May 18, 1917
Spring was in full bloom on Walton's Mountain the next time John got a pass home. This time, he had two weeks. He would be able to spend Olivia's 18th birthday with her, as he didn't have to leave again until June 1.
May 23 was Olivia's 18th birthday. John took her on a date on her birthday. He took her to Charlottesville for a movie and supper. They then spent the night in a hotel room, leaving John-Boy with Grandpa and Grandma.
June 1, 1917
Tears streamed down Olivia's right cheek as she clung onto her husband at the train station.
"I hate this, John. When can you be home for good?"
"This war can't go on much longer, Livy. You'll see." John smiled.
"Take care John."
"I love you, Liv. I'll think about you and John-Boy always."
"As I will you."
July 10, 1917
It was a hot summer afternoon when Olivia went to Dr. Vance. She had been experiencing nausea and hunger the past three days.
"It's a weird combination of symptoms." Olivia told Dr. Vance.
Dr. Vance smiled. "Not at all Olivia, in your condition."
"In my condition?"
"John-Boy will be a big brother very soon. You're pregnant, Olivia!"
"Oh Doctor!" she smiled. "Really?"
He nodded.
"When is he or she due?"
"Well, the date may fudge a little, but I'd say early to mid-February."
Zeb and Esther were waiting in the truck with John-Boy.
"This heat will kill a person." Zeb said.
"I'm sure Olivia and Dr. Vance are just talking."
"I wish they'd hurry up. I'm about to die from heat stroke."
Olivia came out.
"There you are, Daughter." Zeb smiled.
"What did the doctor say, Olivia? The middle of July is a strange time for influenza."
"John-Boy is gonna be a big brother come February!" Olivia beamed.
Zeb and Esther hugged her. On their way home, they stopped by the store to call John. He was thrilled.
After locking up again, Olivia sat in the truck and kissed John-Boy's forehead. "Our family is growing." She whispered with a smile.
August 17, 1917
It was John-Boy's first birthday. Now it was evening. Esther and Olivia were downstairs washing the dishes while Zeb put John-Boy to bed.
"John-Boy. Oh John-Boy." Zeb smiled after kissing his grandson goodnight. "It's hard to believe you were born just a year ago today. Where did the time go? And in only a few months, we'll be calling you Big Brother."
September 27, 1917
After putting John-Boy to bed, Olivia went back downstairs. She sat in the living room with Zeb and Esther.
"Which do you think it will be Livy?" Zeb asked. "A boy or a girl?"
"Based on this pregnancy compared to John-Boy's, I'd say it's another boy."
"Another boy." Zeb pondered.
"You don't think you'll get your girl this time, Livy?" Esther asked.
"It's a 50-50 chance." Olivia said. "I'm just basing my guess by John-Boy's pregnancy."
"Unless they're twins." Zeb interjected.
"Oh Zeb, don't say that!" Olivia said with a sick look on her face.
Zeb chuckled. "I'm just teasing you, Honey."
Olivia smiled. "I know." She yawned. "I'm tired. I'm gonna go up to bed. Night Zeb. Night Esther."
"Goodnight Olivia." Esther said.
"Night Livy." Zeb said. Then he turned to his wife. "I'm gonna hit the hay too. Care to join me?"
"I have just a few more dishes to dry. Then I'll come."
"All right. I'll be waiting."
September 28, 1917
Olivia awoke the next morning at 5:20 a.m. in a cold sweat. She had a nightmare that John was a prisoner Olivia tried to sleep. She couldn't. After 15 minutes of just laying there, she quietly crept past John-Boy's crib and went down into the kitchen. She grabbed the can of Folgers, added water and coffee granules to the coffee pot, and set it on the stove.
"Livy, it's not even six o'clock." Zeb said, coming out of the bedroom. "Did that September night wake you too. It's unusually hot for this time of year."
"I'm sorry Zeb. I didn't mean to wake you. I had a nightmare and couldn't get back to sleep."
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. I'm not so sure about John. He was in my dream. He was a prisoner of war. It seemed so real."
"Honey, would you feel better if you called him?"
"I sure would!" she smiled. "Do you mind, Zeb?"
"Not at all, My Dear. Godsey's Store opens at 8. Would you care to walk there with me?"
"I'll be ready at 7:30." She smiled.
October 12, 1917
October brought more seasonal temperatures. Along with those fall temperatures came the beautiful leaves with ever-changing colors.
"I don't miss walking to school." Olivia said. "However, I would be excited for today because Friday was my favorite day when I was in school."
"I never missed school either even though Friday was the best. But being a wife and mother is so much better." Esther smiled.
"I can't imagine my life before John and John-Boy. And now this little one too. Only five more months."
"Have you and John picked out a name yet?" Zeb asked with a smile.
