Episodes of the Second Season

#201 THE PROMISE                        (Original air date:   10/02/97)
 

Written by:	Claire Whitaker & Rolf Wallengren
Directed by:	Michael Schultz
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Rod Bridger	Doug Sheehan
Paul Bridger	Vien Hong
Kyle Purdy	Fred Applegate
Leo Greene	R. Lee Ermy

On the way to Russell's hometown of Sugar Springs, North Carolina for a park naming ceremony honoring Russell's late father, Claire receives an S.O.S. call from "Rod Bridger," an old boyfriend from her days in the U.S.O. during the Vietnam War. Reluctantly, Russell agrees that this is a promise she must keep. Claire arrives in Atlanta to discover that Rod has to break some news to his adopted Vietnamese son, Paul (now age 25) as Paul prepares to meet his Vietnamese sister for the first time. Rod tells Paul the truth - that he was forced to bomb an orphanage to take out a key artillery position. Paul was an infant, one of the few survivors found in the rubble. Paul reacts in horror, appalled, feeling that Rod adopted him merely to assuage his own guilt. Claire visits Paul to convince him that, regardless of the circumstances, Rod did his very best to raise Paul as his son and provide him with the best opportunities. At Hattie's urging, Russell makes a special trip to Atlanta to check on Claire and is able to help Rod deal with the repercussions of the war (so many years later) as well as the rupture with his son. Paul returns, ready to forgive and forge a new beginning with his adoptive father. Russell and Claire return to Sugar Springs just in time to hear Josh paying tribute to his grandfather at the ceremony.

#202 PAR FOR THE COURSE            (Original air date:    10/09/97)
 

Written by:	Willliam Schwartz
Directed by:	Vincent McEveety
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Fred Argyle	Steven Tobolowsky
Coop Lemley	Bill Mondy
Ethel Argyle	Janice Knickrehm

Designated keeper of the map, Nathaniel mistakenly leaves behind Hattie's handmade quilt of the family's travels during a family outing at a railroad museum. As a consolation to Josh's idea to visit an amusement park, Russell takes the family to a miniature golf course. Russell and Claire get tangled up in one disagreement after another, but there's more troubling Claire than her golf score. Sensing that Claire and Russell need some time to themselves (whether they like it or not), Hattie takes off in the Suburban with the kids in search of the missing map, leaving Claire and Russell to themselves for the remainder of the weekend. Hattie and the kids return to the railroad museum to discover that Fred Argyle, the manager of the souvenir shop, has appropriated Hattie's map as his own, claiming that if they want it back they have to purchase it like anyone else. Hattie challenges Fred to a golf match to win the map back, putting up a cherished locket should he win. Meanwhile, Claire and Russell work out the kinks and make good use of their time alone. Amidst sudden outbursts of tears and laughter, Claire reveals that she's pregnant. Russell is excited, thrilled and flat-out terrified at the prospect of being a father all over again. In a private moment, Russell talks to God, thanking Him for this blessing. Hattie discovers the reason Fred's so bitter is that he blames his mother for his not having traveled more. Fred wins the golf match - but Hattie teaches him that he may have won the match but he's losing the game by using his mother as an excuse for his own attitude. As for her loss, Hattie is not disheartened, realizing she can start over and that they'll have plenty of memories to choose from as they continue their travels. Finally, Russell and Claire break the news to the family that Claire is pregnant. As the Greenes cross the county line, they stop to help a motorist to discover it's Fred Argyle hitting golf balls on the side of the road - with his mother, coaching from the sidelines, sitting in a lawn chair. Fred thanks Hattie for convincing him to stop hiding behind excuses. Fred returns Hattie's map and Fred's mother, Ethel, beams that Fred's taking her to the lake (a nine hour drive) as she gratefully returns Hattie's locket.

#203 THE ROAD HOME: Part 2       (Original air date:    09/25/97)
 

Written by:	William Schwartz & Claire Whitaker
Directed by:	Burt Brinckerhoff
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Joe Greene	Richard Thomas
Sandra Mills	Connie Ray
Tess	Della Reese
Erasmus	Ossie Davis
Faith Hill	Karen Lamar

The continuation of a two part episode (part one aired as Touched By An Angel). In part one, Joe Greene returns to the home of Erasmus Jones where the Greene family is visiting. Joe is concealing the burden of a horrible secret -- that he ran a motorist off the road resulting in the death of a father and his son. Mistaken for a Good Samaritan for rescuing one of the young boys before the fatal explosion, Joe is on edge. When Russell starts to read between the lines, Joe comes clean. Part two resumes as Joe takes off, unaware that Nathaniel is a stowaway in the back seat. Hattie and Russell break the news to the grieving mother, Sandra Mills, that Joe was responsible for the accident that took her son and husband's lives. Russell has already informed the police. Meanwhile, Joe hooks up with his estranged wife (Karen Lamar), a country western singer, performing at a nightclub. Reluctantly, Karen puts Joe and Nathaniel up for the night. Joe wants to reconcile, but Karen knows him too well and sends him on his way the following day. While on the road, Joe gets a flat tire. Without any money to replace it, Joe wrangles Nathaniel into one of their old scams to distract the tire salesman while Joe steals one from a display. Uncomfortable acting as his father's accomplice, Nathaniel tries explaining his situation to the tire salesman hoping he might be able to work something out. The tire salesman catches Joe red-handed and turns him over to the police. By this point, Russell has notified the police of his brother's responsibility for the accident and Joe is arrested for vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving. The family visits Joe in jail -- Russell is not about to put up bail. Erasmus surprises everyone by putting his house up as collateral to bail Joe out of jail. Hattie is grateful while Russell is torn with conflicting emotions. Joe's lawyer meets with Joe and his family. By some twist of fate, the car was taken to a body shop instead of a secure impound lot and mistakenly repainted, removing any evidence of the accident. Joe is off the hook. The family's reaction is mixed. Hattie can't help being relieved that her beloved son won't be going to jail. But Russell can't help feeling that Joe needs to be held accountable for what he's done. Tess meets with Russell one last time before the hearing. She reminds Russell of a high school basketball game in which Russell failed to trust Joe. She urges him to trust Joe to do the right thing. Joe is tried in court for two counts of felony vehicular manslaughter and one count of reckless driving. Joe takes everyone by surprise by pleading guilty -- assuming responsibility for the accident. Joe's lawyer tries to interrupt, citing Joe's extensive history of emotional problems. But Joe assumes full responsibility. The judge recommends four years at a minimum security correctional facility with the possibility of a reduced sentence of 18 months pending a six month evaluation. As difficult as this was for Joe, he earns the respect of his family -- especially Nathaniel.

