateful."
"Consider it done, young man." Zeb shook Ike's hand. "You've been like a son to me all these years. I'd be happy to watch your store."
With the help of Esther and Olivia, Zeb kept the Godsey's Mercantile open. It remained the center of activity on Walton's Mountain.
August 17, 1916
Olivia woke up at 4:12 a.m. in a sweat.
"It's gonna be a hot August day." She told herself. Just as she said that, a pain like she had never experienced before washed over her.
The baby!
She ran downstairs to Zeb and Esther's room.
"Esther, Esther," Olivia said, knocking on the door.
"That's Olivia." Esther told Zeb. "Olivia, come in."
Olivia came in. "I think the baby's coming, Esther."
"Zeb, get in the truck and get Dr. Vance. Then go to the store. We'll do better without you underfoot."
"Esther, I really don't mind if Zeb is here."
"Well, what if the people on the Mountain need something? Their needs may not schedule around your baby, Olivia. Besides, work will keep your mind off things, Zeb."
"All right." Zeb said with a sigh. He then turned to Olivia. "Take care, My Dear." He gave her a hug.
"Thank you Zeb. I'll try to get your first grandchild here by tonight."
"No hurry, Honey. Just take your time." He kissed Olivia's cheek. Zeb then walked over to his wife. "Take care of them, Esther." He said, kissing her lips.
"I will Zeb." She smiled.
Esther helped Olivia lay down. While the 39-year old woman wasn't a nurse or midwife, she had delivered and raised two boys.
"Esther," Olivia whispered, tears sparkling in her eyes. "I'm so scared."
Esther took the 17-year old's hand in hers. "Olivia, I love you as if you were my own daughter. I'm gonna be here with you now and I'm gonna be here with you when he or she comes."
Olivia smiled.
"Try and get some sleep." Esther whispered. "Zeb will bring Dr. Vance soon."
Olivia nodded and closed her eyes. When she awoke at 5:33, Dr. Vance stood in the room with Esther.
"Dr. Vance." Olivia smiled.
"Morning Olivia," the doctor smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"All right but definitely not my best."
"That's to be expected. You're in the early stages of contractions. They will begin slowly, coming closer together until you deliver."
Olivia nodded and sighed.
Six hours later, it was nearly noon. Contractions were coming much closer together.
"Oh Esther!" Olivia exclaimed.
"Olivia," Esther squeezed her daughter-in-law's hand. "I'm here."
"She's within a few hours of birth." Dr. Vance stated.
Esther squeezed Olivia's hand. "You're almost a mother, Sweet Girl."
Olivia smiled.
In another two hours, Olivia was in a lot of pain.
"OHHH! AW!" she yelled. Esther squeezed her hand.
In 20 minutes, Dr. Vance could see the baby's head.
Olivia pushed hard. "AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" she yelled.
"Good one." Dr. Vance said. "One more."
Olivia beared down and pushed with all her might.
Dr. Vance cut the baby's umbilical cord. "Baby is here." he said.
At the immediate speak of those words, tears poured down Olivia's cheeks.
"Oh Olivia." Esther smiled.
"It's a boy!" Dr. Vance smiled as he brushed Olivia's tears away.
"Can I hold him?" Olivia asked.
"Of course, Mama." Dr. Vance smiled.
"Mama." Olivia whispered as a huge smile spread across her face. She held her newborn son. "I love you." She kissed his cheeks and face. "John George Walton II, oh how I love you."
"Oh Olivia, how precious." Esther beamed, her eyes sparkling from tears.
About an hour later, Dr. Vance drove Olivia and Esther to Godsey's Store.
"Esther!" Zeb jumped when he saw his wife.
Dr. Vance and Olivia walked in, Olivia carrying a precious blue bundle in her arms.
"Oh Olivia, it's a boy!" Zeb said, almost emotional. Then the enthusiasm hit him. "WHOOPEE! I'm a grandpa!"
Esther, who would normally scold her husband, just let him whoop and holler. She even smiled as Zeb ran to the store window and turn the sign from "open" to "closed."
"Ike Godsey's General Store is closed for the day. I'm going home to spend it with my grandson. My…" he paused. "What's his name?"
"John George Walton II." Olivia smiled.
"My John-Boy." Zeb smiled.
"I love it. That's so much easier to say than John Jr." Olivia smiled. "From now on, that's what we'll call him. But before we go home, I'd like to call John."
Once John picked up, she smiled. "John, I've had a long, tiring day, but you're now a father. You have a healthy seven and a half, 20-inch son. John George Walton II was born just before two this afternoon. Zeb calls him John=Boy so we've all started calling him that."
"Oh Olivia, I'm so happy. You don't mind that it's a boy?"
"Not at all. It gives you an excuse to come home so we can have a girl. Plus, John-Boy is wonderful, just like his daddy. In fact, I've never seen a more perfect baby."
