Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

John Avery Whittaker: Hi there, I'm John Avery Whittaker, but you can call me Whit. I run a shop in Odyssey called Whit's End. It's a place of discovery, imagination, and excitement. But don't take my word for it. You can find out for yourself on today's Adventures in Odyssey.

Danny: Wow! I did it! I hit it!

Stephen: Seven more kids and we'll have a whole team.

Laura: Something's wrong.

Stephen: Wrong? What do you mean?

Harvey: What'd I tell you? It's always the baby. Always the baby.

Chris: In rewritten Adventures in Odyssey Album 80, many of your favorite characters are faced with critical decisions.

You're at a crossroads in your life. If only there was a way to know for sure. This will be your last chance. I know who I am. God's trying to give me a message here. I didn't know it was dangerous.

It's Album 80, rewritten. The final album available on CD. All new adventures will continue on the Adventures in Odyssey Club. Find out more at AdventuresInOdyssey.com.

Laura: Can you hear it, Danny?

Danny: Yeah, it sounds like a drum.

Dr. Morton: That's the baby's heartbeat, honey.

Stephen: What do you think about that, son?

Danny: It's going kind of fast, isn't it?

Dr. Morton: Oh, well, a little maybe.

Danny: Will Billy get here soon, Dr. Morton?

Dr. Morton: Billy?

Danny: My new baby brother in mommy's stomach.

Laura: We named him after Danny's grandfather.

Dr. Morton: Not wasting any time, huh?

Stephen: You said you could tell from the ultrasound that it was a boy.

Dr. Morton: I said I think. It could still be a girl.

Danny: Oh no, Billy's a boy all right.

Dr. Morton: What makes you so sure?

Danny: Because he's going to sleep in my room. I can't sleep in the same room as a girl.

Laura: Not unless we get a bigger house, hint, hint.

Stephen: One production at a time, dear.

Dr. Morton: Well, to answer your question, Danny, Billy will be here in about five months.

Stephen: Sounds like somebody's getting anxious.

Laura: Look who's talking. You already got him a catcher's mitt. Stephen, you didn't.

Stephen: I figured it's only fair. I got Danny a bat before he was born. Just think, honey, seven more kids and we'll have a whole team.

Laura: One production at a time, dear.

Stephen: Is everything okay, Dr. Morton?

Dr. Morton: For the most part. Have you been keeping off your feet like I told you?

Laura: Sort of.

Stephen: No, she hasn't.

Laura: Well, the world doesn't stop just because I'm having a baby.

Dr. Morton: It does for you.

Laura: Okay, okay. Message received.

Dr. Morton: Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it. Listen, there are a few more things I want to check out, and I think we're going to need a little privacy.

Stephen: Say no more, Doc. That's our cue, Danny.

Danny: Cue?

Stephen: Yeah, to wait outside.

Danny: Oh. Well, if you hear anything else, come and get me, okay, Dr. Morton?

Dr. Morton: You'll be the first one I'll call, Danny.

Stephen: Come on, son.

Yes, sport?

Danny: When Billy gets here, will I teach him how to hit a baseball?

Stephen: Well, not right away, but yeah, eventually. In fact, I'm sure you'll teach Billy lots of things.

Danny: Like what?

Stephen: Very important stuff. Like climbing trees, skipping rocks across the lake, and how to tie his shoes, where to dig for fishing worms, and the best time to pick apples.

Danny: And how to hit a baseball.

Stephen: And how to hit a baseball. He'll follow you all over the place and want to do everything you do.

Danny: He will?

Stephen: He will. And he'll think you're the best big brother in the whole world.

Danny: In the whole world?

Stephen: In the whole world.

Danny: Yeah. Will I always be Billy's big brother, Daddy?

Stephen: You always will be, forever and ever.

Danny: Good.

Stephen: And now, will the best big brother in the whole world do something for his dad?

Danny: What?

Stephen: Stay in the play area in the lobby while I bring the car around.

Danny: Okay. Hi.

Harvey: Hi.

Danny: My name's Danny.

Harvey: I'm Harvey.

Danny: Is your mommy here?

Harvey: Yeah, Dr. Morton's giving my little brother a checkup.

Danny: I'm going to have a baby brother in five months. His name is Billy.

Harvey: He's not born, but you already know his name?

Danny: Sure. Why not?

Harvey: No reason, I guess. Hey, what's it like being a big brother?

Harvey: You don't want to know.

Danny: Why not?

Harvey: Because you may think being a big brother's great now, but you sure won't when Billy gets here.

Danny: I won't?

Harvey: Nope.