#204 CRUSHED                              (Original air date:   10/16/97)
 

Written by:	Debra Epstein
Directed by:	Gene Reynolds
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Meredith Bix	Meredith Monroe
Coach Porter	Jeff Olson
Charlotte	Barbara Reams
Annie	Allison Brown
Daria	Emilee Susannie Barber
Chris	Marc A. Reading
Booker	Bryan Stewart
Michael	Josh James

Josh has met a beautiful girl named Meredith who also happens to run for the local track club, but unfortunately, the Greenes are about to leave town to see the space shuttle land. Josh and Meredith devise a plan to convince his folks to stay in town so they can continue seeing each other. Josh will fill in for one of the injured runners in the upcoming track meet. The problem, as Nathaniel points out, is that Josh is not a runner. Josh offers to "hire" Nathaniel as his very own personal trainer to prepare for the race as a consolation for pre-empting his plans to see the space shuttle landing. In a moment of teenage passion, Meredith is ready to take it a step further, asks Josh to make love to her. Josh breaks away, before he does something they both regret. The next day, Meredith apologizes for rushing things, assuming that Josh was just being responsible. Meredith hands Josh a condom, which he quickly pockets. Backed into a corner, Josh tells Meredith he's not interested, but before he has a chance to explain, she runs off. Meredith confides in her friends, taking Josh's response as a personal rejection. The rumor mill works its way to the boy's locker room -- where Josh finds the word "fag" written on his locker. As if this isn't bad enough, Josh returns home to find that his mom has found the condom in his pants pocket. When his dad presses the issue, Josh spills the whole story, including the harassment he's facing from his teammates. As far as he's concerned, he's ready to leave town and not look back. Russell catches up with Josh, commends him for doing the right thing even when it's not necessarily the popular thing. But he convinces him that the right thing includes sticking around to fulfill his commitment to the team and not running away from his problems. Josh storms the girl's locker room to sort things out with Meredith. He explains that his decision not to have sex has nothing to do with Meredith and everything to do with the fact that he's not ready for the responsibilities that come with a sexual relationship. Meredith comes to understand and respect Josh for his decision. Josh competes in the four-by-four-hundred relay race, helping his team to victory.

#205 MOOSTER'S REVENGE  (Original air date:   10/23/97)
 

Written by:	William Schwartz
Directed by:	Jim Johnston
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Aunt Mooster	Cloris Leachman
George Laverne	Bill Macy
Nurse Polly	Gwen McGee
Andrew	John Dye

The Greenes pay a return visit to Claire's Great Aunt Mooster, who has been unsettled by a visit from Andrew, the Angel of Death (Touched By An Angel). Mooster assumes that Andrew's presence means she is going to die, but Andrew tells her to take care of loose ends. Russell challenges the kids to a contest to see who can get rid of the most junk from the trailer. The contest spurs an idea to hold a yard sale for Aunt Mooster's barn full of old collectibles. Mooster gives them free rein to sell everything. But when she finds out the Greenes have sold her piano, Mooster is beside herself, particularly when she finds out that the man who purchased it is George Laverne, her estranged son-in-law (he was married to Mooster's daughter, Nancy, who has since died). Russell goes to George Laverne's house to buy back the piano, but George is unwilling to part with it. Mooster has Russell and Claire take her to George's house. Face to face, years of pent-up emotion and venom come pouring out. Accusations fly in both directions as to who was responsible for their problems, ending with Mooster blaming George for Nancy's death. While reaching for a fishing pole in Mooster's barn, Josh loses his balance and falls onto a bale of hay, dislodging a coffee can filled with money. Along with the money is a mysterious note, penned by Nancy, expressing the deep anguish that haunted her. Russell fears it was a suicide note, but Claire isn't convinced. While listening to one of Nancy's recordings, Hattie convinces Mooster to come to terms with her deceased daughter's troubled life and untimely death. Hattie expresses her own grief in coming to terms with Joe's mental illness and urges Mooster to do the same. Mooster flashes back to the day she found Nancy dead of an overdose. Mooster has Russell and Claire take her back to George's house. This time, Mooster is there to make amends with her estranged son-in-law. While they sit together at the piano, Mooster notices Andrew outside the living room window. She tries to get rid of him -- but unfortunately, it's George's time. The Greene family packs up to leave, with a new set of cherished memories of their beloved Aunt Mooster.

#206 ST. RUSSELL                          (Original air date:   10/30/97)
 

Written by:	Deborah Starr Seibel
Directed by:	Burt Brinckerhoff
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Kay Borgstrom	Anne Lockhart
Sten Borgstrom	Jay Patterson
Jenny Lillienthal	Rosalind Allen
Derek Lillienthal	Fred Sanders
Bridget Lillienthal	Kelsi Copier
Dan Hoagland	Scott Paulin

When a young girl, Bridget Lillienthal, turns up missing at a local lake in Minnesota, Russell scans the surface of the lake and makes a heroic rescue. The Lillienthal family express their gratitude, in awe of Russell's seemingly miraculous rescue. When Nathaniel mentions something about his Uncle's regular talks with angels, Kay Borgstrom is all ears. Kay has pancreatic cancer and asks Russell to pray for her. Russell initially turns her away, fearing that she's imbued him with special powers he doesn't have. Claire convinces Russell to help this woman, even if it means sitting with her to pray. Kay asks him to lay hands on her and suddenly plants a kiss on him, hoping to seal his blessing. The following day, Kay and her husband, Sten, tell Russell of the sudden improvement in Kay's health. The Greene family suddenly feels what it's like to live in a fishbowl as the town focuses its attention on them. When Kay's condition suddenly takes a turn for the worse, the town begins to turn on the Greene family. To make matters worse, a news reporter from the Minneapolis Sentinel, looking to uncover self-serving motives, adds fuel to the fire. The hysteria culminates in a fist fight between Russell and Sten in the hospital while Kay's fate hangs in the balance -- both are carted off to jail to cool their heels. The next morning, Russell and Sten are released from jail. The town's adulation has turned to wrath. The Greenes prepare to leave town, but not before Russell makes a visit to the hospital to check on Kay's condition. Russell sits with her a final time and prays for Kay and Sten. Kay regains consciousness, speaking with a newfound inner peace -- due in no small part to the Greene's influence.