"Ben just came in. Hold on, let me tell him."
"All right." Olivia smiled.
After a minute, Ben came on the line. "Hi Olivia. Congratulations, I'm so happy for you and John. I'm really excited to be an uncle. John's telling Ike and Ep right now. Now Ike wants to talk to you. Is that okay Olivia?"
"Sure Ben, it's good to hear your voice. Take care, we love you."
"I love y'all too. Give John-Boy a kiss for me."
"I will." Olivia smiled.
"Hi Olivia, it's Ike. John just told me. I'm so happy for you both."
"Thank you Ike, we're thrilled."
"How's the store?"
"Zeb closed up early today to go home with his grandson. Is that okay?"
"Sure, tell him he can take the rest of the week off."
"Oh he'll be back tomorrow. Friday is the Baldwin Sisters' shopping day."
"That's right." Ike replied. "It's funny the little things you forget after being away for a while."
"We miss you Ike, but you'd be so proud of how Zeb is running the store."
"I'm sure I would." He smiled. "Well it was good talking to you Olivia. Ep had to go someplace but he told me to tell you congratulations and he can't wait to meet John-Boy. I'm going to give the phone back to John now."
"Good talking to you Ike. Take care."
"You too Olivia."
"Hi Olivia, give John-Boy a kiss for me. Tell him that his daddy loves and misses him and is thinking about him. My sergeant just informed me that I get a 10-day pass to come home next week. I can meet John-Boy then!"
"Oh John!" Olivia began to cry. "There are tears of joy rolling down my face right now. That's wonderful news. I love you so much!"
"I love you Olivia. See you soon. Bye."
"By John."
She hung up the phone. She turned to her in-laws. "John's got a 10-day pass to come home next week!" she could barely speak and she began to sob.
Zeb picked Olivia up and hugged her.
Zeb locked up the store and drove his wife, daughter-in-law, and new grandson home.
During supper that night, Olivia set the crib up downstairs in the kitchen so she could admire her new son. After supper, she tucked John-Boy in the crib upstairs. She placed the crib right next to her bed.
"I love you Sweetheart. I'll see you in the morning."
August 25, 1916
John was coming home today. He would be able to stay until September 4.
John stepped off the bus.
"John!" Olivia beamed. She handed John-Boy to Esther. Then she ran to her husband. She jumped into his arms.
"Oh Olivia, I love you!"
"I love you John!"
He planted a long kiss on her lips. Then he asked "Where's my baby?"
"In the truck with your parents." Olivia smiled.
"It sure is good to be home Olivia." He smiled.
"I'm glad to have you home." She said as she kissed him on their way back to the truck.
John hugged his parents.
"Here he is John." Esther smiled as she handed the baby to John. "Your first son."
John beamed as he held him. John's smile was so radiant that Olivia didn't notice the tears streaming down his cheeks. John held his baby close. "Oh Sweetheart, I love you so much." He kissed John-Boy's little hands and cheeks.
Olivia smiled, fighting back her own tears.
Oh the drive, John held John-Boy the entire way home. All through supper, he held him, as well as the whole time he and Zeb talked ater supper.
"You're such a great daddy." Olivia smiled.
"Well John-Boy has one great mother to show me how to be a good daddy." John kissed his wife.
"I've missed you John."
"Oh Olivia, I've missed you so much."
"I love you." She snuggled in his arms. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Baby. I love you."
September 4, 1916
John's ten days went quickly. Soon he had to go back. Olivia cried when she said goodbye to him at the bus. "Take care of yourself John."
"I will." He said. "Take care of that son of mine, and his mother."
Oh the bus ride, John wrote about his first experience as a father.
I know that I have technically been a father since November of last year. But there's something about seeing your child for the first time. In an instant, you become a father. It's nothing you can really prepare for. In a second, you're aware of your responsibilities. I experienced this ten days ago with my firstborn, John-Boy. When I saw him for the first time, I cried. I'm almost 22 years old and a soldier. Yet a week-old infant brought me to tears. But he wasn't just any baby. He's my baby. My precious baby boy. My own flesh and blood. A literal part of me. I now understand my own father all the more. Becoming a father of a newborn baby is a special experience, one that every man should experience at least once in his life. I pray I can experience it again.
October 16, 1916
Ben was home on a 2-week pass.
"I wish John could be here." Ben said.
"I do too." Esther smiled.
"John-Boy is the best late birthday gift." Ben smiled, holding his nephew. Ben had turned 19 about three weeks before John-Boy had been born. "Olivia, I love being an uncle. He's just beautiful."
"Thanks Ben. We're very proud of him."
"He has John's soft blue eyes and… Pa, what color was your hair?"
"Corn silk blonde."
"He's got Pa's hair. He sure looks like a Walton." Ben said.
Olivia smiled.