"We have. We're keeping the name Mary Ellen for a girl. That's the girl name we had picked out before John-Boy was born. And if it's a boy, we're going to name him Jason Wade."
November 10, 1917
Olivia went to Ike's store to call John on his 23rd birthday.
"Happy birthday John!"
"Thank you Olivia. I'm so glad to hear your voice. You sound great."
"As do you."
"How are you feeling these days, Honey? Only four more months to go."
"I'm feeling great. The downside about a winter baby is it's harder to get out and walk. I was able to get out and go for walks in the days leading up to John-Boy's birth. But since this one's due in the middle of winter, I don't want to chance getting a fall on the ice."
"It's a funny thing, Liv. I miss those cold winters back home. We have virtually no snow here in Belgium. December and January here feel like October back home."
"I'll send you some snow." Olivia laughed.
"I wish you could. Hopefully I can get a pass to come home soon so I can get my snow for the year."
"Well if that's the only reason…" Olivia teased.
"The snow is just a bonus. The main reason would be to see my wife and my baby."
"Good answer." Olivia smiled.
"I love you Liv. Thanks for calling."
"I love you John. Bye now."
December 10, 1917
It was a snowy day and Zeb went into Charlottesville to get decorations for Christmas. While there, he was given a telegram. He read it and hurried home.
"Did you get those decorations Zeb?" Esther asked.
"No Esther, I didn't."
"Well Christmas won't schedule around your forgetfulness."
"Esther, this is the reason I didn't get them." Zeb replied, handing her the telegram.
7-month pregnant Olivia stood watching as she held John-Boy.
Esther read the telegram and began crying. "Oh Zeb!"
Zeb hugged her.
"Ben's dead." Zeb said solemnly. "He was only 20 years old."
Olivia's mouth dropped open. She set John-Boy down on the bench at the table and ran upstairs. She sat on her and John's bed and began to sob.
"Oh God, bring John home! Please bring my children's father home!" she prayed through sobs.
December 16, 1917
John, Ike, and Ep escorted Ben's body home.
December 18, 1917
Ben's funeral was this day. At the funeral, no one said a word. No one had to. When someone that young dies for his country, nothing needs to be said.
December 19, 1917
Ep and Ike had to return to Belgium the day right after Ben's funeral. John, however, got a 2-week family emergency leave. He would be able to spend Christmas with his family even though the circumstances were not ideal. This was not how he wanted to be able to spend Christmas back home.
"John-Boy's gotten so much bigger." John said. "I took a picture of him when I was here in May." He pulled it out of his pocket. "This is what he looked like then."
Olivia looked at the picture. "It's amazing how fast he changed in 7 months. He looks so little here."
"He was. It's hard to believe how big he is. And in another 6 weeks, he'll be a big brother."
Olivia smiled.
"Liv, I asked Ep and Ike what they thought this baby would be." John grinned.
"John George Walton! You gambled over your own baby?!"
"Take it easy Liv Just a little harmless fun. Anyway, Ep says it's a boy, Ike says it's girl."
"How about you, John?"
"I think it's a girl." John smiled. "How about you, Olivia?"
"Boy." She smiled.
"Really?"
She nodded. "This pregnancy is almost identical to John-Boy's. Grandma says it's girl though. Grandpa says it's twins."
"I hope Pa's wrong." John smiled.
"Me too." Olivia laughed. "Pa says it's a boy and Ma says it's a boy."
"The both agree." John smiled. "I'm not sure. For your sake, I'm hoping it's a girl."
"I'll be happy either way." Olivia smiled.
January 2, 1918
John took the bus to Charlottesville. It was a snowy day. He kissed Olivia at the depot.
"Bye Sweetheart. I love you. 8 months down, 1 to go. Take care of our baby."
"I will. Take care of you." Olivia smiled. "I'll call you just as soon as I can once the baby's here."
"I'll count on that." John smiled, kissing her once again.
He then turned to his mother.
"Take care of her, Ma. Make sure she behaves."
"I will John." The 40-year old woman smiled. "Take care of yourself."
John hugged Zeb.
"Keep me posted on the mill."
"I sure will, Son." He said.
John kissed his 1 ½-year old son. "I love you John-Boy."
"Daddy." John-Boy began to cry.
John wanted to cry but he didn't. "I love you Son. I'm sorry but Daddy has to leave. I love you. Get Mama out of the snow, okay?"
Olivia fought back tears watching them.
"Bye." John said as he kissed Olivia's stomach. "I love you, Little Sweetheart. Can't wait to meet you."
February 4, 1918
Olivia tucked John-Boy into his crib. She then went onto the porch and sat with her in-laws.
"Spring may finally be on its way." Zeb smiled. "The snow's melting. The temperature is rising. The days are getting longer." He looked at Olivia. "And new life is about to begin."