#207 TAKE BACK THE NIGHT          (Original air date:    11/06/97)
 

Written by:	Claire Whitaker
Directed by:	Jim Johnston
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Dr. Smith	Jameson Parker
Dr. Bea Goldman	Lynne Thigpen
Clyde Pigeon	Duane Stephens
Queenie Pigeon	Micaela Nelligan
Frankie	Josh Marchette
Parker	Louis Crugnali

Most of the family has lined up jobs during a visit to a small Illinois town. On her way home at night from her job at a university hospital florist, Dinah is attacked. She bites her attacker and escapes. Dinah returns home, traumatized. Russell and Claire meet a social worker at the hospital, Dr. Bea Goldman, who explains what Dinah is going through. The effect of the attack ripples through the family. Russell handles this with great difficulty -- scouring the campus grounds, seeing suspects around every corner. The attack also triggers Claire's painful memories of a high school friend who was raped. Josh initially doesn't understand the profound impact this will have on Dinah for the rest of her life. But when a co-worker accosts a young woman on his job at a local car wash, Josh intervenes. The fight between the boys escalates, causing both Josh and Frankie to be fired on the spot. News of an actual rape on campus is a sobering reminder of just how lucky Dinah was to escape. When Dinah returns to work, she remains guarded around male employees. When Dr. Smith, a kind family man and a regular customer at the florist, asks how she's doing, Dinah's antennae go up. How did he know about the attack? He reminds her he's a doctor and has access to medical records. Dr. Smith invites Dinah and her supervisor, Mrs. Little, to lunch. Mrs. Little is called away at the last moment, leaving Dinah and Dr. Smith alone in his Mercedes Benz. Dinah notices the tell-tale bite marks on his arm when he reaches to put a CD in the player. She takes the first opportunity to bolt from the car at an abandoned amusement park. Dr. Smith pursues her through the house of horrors, assuring her he means no harm. Dinah manages to call her father and tries to call 911, but Dr. Smith hangs up the phone before the call is completed. Dinah manages to keep him at bay until her father arrives. Russell arrives in time to save Dinah and turns the Smith over to the police. A campus wide rally is held to raise awareness about rape awareness and the healing begins.

#208 MR. MUSCLES                                  (Original air date:    11/13/97)
 

Written by:	William Schwartz
Directed by:	Vincent McEveety
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Mark Gerhart	Robert Hays
Ryan Gerhart	Zachery Ty Bryan
Louise Gerhart	Jan Hanks
Coach Belmont	Scott Valentine

The Greenes' Suburban breaks down while traveling through Wyoming. Fortunately, Mark Gerhard, an old high school friend of Russell's, owns the local automobile dealership. Mark insists the Greenes stay with them while their Suburban is in the shop. Josh witnesses Ryan (Mark's fifteen year old son), a promising football player at the local high school, using steroids. When Russell finds out, he feels obligated to tell Mark. Mark doesn't let on to Russell that he knew all along about Ryan's steroid use. Mark's more steamed about Ryan embarrassing him in front of the Greenes than the drug use itself. Privately, Ryan explains to his dad how the steroids have improved his performance and convinces his dad to let him continue using steroids on the sly until the playoffs. When Claire (on assignment as a substitute teacher) witnesses a fight in the boy's locker room, she sees pills scatter across the floor. Fearing that steroid use among the team is a bigger problem than just Ryan, she and Josh meet with Coach Barnard to bring this to his attention. Coach Barnard assures Claire that his players' health is his number one priority and that he'll get to the bottom of it. But as soon as they leave, he phones Mark Gerhard and warns him they've got trouble. Gerhard offers Russell the keys to a brand new car -- but Russell turns down the offer seeing through Gerhard's ploy to diffuse the issue. Gerhard takes offense at what he considers Russell's interference and points out that while Russell may have been big man on campus, the roles have been reversed. Ryan shows up at the school dance marathon with some of his buddies to make trouble. Having initially drawn the line at steroids, Ryan pops another pill which sends him over the edge. He starts slamming into other dancers when suddenly he goes into cardiac arrest. Ryan is rushed to the hospital and stabilized. With the sobering news that Ryan's steroid use could have taken his life and may have resulted in long term damage to his liver, Mark is forced to acknowledge his own part in his son's condition. Russell helps put things in perspective, advises Mark to learn from his mistake and re-dedicate himself to his family.

#209 THE WINNER                     (Original air date:    11/20/97)
 

Written by:	Debra Epstein
Directed by:	Terrence O'Hara
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Rick Jasper	Brian McNamara
Cindy Jasper	Sara Rayne
Marie Jasper	Bette Ford
Miles Montgomery	Andy Freeman
Benny	John Pitacciato

While the Greene family partakes in an all-you-can-eat buffet at a Mesquite, Nevada casino, Nathaniel gets busted by security when he and a precocious nine-year-old named Cindy are caught using the slot machines. At Nathaniel's instigation, Rick Jasper (Cindy's father), offers Russell work on his construction crew. After a couple toughs visit the construction site to collect on a loan, Russell learns that Rick's got a gambling addiction and is heavily in debt. Eventually, it becomes apparent that Rick's addiction is wreaking havoc in his and his daughter's life. With Russell and Josh's help, Rick manages to complete construction in time to receive a bonus. But instead of using it to pay off his debt, he returns to the blackjack table. Desperate, he returns home, tears apart the living room in search of the rent money. He orders a frightened Cindy to reveal where she's hidden the rent money -- even though he instructed her to hide it in the first place. The next morning, having lost everything, Rick shows up outside the Greenes' trailer. Rick asks Russell for a loan, asking him to think of his daughter. But Russell turns him down, driving home how Rick's addiction is destroying his family. Unable to hear the truth, Rick picks up a baseball bat and strikes out at Russell. Russell disarms him and takes him to the church for an intervention where Rick's mother, his daughter and co-workers plead with him to take the first step toward recovery -- admitting he has a problem. Russell even strong-arms tough guys, Benny and Max, into participating, agreeing to work out a payment plan. It is the combined influence of these people, but especially his daughter Cindy, that makes Rick realize that he must seek help for his addiction.