Danny: How come?

Harvey: Lots of reasons. First off, you have to give up all your privileges.

Danny: Privileges?

Harvey: You know, special stuff, like staying up late or playing longer at a friend's house.

Danny: Well, that's not so bad.

Harvey: That's only the beginning. Wait until you have to do the S-word: share.

Danny: Share?

Harvey: Your toys, your food, and when he gets older, even your clothes.

Danny: No way.

Harvey: Yes, I'll prove it to you. Billy's going to sleep in your room, right?

Danny: Yeah.

Harvey: See, it's already started. But that's nothing compared to the way your mom and dad will change.

Danny: Change?

Harvey: Oh yeah. You know all the time they spend with you right now?

Danny: Yeah.

Harvey: Well, it's all going to go to the baby. You'll have to play by yourself because they're too busy with the baby. You won't be able to make any noise because you'll wake the baby.

Danny: Wow.

Harvey: And that's not all. From now on, you'll never hear your name by itself. Instead of just Danny, you'll always be Danny and Billy, or even worse, the boys.

Danny: The boys?

Harvey: Yep. Before, you were special. Now you're just one of the herd. Still excited about your new baby brother?

Danny: I don't know. I mean, I thought it'd be neat, but now I'm not so sure.

Harvey: Hey, it's too late now. Billy's on his way and your life will never be the same.

Guest (Female): Come on, Harvey. Let's get your little brother home.

Harvey: Okay, Mom. What'd I tell you? It's always the baby. See ya around.

Danny: Yeah, see ya. Always the baby.

Stephen: Oh, by the way, I saw Whit in the parking lot.

Laura: What was he doing at the hospital?

Stephen: He's on the church's visitation committee. I asked him about watching Danny when you have the baby, and he said he'd love to.

Laura: He did? He's such a kind man. Did you hear that, Danny? Danny?

Danny: Huh?

Laura: You're going to stay with Mr. Whittaker when Billy comes. Is that okay?

Danny: Yeah, sure.

Stephen: Is something wrong, sweetheart?

Danny: No.

Stephen: I think he's a little overwhelmed at the idea of being a big brother.

Laura: I think you're right. Oh!

Stephen: What's the matter?

Laura: I don't know. I just felt a little twinge.

Stephen: Are you okay?

Laura: Yeah, I'm fine. I think it's just the way I'm sitting. There, that's better.

Stephen: I told Whit we'd work out the details later in the week.

Laura: Well, that's one load off my mind. The next thing we have to do is tackle the boys' room.

Danny: The boys' room?

Stephen: Yeah, yours and Billy's. We're going to have to get used to calling it that now.

Laura: We'll have to rearrange all the furniture in it.

Danny: What do you mean rearrange?

Stephen: You know, move it around to make room for the baby's things.

Danny: Move it where?

Stephen: I don't know, Danny. We may have to give it away.

Laura: Stephen!

Danny: You're going to give away my stuff?

Stephen: Maybe. Just the toys you don't play with anymore.

Danny: I play with everything.

Stephen: Danny, you know you don't.

Danny: I do!

Stephen: Now, now. You're going to have to stop being so selfish. You've got a little brother coming.

Danny: I wish I didn't.

Stephen: What was that?

Danny: Nothing.

Laura: Stephen. Something's wrong.

Stephen: Wrong? What do you mean?

Laura: The baby. Something's wrong.

Stephen: What is it? Are you in pain?

Laura: Yes. You better get me back to the hospital.

Stephen: Right, okay. Hang on.

Danny: Mommy?

Stephen: It's okay, Danny. It's okay. Just sit back in your seat and be a brave boy for mommy.

Laura: Hurry, Stephen! Hurry!

Danny: Is mommy going to be all right?

Stephen: She's going to be fine, sport.

Danny: What about Billy?

Stephen: We'll have to wait and see.

John Avery Whittaker: Stephen.

Stephen: Whit.

Danny: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

John Avery Whittaker: Hi, Danny. I just heard. Any word yet?

Stephen: No, and it's been nearly an hour.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, I'm sure Dr. Morton is doing everything she can.

Stephen: I know. I was afraid something like this would happen.

Danny: Something like what?

John Avery Whittaker: Stephen, you don't know that anything has happened yet. You shouldn't give up hope.

Stephen: You don't understand. It's always been difficult for Laura to get pregnant. Even Danny was a prayer baby.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, all babies are prayer babies to a certain extent. And that's the best place for a baby to be, in God's hands.

Dr. Morton: Stephen.

Stephen: Dr. Morton. How's Laura?

