December 12, 1938

The whole family got together to decorate John and Olivia's house.

That night, Mary Ellen's boyfriend, 22-year old Curtis Willard asked John for his blessing to marry Mary Ellen.

"We love you Curt, we know our daughter loves you, yes you may marry Mary Ellen."

"Thank you Sir." Curt smiled, shaking his hand.

May 15, 1939

Curt was coming to Walton's Mountain to take over Dr. Vance's patients. Dr. Vance had been gone since April due to hard times. Curt had just completed his final semester of medical school. Mary Ellen had one more year of nursing school left and then she would work as an LPN alongside him.

The couple had settled on October 14, 1939 as the day of their wedding. Mary Ellen would have Erin as the maid of honor with Elizabeth, Jenny, and Vanessa (Curt's 19-year old sister) as bridesmaids. Joy and Jen would be flower girls. Curt had John-Boy as his best man with Jason, Ben, and Jim Bob as groomsmen. John would be ring bearer. For colors, they decided on sapphire, turquoise, and navy.

October 13, 1939

The night before Curt and Mary Ellen's wedding was their rehearsal.

"Fall is settlin' in so nicely." Mary Ellen smiled. "I just love this time of year." She walked to church with her sister-in-law Jenny.

"Oh I do too. This is my favorite time of the year. I've always been partial to autumn." Jenny agreed. "I just love the colors, the holidays, the weather. It's the perfect season."

"Agreed." Mary Ellen smiled. "God really outdid Himself when He made Spring and Fall. Those are my two favorite seasons."

"Mine too." Jenny smiled.

After the rehearsal, there was a meal. Some of the siblings spoke.

"I can't believe you're leaving tomorrow." Elizabeth said. "You've been my sister so long and always taken care of me. I'll miss havin' you at home…" she began to cry. "I love you Mary Ellen."

Mary Ellen hugged her, tears in her eyes. Curt also hugged Elizabeth.

"I'm so happy for you Curt." Vanessa smiled. "I love you so much, Big Brother." She hugged Curt, then Mary Ellen.

Next came Erin. She began crying before she started talking. "I love you Mary Ellen." She choked out. She couldn't say anymore through the tears, so she went to hug her. Curt wrapped his arms around the sisters. Tears streamed down Mary Ellen and Erin's faces.

Erin knew she had to go on with her speech. "Mary Ellen has been there for me countless times. She's that sister/best friend I can always count on…" she began to cry again. "I'll miss you but I'm so happy for you and Curt."

After the rehearsal, everyone went home. The boys had gone to bed. Erin and Elizabeth sat upstairs in their room.

"I wonder where Mary Ellen and Joy are at." Erin said.

"I'm not sure." Elizabeth said. She looked out the window. "They're outside."

"It's a pretty night. It's a full moon tonight." Erin replied.

"It sure is." Elizabeth smiled.

Down on the porch, Joy sat on Mary Ellen's lap, both sisters crying.

"Why do you have to go, Mary Ellen?"

"I'm marrying Curt. Curt's gonna be your new brother."

"And you won't be my sister anymore?"

"No, I'll still be your sister. I'll be your sister forever."

"But why does my sister have to go away?" Joy sobbed.

Mary Ellen was crying as well. She took Joy's hand and led her down the driveway.

"See the full moon?" Mary Ellen asked, pointing to the sky, with tears on her cheeks. "You and I see the same moon, same stars, and the same sky. No matter where we are. So even when I'm not here, look at the moon and know that I'm seeing it and thinking of you always."

Joy began to cry again. Mary Ellen hugged her. "I'm gonna miss you so much Mary Ellen."

"I'm gonna miss you too, Sweetheart." Mary Ellen sobbed. She hugged Joy tight.

Mary Ellen was 15 years old when Joy was born. Mary Ellen had practically been a second mom to Joy. They were very close. Now their relationship would change since Mary Ellen would no longer be around all the time.

Tears streamed down Mary Ellen's cheeks as the memories came back. She gave her youngest sister a squeeze. "I love you so much Joy Olivia Walton."

Joy sniffed. "I love you too." Joy's cheeks were covered in tears. Mary Ellen bent down and wiped them away.

"Come inside, Honey. Let's get ready for bed." Mary Ellen took Joy's hand and led her into the house.