#210 TO EVERYTHING A SEASON  (Original air date:   11/27/97)
 

Written by:	Mimi Schmir
Directed by:	Gene Reynolds
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Steve Dunbar	Michael Reilly Burke
Laura Dunbar	Kate McNeil
Reverend Alvarez	Yancy Arias
Ronnie	Wes Charles, Jr.

The Greenes arrive in Arizona to visit Claire's sister Laura and her husband Steve Dunbar for Thanksgiving. While Claire hasn't yet announced her pregnancy, Nathaniel is the first to inadvertently let the cat out of the bag. Laura tries to share in Claire's good fortune and mask the personal pain she's experienced from her own difficulty getting pregnant. When Claire accidentally walks into the vacant "baby room," she suddenly realizes the amount of time, money and anguish her sister has invested in becoming pregnant without success. In frustration, Laura thrashes the "baby room" they've put so much of their faith and hopes on. Laura suddenly collapses and is rushed to the hospital. The doctor informs the Dunbars that Laura experienced ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and will be unable to bear children. Meanwhile, the Greenes volunteer to help out at a local youth shelter to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving. When one of the youth shelter kids, Ronnie, is arrested for trespassing, it is Steve, a local contractor, who decides to press charges. Russell tries to talk Steve out of it, but Steve is convinced that the youth shelter is going to be bad for business. While in the hospital, Laura steals a moment alone with a baby in the new born nursery. She realizes that adoption may be the answer. But Steve is still unwilling to consider being a father to someone else's child. Russell counsels Rick and tells him that while there are no easy answers, prayer is a good start. Russell adds that fatherhood is more than a biological experience and how blessed they've been to embrace Nathaniel as a part of their family. Steve takes Russell's advice to "get his knees dirty" and pray. As the conflict comes to a head, the mayor holds a town hall meeting to determine the fate of the youth shelter. Reverend Alvarez (the head of the youth shelter) makes a compelling argument for the youth shelter and opinions are voiced on both sides. Steve reiterates his concerns but then makes a surprising reversal in support of the youth shelter. He puts it eloquently, that a successful business community needs safe neighborhoods, but not if we have to give up our hearts and souls in the process.

#211 BOOKWORM                          (Original air date:   12/11/97)
 

Written by:	Deborah Starr Seibel
Directed by:	Sandor Stern
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Joey Conroy	Trever O'Brien
Frank Conroy	David Andrews
Patricia Conroy	Elyssa Davalos
Bryce Caulfield	Michael Justin

Claire fills in as substitute teacher for an eighth grade English class. She pairs Dinah up with Joey Conroy, a popular student who has been scamming his teachers to cover up a learning disability. Joey is taken off guard when Claire asks him to take over for Dinah halfway into the presentation. When he fumbles his way through the note cards, it is painfully apparent that Joey cannot read. Claire tries to contact Joey's parents, but she discovers that they have rejected the school's efforts to intervene. Claire asks Joey to stay after class to ascertain the extent of his disability. When Frank Conroy (Joey's father), shows up, he asks her to stay out of their business. She tries to explain the importance of Joey getting the help he needs, but Frank isn't interested. The following day, Claire finds out that Joey's parents have pulled him from school. The school administrator is considering taking steps to counteract the Conroy's decision and report Joey for truancy. But Claire asks for a chance to intervene. She pays a visit to the Conroy's house and meets with Joey's mother, Patricia Conroy. Claire learns that Patricia is the one who has been reading to Joey -- masking his disability out of love, but inadvertently preventing him from getting the help he needs. Claire tries to convince Mrs. Conroy of Joey's potential, the importance of Joey remaining in school. But it soon becomes apparent that the decision has more to do with her husband's secret shame. He also has a learning disability and never learned to read. While working on a plumbing job with his dad, Joey tells his dad he wants to watch the meteor shower. Frank says he can't, tells him they've got a job to finish. Frank tells Joey that he plans for him to enter the family business. Joey tells his dad he doesn't want to be a plumber, that he wants to be a scientist -- an astronomer. Frank puts him down -- asking him why he wants to "take up space" in class. Joey takes offense, stands up to his dad and walks out on the job. Joey shows up at the location for the meteor shower. He explains to the Greenes that he hitchhiked. Claire can see how upset he is with his father and takes a walk with him. Claire convinces Joey that he's a bright student, fully capable of doing anything he sets his mind to -- and that with patience, she can teach him to read. Frank shows up looking for his son. Russell talks to him, explaining how sometimes we all need a little encouragement in areas even though we have trouble. By the time Claire returns with Joey, the road is paved for a reconciliation between Joey and his dad. Finally, Claire holds a private session teaching Joey and his father to read, one word at a time.