Dr. Morton: She's going to be fine. But I'm afraid...

Stephen: She lost the baby.

Dr. Morton: Yes. I'm sorry.

Danny: What does that mean, she lost the baby?

Stephen: It means that Billy didn't live, son.

Danny: He died?

Stephen: Yes, Danny.

Danny: Oh.

Stephen: May I see Laura?

Dr. Morton: Yes, but I want to keep her in the hospital overnight.

Stephen: Can I stay with her?

Dr. Morton: Of course.

John Avery Whittaker: Why don't I take Danny home tonight?

Stephen: Thanks, Whit.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, you're welcome.

Stephen: Listen, here's the key to the house. Danny can show you where everything is.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, we'll manage.

Stephen: Danny, you're going to stay with Mr. Whittaker tonight. I want you to be a good boy.

Danny: I will.

Stephen: Give me a hug.

Danny: Daddy?

Stephen: Don't worry about anything, okay?

Danny: Okay. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow.

Danny: Bye.

John Avery Whittaker: It's all right, Danny. Everything is going to be fine.

Danny: Yeah, fine. No! No! Stop, please! No! I didn't mean my wish! I didn't! I do want him! I want to play baseball with him! No! Stay alive! Please! Stay alive! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! Please!

John Avery Whittaker: Danny? Danny? Wake up, son. It's all right.

Danny: Oh, Mr. Whittaker, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it! I didn't!

John Avery Whittaker: Didn't mean what, Danny?

Danny: I'm the one who made Billy die.

Chris: Hey, you over there. I have a special invitation just for you. It's an invitation to this super cool secret club. Well, it's not really a secret. Actually, I'm trying to tell everybody about it because it's so amazing. What is it? The Adventures in Odyssey Club, of course!

When you join, you'll get access to over a thousand episodes. Some of them are even club exclusives. You'll get behind-the-scenes content and devotionals and games and a free subscription to Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Magazine.

Sorry, I'll slow down now. I just get so excited talking about Adventures in Odyssey Club. Well, if you want to see what it's all about, head over to AdventuresInOdyssey.com. Don't be shy! That's AdventuresInOdyssey.com.

Guest (Female): Want to contact us about the episodes you're hearing? Visit our website at AdventuresInOdyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-Family. With a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

John Avery Whittaker: You what?

Danny: I made Billy die.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, Danny.

Danny: I didn't mean to, but mommy and daddy kept talking about him and I got jealous and I wished that he wouldn't come. And he died. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

John Avery Whittaker: Danny, it's not your fault.

Danny: Yes, it is! And when mom and dad find out, they'll hate me forever.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh no, they won't. Your parents could never hate you. Well, you know that.

Danny: They will. And so will Billy.

John Avery Whittaker: Billy?

Danny: I wished that he wouldn't come, Mr. Whittaker, and then he died. You don't think he'll hate me for that?

John Avery Whittaker: No, Danny, I don't. Billy is safe with Jesus now.

Danny: He is?

John Avery Whittaker: Of course. He's so happy, there's no room for hate. I think that's how you can feel better, too.

Danny: How?

John Avery Whittaker: By talking to Jesus. It always makes me feel better when I'm upset.

Danny: I don't know what to say.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, just say what's in your heart, what's bothering you.

Danny: Dear Jesus, I'm sorry I wished Billy wouldn't come. And since he's there with you, could you tell him that I'm sorry and ask him not to hate me? Thank you. Amen. Was that okay?

John Avery Whittaker: It was fine.

Danny: You think Jesus will do it?

John Avery Whittaker: Count on it. You feel better now?

Danny: A little.

John Avery Whittaker: Good. Now, why don't you lie back down? There.

Danny: Mr. Whittaker?

John Avery Whittaker: Yes?

Danny: Could you pray too?

John Avery Whittaker: Sure, Danny. Dear Jesus, help Danny. He needs your comfort right now. Help him dream of good things and let him know Billy's with you and that you're right here with him. In your name, amen.

Danny: Amen.

Stephen: Thanks again for taking care of Danny, Whit.

John Avery Whittaker: Anytime. And if you need anything else, just let me know.

Laura: That's very kind of you, Whit.

Stephen: I think all we need now is to get home.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, drive carefully, okay?

Stephen: We will. Bye.

John Avery Whittaker: Bye.

Danny: Are you sure it's okay for you to go home, mommy?

Laura: Of course it is, sweetheart. Home is where I need to be. Were you a good boy for Mr. Whittaker, Danny?

Danny: Yeah, but there's something I need to tell you both about Billy.

