Little House on the Prairie

Carl: Did we do something wrong, Ma? Julia: Oh no, nothing like that. I just want you to hear all I have to say and not interrupt, all right? Now, you remember when your father died, and where he went? Alicia: In Heaven? John: You're not supposed to talk. Julia: (smiles, puts her arm around Alicia) That's right. In Heaven! Now, some folks go there sooner than others, and God's decided that I'm going to see Him very soon. John: What are you saying? (long pause, starts crying) Oh my God, Ma! Julia: (angry) Now, just a minute, young man! I won't have you losing the Lord's name in vain in this house! I'll have none of that crying, either. There's no reason to cry for someone who's going to live in Heaven. You're crying for yourself, not for me! (John pulls himself together and stops crying) That's better. Now, I have a lot to do, and not a lot of time to do it. I need to find a home for all of you. Carl: I don't want to live with anyone else! Just you! Julia: God's made His decision. You love me, right? Carl: More than anything! Julia: If you love me, then you'll help me.

Julia: Alicia, is something wrong? Alicia: No, Ma. Julia: Come on, now. What is it? Alicia: It's just that I want something so bad, and I'm sure you'll say no--and it's making me all sad inside. Julia: Well, now, what makes you so sure I'll say no? Alicia: John said so. Julia: Your brother may be the oldest, but that doesn't mean he's always right. Alicia: You mean, you'll say yes? Julia: You haven't even told me what it is yet. Alicia: A puppy. Oh, Ma, I'll take care of him so he can be a good watch dog, so you won't be afraid at night. Please, Ma? Julia: Before I say anything, will you answer me something? Alicia: Yes, Ma. Julia: The truth? Alicia: The truth. Julia: Did your brothers tell you to ask me? Alicia: (pause) Yes, ma'am. Julia: (laughs and hugs her) All right, then, you may have the puppy.

Caroline: (about Julia's children) They're hard to say no to. Julia: Not hard--impossible! Oh, my husband was worse than me. He always claimed to be the tough one, but whenever they wanted something, they'd go to him. Caroline: Charles is the same way. Julia: It's harder to say no to them since their father died. It shouldn't be, I suppose, but it is. Grace: If I had children of my own, I could never say no. (chuckles) Of course, it doesn't look like there's ever gonna be any children unless I can get Isaiah to say yes!

Julia Sanderson: (written in a letter and read by Reverend Alden) Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all.