#212 RECYCLED                          (Original air date:   01/08/98)
 

Written by:	Danna Doyle & Debbie Smith
Directed by:	Terrence O'Hara
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Evelyn Hooper	Elizatbeth Wilson
Oliver Hooper	Fritx Weaver
Dr. Gormly	Donna Lowre

The Greenes travel to Barberton, Idaho to visit Evelyn Hooper, a dear friend of Hattie. Hattie is shocked to find that Evelyn, a former dancer, is wheelchair- bound and suffering from bone cancer. Oliver, Evelyn's husband, tells Hattie that Evelyn is in great pain and has asked him to help her end her life. Hattie struggles with the news and Evelyn's deteriorating condition. Russell and Nathaniel find Claire collapsed inside the trailer and she is rushed to the hospital. Nathaniel decides to enter a recycling contest to win a computer for his Aunt Claire. Meanwhile, Dinah pays an unexpected visit to Evelyn's house and finds her disoriented, babbling incoherently. She sees pills scattered nearby and calls 911. Oliver stands vigil while the doctors try to assess Evelyn's condition who remains on life support. Blinded by his own pain, Oliver blames Hattie, figuring that she had something to do with this, particularly since she knew where he kept the morphine stashed. Hattie denies any complicity, but tries her best to remain supportive. Eventually, Hattie convinces Oliver that Evelyn wouldn't want to continue like this, somewhere between life and death. Dr. Gormly (Claire's doctor) notifies Russell that Claire has a ruptured ovarian cyst and that it will have to removed surgically. Oliver finds Russell in the hospital where he prays for his wife and their unborn child. Russell offers his support to Oliver. Oliver decides to honor Evelyn's wishes and take her off life support. He apologizes to Hattie and asks her to be with him. The Greene family receives the good news that Claire's surgery was successful and the baby is safe. Nathaniel and Josh present Claire with a brand new laptop computer.

#213 MIRROR FAMILY                         (Original air date:   01/15/98)
 

Written by:	Edmond Stevens
Directed by:	Stuart Margolin
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Brad Elias	Ted Shackelford
Linda Elias	Teddi Siddall
Shane Elias	Esteban Powell
Maria Elias	Noley Thornton
Wesley Elias	Zachary Charles

While checking into a trailer park in Utah, Josh accidentally hits another trailer belonging to a family much like their own, educating their three children as they travel across the United States. Josh makes fast friends with eldest son, Shane, as Dinah and Nathaniel bond with their respective counterparts, Maria and Wesley. But despite many shared interests and values, inconsistencies in the Elias family's background begin to crop up that arouse Russell's suspicion. Particularly when R u ssell discovers the real reason behind Brad's departure was that he insisted on being paid in cash. One by one, the Greene children glean different versions of the real Elias family secret. Josh finally reveals that on their visit to a local college, Sh a ne's attitude spooked him -- talking about the meaningless of existence. Fearing the Elias' children may be in some danger, Russell and Claire take it upon themselves to do an internet search and discover that Brad's true identity is Dalton L. Napier, a f ugitive accused of derailing an arms train during the Vietnam War. On their way out of town, the Elias' car breaks down. Brad is prepared to leave the family's trailer behind to make a clean break. But Shane rebels, drawing the line at this final assault on the family's sense of coherence. Shane demands that his father come clean and tell them what they're running from. Russell arrives on the scene and the two men hash it out -- Russell repudiating the cowardice of acts of sabotage masquerading as leg i timate acts of protest. When Shane hears of his father's involvement in terrorist activities against the U.S. Government, he bolts, taking off on a snowmobile. Brad and Russell follow in pursuit. While chasing after his son, Brad takes a bad fall, brea k ing his leg, unable to move. Russell tends to Brad while Shane goes for help. Med-Evac choppers arrive on the scene and rescue Brad. The Greenes wait outside the Federal Building as Brad prepares to turn himself in. Brad's been assured some degree of leniency for coming forward of his own volition. Russell hands him an American flag pin he was given when he went into war as a show of support and to remind Brad that he's doing the right thing.

#214 PURPLE HEART                      (Original air date:   01/29/98)
 

Written by:	William Schwartz
Directed by:	Alan J. Levi
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Nick Brogan	Eric Robertson
Edward Brogan	Robert David Hall
Connie Petrie	Kaitlin Hopkins
Andrew Petrie	Steve Valentine
Billy Halpern	Grady Hutt
Jane Halpern	Teri Cowan

Nathaniel finds a purple heart for sale at a flea market and convinces his Uncle Russell to help him return the medal to its rightful owner. Their search leads them to a magician named Andrew Petrie and his wife Connie. Connie admits that she gave the medal away because she didn't want any reminder of her estranged father. Later, unbeknownst to his wife, Andrew stops by the Greene's trailer to give them his father-in- law's address. Russell and Nathaniel pay a visit to Connie's father, Ed Brogan, and discover an embittered veteran (and double amputee) who wants nothing to do with the medal or the daughter who gave it away. The subplot involves Nathaniel's friendship with a boy his age named Billy Halpern. When Billy's mother finds out that Nathaniel's father is serving a jail sentence for manslaughter, she decides to restrict Billy from associating with Nathaniel. Josh witnesses the exchange and tries to defend Nathaniel, but Mrs. Halpern refuses to be swayed. Later, Russell overhears Nathaniel explain to his friends that his father is dead -- that he in fact was killed by a drunk driver. In an effort to heal the breach between Nathaniel and his father, Russell arranges a surprise phone call for Nathaniel. The idea backfires with Nathaniel refusing to speak with his father and running away. Russell and Claire go to the magic store to search for Nathaniel and make a final plea for Connie to consider the effect her behavior has had on their nephew. Claire tries to persuade Connie of the importance of overcoming past wrongs and how bitterness can distort and overshadow the good memories. Nathaniel comes from the back room of the magic store, having cooled off, apologizes for his behavior. Moved by Nathaniel's change of heart, Connie asks Nathaniel for the Purple Heart -- she's decided to make amends with her father. The next day, at the ice skating rink, Josh boldly confronts Mrs. Halpern for treating Nathaniel unfairly because of his father. In his zeal, he gets so agitated he loses his balance and falls flat on his back. He may not have won over Mrs. Halpern -- but he wins something more important, strengthening the bond between him and his cousin, Nathaniel.