Olivia smiled. "Any day now, Grandpa."
"Don't get so used to the 53-degree days, Zeb. We're supposed to get snow and have a 20-degree day tomorrow."
"Oh dear, dear." Zeb said. "Winter is a stubborn old woman."
"Indeed she is. Hangs on forever. Then finally spring comes." Olivia replied.
"I thought it was old man winter." Esther said.
Zeb smirked.
"Spring, my favorite time of the year." Esther smiled.
"Mine too." Olivia smiled.
"Mine three." Zeb sighed. "John four?"
"Nope, summer is his favorite season. Long days to go fishing, swimming, or just relax."
"Summer." Zeb smiled.
"Fall is Mama's favorite. She loves the autumn colors and the cool, crisp night air. Pa, he's like John; he prefers summer."
"I don't blame Danielle for liking fall. It's my second favorite." Esther smiled. "It too is a beautiful time of the year."
Olivia yawned. "I'm sorry Esther, it's not the company. It's the fact that you have a woman on your hands who's 9 months pregnant and due any day. I'm gonna turn in."
"Night Livy." Esther and Zeb said.
February 5, 1918
Around 11 a.m., Olivia went into labor.
"Zeb, go get Dr. Vance." Esther said. "He's probably home. I doubt he'd drive in this snow to work."
In about half an hour, Zeb brought Dr. Vance. Zeb then went to the general store.
It was nearing 8 p.m.
"Esther, I can't go on much longer!" Olivia said.
"Hang on, Olivia. The baby's almost here."
At 8:03 p.m. on February 5, 1918, a cold and snowy evening, John and Olivia became the parents of two children.
"It's a boy, Olivia." Dr. Vance smiled.
"Jason Wade Walton." Olivia smiled, cradling her newborn son.
Dr. Vance went into the living room and got Zeb.
"Come meet your new grandson." The doctor smiled.
Zeb got John-Boy and they went into the bedroom to meet Jason.
February 6, 1918
Zeb drove Olivia to the store to call John.
"John, I just called to tell you that you are the father of two now. Jason Wade Walton was born last night at 8:03. He weighed a little over 8 pounds and was 20 inches long. John-Boy is thrilled to be a big brother."
"Oh Olivia, that's wonderful! I just wish I could be there."
"I wish you could too. I love you John. I miss you."
"I love and miss you too Livy. Bye."
"Bye."
February 12, 1918
Olivia took a trip to West Virginia to visit her parents. She took John-Boy and Jason with her. She was gone for two weeks.
February 26, 1918
When Olivia returned to Walton's Mountain, it was snowing.
"I thought it would be spring by now." She told Zeb.
"This weather's supposed to stick around for a week or ten days." Zeb said.
And it did. It wasn't until mid-March that the first signs of spring came.
July 4, 1918
Zeb hosted a firework show to celebrate the country's birthday. He held it in front of Ike's store and opened it to the community. Olivia sat inside with John-Boy and Jason for most of the evening because they hated the loud sounds and began to cry. But the adults enjoyed the festivities!
November 10, 1918
Olivia went to the store to call John on his 24th birthday.
"Hello John! Happy birthday!" Olivia greeted her husband.
"Olivia, thank you Sweetheart! How are you? How are my boys?"
"Fine." She replied. "The boys are growing like weeds."
"Olivia, I have the best news for you. It's not official yet, but the war is over! President Wilton will announce it over the radio tomorrow. Ike, Ep, and I are coming home!"
Olivia hugged her boys. Tears covered both of her cheeks. "You will grow up knowing your daddy! I'm so happy. Thank you God!"
"John, let me tell your parents the good news." She told him.
"All right." He smiled.
Olivia told Zeb and Esther. Esther began crying. Zeb kept saying "My boy's coming home!"
Olivia picked up the receiver again. "Esther and I are crying and Zeb keeps yelling." Olivia laughed.
"I can't wait to se you all. We don't get to come home right away. But we'll be home by Thanksgiving."
"Oh John, I love you!"
"I love you Olivia."
November 19, 1918
The bus pulled into Charlottesville. John got off. Olivia handed Jason to Esther.
"John!" she ran to hug her husband and jumped into his arms."
"Oh Livy, I've missed you. I'm so glad to be home and stay home."
Olivia leaned deeply into a kiss from John. She then saw the two other returning soldiers.
"Ep, Ike, I'm sorry. I'm just so excited to see him." She laughed.
"No apology necessary." Ike chuckled.
"I can only imagine how much you've missed him." Ep smiled.
She nodded. "But you're all home now and this terrible war is over. That's all that matters."
Zeb dropped Ep of at his house in Charlottesville. He then took Ike to the store. He explained where everything was with the business. Then he drove everyone else home.
Thanksgiving and Christmas of 1918 were highlights for the family ecause John was home.