#215 DESIGNATED DRIVER          (Original air date:   02/05/98)
 

Written by:	Arnold Margolin
Directed by:	Sturart Margolin
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Carla Braver	Selma Blair
Aaron Madison	Jonah Rooney
Principal Knapp	Frank Gerrish
Melissa	Jenny Dare Paulin
Erasmus Jones	Ossie Davis

The Greenes return to Chicory Creek for a short stay with longtime family friend Erasmus (Ossie Davis). Josh falls for Erasmus' house guest, a sixteen year old girl named Carla, who is in Erasmus' care while her father is away on business. What no one seems to realize is that Carla has a drinking problem. Carla's manipulative ways test Erasmus' patience, particularly when she is reported ditching one of her classes. But Carla has everyone wrapped around her finger. She takes Josh to a school basketball game and mixer. While he is away, she sneaks a swig from her flask. On the way home, she swerves to avoid a cow in the middle of the road and the car winds up stuck in a ditch. Another motorist calls the police. Worried that the cops could test her blood alcohol level, Carla panics. Without telling Josh the real reason for her concern, she sweet talks Josh into switching places with her. When they get home, the cops explain to Erasmus and the Greenes that while Josh may have been driving a little too fast, the accident was an innocent and unavoidable. When Josh's parents ask why he was driving, Carla jumps in, explaining she wasn't feeling well. But Josh is forced to lie to his folks to keep the story consistent. The next day, Dinah learns the truth about what happened from a classmate. She tries to warn Josh that Carla has a reputation as a drinker. Carla invites Josh to a party. Realizing the possibility of Dinah's story, he agrees to be the designated driver. But when Josh walks in and sees Carla chatting it up with her ex-boyfriend, he loses his will power and has a few beers. By the time Carla tracks him down to explain, it's too late. Josh tells Carla that neither of them are in any shape to drive -- he'll call his father and he'll come pick them up. Headstrong and in denial, Carla figures that she can handle it. Josh takes the keys from her, but some friends pressure him into giving her back the keys. She takes off. On the way home, Russell and Josh spot the wreckage from an accident. Carla is rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition. With the damage done, Josh comes forward and admits that he's to blame. That though he wasn't aware of Carla's state, he agreed to switch places with Carla, and that he lied to his parents to maintain their story to the cops. While Carla recuperates in the hospital, Erasmus tries to talk some sense into her, that alcohol and destructive behavior may be her way of "acting out" toward a father who neglects her, but she's going to be the one who suffers.

#216 TWO FOR THE ROAD           (Original air date:   02/26/98)
 

Written by:	E.F. Wallengren & William Schwartz
Directed by:	Alan J. Levi
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Joe Greene	Richard Thomas
Erasmus Jones	Ossie Davis
Blondell	Jeff King
Lyle Cavanaugh	Richard Hamilton
Bear Wycowski	Scott Bronson
Sheriff Bates	Lee deBroux

Russell arranges to pick up his brother Joe on a weekend release as a surprise for Nathaniel's tenth birthday. But a series of unfortunate mishaps threaten to foil the plan. They miss the train and end up taking a bus, seated next to an obnoxious guy named Lyle. At the next stop, Lyle provokes a fight. They get kicked off the bus and wind up hitching a ride with a truck driver named Bear Wycowski. While they sleep in the back, bad weather conditions force Bear to take an alternate route, crossing the state line -- and breaking the conditions of Joe's release. Joe calls Blondel (his warden) who can tell from caller identification that Joe's out of state, and tells him to stay put. But Joe leaves with Bear and Russell without letting on there's trouble, not wanting anything to spoil his son's birthday plans. Russell notices Joe's anxiety as the highway patrol passes. Russell spills Joe's story and once again, they wind up stranded on the lone highway. They make a call and arrange for the state police to pick Joe up, surrendering his weekend pass. On the way back to prison, Joe and Russell explain the series of mishaps that foiled their plans to Sheriff Bates. Meanwhile, Nathaniel sits at the dinner table, depressed at his Uncle Russell's absence. Even the thought of opening presents does little to snap Nathaniel out of the birthday blues. That is, until Claire sees the Sheriff's car pull up front and, while Nathaniel sits with his back to the door, lets Joe inside. Russell asks Sheriff Bates what changed his mind. Sheriff Bates responds, "sometimes bad weather happens to good people."

#217 THE SECRET OF BLUESTEM      (Original air date:   03/05/98)
 

Written by:	Claire Whitaker
Directed by:	Sandor Stern
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Chuck Carstens	Scott Kraft
Dolly Carstens	Michael Learned
Guy Standing Bear	Les Brandt
Jordan Dash	Phil Riesen
Fred Schaffner	Jesse Bennett

The Greenes travel to South Dakota to meet with a lawyer regarding the contents of a will. Claire's deceased cousin (Quill Torrey) left Claire and her family a ranch located on a hundred acres of property near an Indian reservation. Claire gets the nesting urge to settle down, and for the first time, the Greenes give serious thought to the prospect of setting down roots since their travels began. When someone sets fire to lumber the Greenes purchased to fix the bunkhouse, Russell goes to the sheriff. The sheriff suggests the possibility that poachers (scavenging the land for valuable Indian artifacts) are behind it. The Greenes learn that the owner of the local trading post (Chuck Carstens), who is interested in buying Quill's acreage, has been raiding Indian lands and selling off artifacts at a healthy mark-up. Russell ultimately learns that Quill knew of the poaching, intended to leave the land to the Indians to correct an age-old wrong, but died before he was able to change his will. The Greenes do the right thing, honoring Quill's wishes, and return the land to its rightful owner.

#218 UNDERCOVER GRANNY  (Original air date:   03/26/98)
 

Written by:	Arnold Margolin
Directed by:	Tim Van Patten
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Karen Hatcher	Gwen Verdon
Walter Hatcher	Jack Laufer
Ida Gilger	Nancy Linehan Charles
Pablo	Sal Lopez
Sam Perryman	Barney Martin

When Dinah decides to visit a friend (Karen Hatcher) who she met on the internet, she discovers that her e-mail pal is actually an eighty- something resident at a retirement home. Josh and Dinah witness Karen being mistreated by her son (Walter) and are disturbed by another resident's cry for help. Hattie and the kids approach the police about intervening, but the police are unable to intervene unless there is clear evidence of abuse. Hattie admits herself to the retirement home to do some sleuthing, realizing that someday she may be in the same position as Karen, at the mercy of others. Hattie's sleuthing gets her in trouble with management and she winds up in the hospital, suffering from an allergic reaction to medication she didn't consent to receive. The Greenes return to the retirement home to retrieve Hattie's belongings and find Walter, beside himself with worry over his mother's disappearance. They discover that Walter is a caring son, cracking under the strain of caring for an elderly parent. The police locate Karen and Walter is relieved. Meanwhile, Russell and Claire fill in as short order cook and waitress (respectively) at a diner. The busboy, Pablo, a Guatemalan refugee and talented chef, feels slighted at being passed over for more responsibility. Pablo convinces the Greenes to help management see him in a different light and trust him with greater responsibility.

#219 ON MY HONOR  (Original air date:   04/02/98)
 

Written by:	Steve Gottfried & Edmond Stevens
Directed by:	Larry Lipton
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, William Schwartz & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Doug Milner	John Terry
Olivia Milner	Hallie Foote
Mazie Andrus	Julia Whelan
Barry Lockwood	Alan Peterson
Danny Bellamy	Trent Rockwood

Claire fills in at a Pennsylvania high school for an old college friend (Olivia Milner) while she finishes her master's thesis. Claire went to college with Olivia and her husband, Doug, who now serves as principal and has aspirations of running for school superintendent. Doug snubs Claire, co-opting an idea to earn points with the school board. The incident re-ignites an old wrong from their college days when Doug stole Claire's notes before an exam, ruining her chances to participate in a special study program in Italy. Meanwhile, Claire discovers some suspicious data on the students' standardized test scores. She eventually learns that Doug has been providing students with actual exams instead of "sample" tests merely to prepare them for the testing process. Concurrently, Dinah starts a fight with the school troublemaker (Mazie Andrus). But when everyone assumes that Mazie started the fight, Dinah keeps quiet. When Mazie disrupts Claire's class, a pair of broken scissors falls from Mazie's backpack. Considering them a potential weapon, Claire takes her to the principal's office. Under the school's three strikes policy, the incident results in Mazie's expulsion. Guilt ridden, Dinah tells her mother that she started the fight. Claire approaches Doug about a hearing for Mazie, but his mind is already made up against her. Claire presses the issue, causing friction between her and Olivia. At the hearing, Dinah owns up to her part in the fight and Mazie is reinstated. After the hearing, Claire calls Doug on the short cuts that he's taken and the message this is sending to students. Olivia walks in on the confrontation, revealing that she knew about the incident in Italy, and that she will no longer be a silent accomplice to Doug's dishonesty. Doug makes a public apology at the school assembly, announcing his intentions to make a full disclosure to the school board and mend his ways. Subplots: Nathaniel learns the importance of honor while trying to earn an Aquanaut pin in his first Cub Scout experience. And Josh convinces his parents to let him buy a used motorcycle from a friend, but learns a valuable lesson in motorcycle maintenance -- let the buyer beware.

#220 WHEN DARKNESS FALLS       (Original air date:   04/30/98)
 
 
 

Written by:	Mimi Schmir
Directed by:	Tim Van Patten
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen,William Schwartz & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Ben Camden	Randolph Mantooth
Jess Camden	Derrick Shore
Norea Camden	Susan Dolan
Kevin Neary	Kaj-Erik Eriksen
Lucas Neary	Zach Hopkins
Matt Neary	Randy Oglesby
Mary Neary	Rebecca Street

Claire is conducting an environmental club meeting, filling in for another teacher (Mr. Fleming), when a troubled student (Kevin Neary) shows up. Kevin had been expelled from the club by Mr. Fleming. Claire senses a problem and asks Kevin to leave. When he refuses, she asks her son to get security. Another student intervenes to take the matter into his own hands. This is when Kevin withdraws a concealed gun from his coat and opens fire on the other students. Russell is helping his friend, Ben Camden, work on a car for his son's 18th birthday when Ben gets a call from his wife that there is trouble at the school and that the Camden's son Jess has been hurt. Russell is doubly concerned, knowing that his wife, son and daughter are all at the school meeting. Hattie (with Nathaniel in her care) insists on going with Russell and Ben to find out what happened. Russell, a former Navy Seal and a man used to calling the shots in tense situations like these, is suddenly in a very helpless situation. Back in the classroom, Claire eventually convinces Kevin to let the paramedics rescue those who need medical attention -- but Jess dies on the way to the hospital. Claire continues to try mightily to get through to Kevin, but another student sets him off and he waves the gun again, threatening. A shot rings out. But we find out that this time, Kevin tried to kill himself. He is badly wounded, rushed to the hospital. That night, Claire and Russell are shaken to the core - but have fundamental differences in how they see Kevin. Claire urges compassion, believing everyone deserves a second chance. But as Russell sees the traumatic effect this has had (and continues to have) on his family, he is not so sure. Russell pays a visit to Ben who is beyond grief over the loss of his son, leaning closer to vengeance. Meanwhile, Claire finds out that Kevin was a ticking bomb, ready to go off. That he had a history of aggressive behavior since the age of twelve with all the classic signs of a syndrome known as "conduct disorder." And that his parents had downplayed his behavior, attributing it to a passing phase, allowing him to discontinue the counseling he so desperately needed. When Russell finds Nathaniel playing with a board game (given to him by his friend Lucas, Kevin's brother) which purports to communicate with spirits from beyond, Russell loses it -- taking issue with the message this sends to children that undercuts genuine faith. He takes the board to the Neary's -- using the incident to vent his anger. He grills Matt for ignoring the signals -- that people might still be alive if he had paid closer attention. Matt tries to defend himself, helpless to understand where he went wrong. Later, when Russell finds that Ben Camden has gone to the hospital to see Kevin, he suspects the worst. Russell finds Ben (gun partially concealed) standing at the door where his son's killer lies, unconscious. Russell gets Ben to think about what he's doing and what it will accomplish beyond the immediate. Speaking to himself as much as to Ben, Russell talks Ben through it. Ben relents, releasing his hold on the gun. They pass the Neary's sitting vigil over their son. The four share a momentary look -- a glimpse of understanding, forgiveness.

#221 TOTAL SECURITY                   (Original air date:   04/23/98)
 

Written by:	Deborah Starr Seibel
Directed by:	Robert J. Visciglia, Jr.
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, William Schwartz & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Ryan Matthews	Gary Graham
Kate Matthews	Pam Tillis
Tess Matthews	Elise Shirley
Andy Merlin	Ben Carling
Mel Roylance	Bill Henderson
Teresa Andover	Cleo King

Russell gets a job working in security for a shopping mall. Russell's boss has been lying to his daughter to protect her from the truth. But the lie nearly destroys a family. Pam Tillis guest stars as "Kate Matthews." Watch for the exciting conclusion on Diagnosis Murder immediately following at 9pm on CBS.

#222 A HAND UP IS NEVER A HAND OUT  (Original air date:   05/07/98)
 

Written by:	William Schwartz
Directed by:	Victor Lobl
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, William Schwartz & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Joe Greene	Richard Thomas
Erasmus Jones	Ossie Davis
Dr. Rebecca Dixon	Suzzanne Douglas
Mike Fitz	Thomas Earl Hurrington
John Klane	Sterling Brimley

The Greenes are staying in Chicory Creek with Erasmus until Claire is ready to deliver. Russell picks up his brother Joe who is being released from jail on a technicality due to overcrowding. On their way home, they stop to visit their father's gravesite to pay their respects. Joe will be working for the Habitat for Humanity organization, which helps lower income families afford housing through sweat equity. After watching a documentary on the subject, Dinah reminds her family of the tragedy of the bombing of the Oklahoma Federal Building. Hattie, distressed that she forgot such a terrible tragedy, feels compelled to visit the memorial site. Russell is against them traveling to Oklahoma but Hattie prevails upon him to let them go, with Josh sharing driving duties. Joe and Russell disagree on how much Nathaniel can participate in the Habitat construction. Joe tells Russell he needs to back off if he's ever going to have a chance with Nathaniel. While working on Erasmus' audit, Claire gets some intense contractions and Erasmus calls his daughter, Rebecca, who is now a practicing OB/GYN. Rebecca examines Claire, puts her on medication to speed the development of the baby's lungs and stop the contractions. Meanwhile, Hattie, Josh and Dinah visit the fence surrounding the remains of the Federal Building. Dinah and Hattie are moved by the mementos sent by people across the nation to express their condolences for the victims and their families. When Josh belittles the memorial, Hattie becomes incensed, saying this was the worst attack on this country in its entire history because it was against ordinary people, just trying to earn a living, take care of their families. John Klane, a gentleman associated with the memorial foundation, invites them to visit a special exhibit (not open to the public). Within the cramped basement exhibit, Josh is suddenly overcome by the vivid mixed media presentation, runs from the exhibit. Hattie finds Josh outside, points out the Survivor Tree, a symbol of hope that survived against all odds amidst the rubble. Claire returns home briefly, only to be rushed back to the hospital when her water breaks. Rebecca determines the baby is breech, and Claire is rushed into surgery for a c-section. Meanwhile, Dinah, Josh and Hattie participate in the Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony honoring the victims and their families on the third anniversary of the bombing. Russell watches anxiously as his child is rushed directly from the operating room into intensive care. The next day, Claire and Russell watch helplessly while their daughter is hooked up to tubes and monitors. Claire has settled on the name Grace as a reminder that they've been graced with a baby at their age. Back home, Joe broaches the possibility of Nathaniel moving in with him, but Nathaniel has mixed feelings about leaving the Greenes. Back at the hospital, Rebecca explains that Claire unknowingly passed on the Beta Strep infection to her child. Rebecca assures Russell and Claire that they're doing everything they can to help Grace. While they've placed Grace on a respirator and antibiotics, there is a fifty-percent chance of fatality. Claire is upset that she can't feed her child, hold her or simply let her know she's there. Russell tries to reassure Claire that Grace knows they're there.

#223 A HAND UP IS NEVER A HAND OUT: PART 2  (Original air date:   05/14/98)
 

Written by:	E.F. Wallengren & Claire Whitaker
Directed by:	Victor Lobl
Produced by :	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, William Schwartz & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Joe Greene	Richard Thomas
Erasmus Jones	Ossie Davis
Dr. Rebecca Dixon	Suzzanne Douglas
Mike Fitz	Thomas Earl Hurrington
John Klane	Sterling Brimley
T. J.	Will Jeffries

Russell talks (through the nursery intensive care unit window) to his week-old daughter, Grace, expressing how excited they'll be to bring her home. Meanwhile, Nathaniel feels somehow responsible for Grace's condition. Hattie assures him it's perfectly natural to have mixed feelings about additions to the family. Nathaniel wants to buy Grace a gift with some money he's saved, but Josh told him it would be bad luck. Hattie thinks it's a perfectly good idea and a way of showing their faith that everything's going to be okay. Nathaniel eyes a cradle but Hattie feels it's out of their price range, so they decide to pool their resources. Claire returns to the hospital to relieve Russell. She is buoyed by news that Grace had a stable night. Rebecca delivers the painful news that they will be taking Grace off the respirator, that in spite of their efforts, the infection has ravaged Grace's system. Russell and Claire spend their heart-breaking final moments with Grace. Claire is reluctant to hold Grace, afraid she won't be able to let go. Russell reassures Claire that they'll carry Grace with them forever. Russell and Claire return home empty handed, break the news to the family. That night, Nathaniel asks Hattie why their faith couldn't save Grace. Hattie tries to explain that having faith doesn't mean things always work out the way you want them to. Back at the Habitat site, word gets out about Joe's past. One of Joe's co-workers calls him a child killer. T.J. defends Joe, explaining that the philosophy behind the Habitat organization is about turning your life around. Joe walks off the job. The family tries to rally Claire's spirits, but no one seems to be able to reach her. Erasmus talks with Joe, tries to convince him to stay focused, some things he can't change. Erasmus delivers a heartfelt, healing eulogy at Grace's funeral. Russell has a few words with God, not yet able to understand or accept the loss. Dinah identifies with the victims of the Oklahoma bombing, wishes there was a way for her family to find healing. Dinah asks her mother if ringing the bell like they did in Oklahoma might work for them, but Claire's not ready. An awkward tension builds between Claire and Russell until each are able to vent their pain privately. Claire takes the first step toward closure by giving her cradle to the Anita Fitz, the pregnant woman whose family will be moving into the Habitat house. The family begins to cope with the loss -- each in their own way, until finally, they hear the clanging of a bell and come to find Claire standing in the rain outside Erasmus' house. They join her in a moment of profound healing for all.