Laura: You don't need to tell us anything, honey.

Danny: Yeah, I do. See, yesterday when we were driving home, I did a bad thing. I wished that...

Stephen: We already know, Danny.

Danny: You do?

Laura: Mr. Whittaker told us about your dream.

Danny: I'm sorry, mommy.

Laura: There's no need to be.

Stephen: We don't blame you, son.

Danny: But I wished it, and maybe if I hadn't...

Laura: It's all right.

Danny: Oh look!

Laura: What?

Danny: A park! Let's stop there.

Stephen: All right.

Danny: Stop? But I thought we had to go home.

Laura: A few minutes won't hurt anything. And I think a walk in a park will do you good.

Stephen: This is really nice.

Danny: Mommy, are you sure you're supposed to be walking?

Laura: It's all right, sweetheart.

Stephen: Hey sport, there's a play area over there. Why don't you go play, Danny?

Danny: Play? For me?

Laura: I'd really love to see you swing.

Danny: But I...

Stephen: It's okay, son. We'll be right here. Go ahead.

Danny: Well, okay. This is weird.

Laura: Swing, Danny!

Danny: I don't feel like swinging.

Billy: Why not?

Danny: Whoa! Where'd you come from?

Billy: Right here. I didn't see you walk up. You should look around more. How come you don't want to swing?

Danny: I just don't.

Billy: Me neither. You want to teeter-totter?

Danny: No.

Billy: Me neither. Slide?

Danny: No.

Billy: Me neither. Look, you can still do all that stuff.

Danny: I know, but it's more fun if we both do it. I just don't feel like it.

Billy: Why not?

Danny: My mommy was going to have a baby, and I got mad and wished that he wouldn't come. And now he's not.

Billy: So?

Danny: So now I don't have a little brother.

Billy: What would you do with a little brother if you had one?

Danny: I'd talk to him, tell him that I'm sorry, and ask him not to hate me forever.

Billy: Is that all?

Danny: No, I'd also teach him how to hit a baseball.

Billy: Oh. Well, why don't you teach me?

Danny: What?

Billy: I've got a bat and a ball here. Teach me.

Danny: But you're a girl!

Billy: So? I want to learn how to hit. Please.

Danny: Well, I guess it's okay. First you've got to stand right. Put your feet a little farther apart and bend your knees a little bit.

Billy: Like this?

Danny: Yeah. Now, are you left-handed or right-handed?

Billy: Left.

Danny: Then hold the bat like this with your left hand on top. Got it?

Billy: Got it.

Danny: Okay, I'm going to back up and pitch one to you. Keep your eye on the ball, and when it gets in front of you, whack it, okay?

Billy: Okay.

Danny: Remember, watch the ball.

Billy: I will. Ready?

Billy: Ready.

Danny: Here it comes. Now, swing!

Billy: Wow! I did it! I hit it!

Danny: You knocked it out of the park! How did you do that?

Billy: You're a good teacher, Danny.

Danny: Yeah, guess I am. Wait a minute. How do you know my name?

Billy: I just do. I know a lot about you.

Danny: You do? What's going on here?

Billy: You know how you told me what you'd do if you had a little brother?

Danny: Yeah, but...

Billy: Well, you know what I'd do if I had a big brother? I'd want him to teach me very important stuff. Like climbing trees and skipping rocks across the lake and how to tie my shoes and where to dig for fishing worms and the best time to pick apples.

Danny: And how to hit a baseball.

Billy: And how to hit a baseball. And I'd follow him all over the place and want to do everything he does. And I'd think he's just the best big brother in the whole world.

Danny: Billy?

Billy: Surprise.

Danny: But I thought you were a boy.

Billy: Nope. Billy, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Billy: You don't have to be, Danny. It really wasn't your fault. And I don't hate you. See, Mr. Whittaker's right. When you're with Jesus, there's no room for hate.

John Avery Whittaker: Billy!

Billy: I have to go now. Don't feel bad anymore, okay, Danny?

Danny: I won't. Billy?

Billy: Yeah?

Danny: Will I ever see you again?

Billy: Of course you will. You're my big brother, Danny. And you always will be forever and ever. Forever and ever. Forever and ever.

Danny: Bye Billy. Bye.

John Avery Whittaker: Danny? Wake up, son. Wake up.

Danny: Mr. Whittaker?

John Avery Whittaker: That's right. You were having another dream.

Danny: Oh, yeah. I dreamed I saw Billy.

John Avery Whittaker: You did?

Danny: Yeah, and she doesn't hate me, Mr. Whittaker.

John Avery Whittaker: She?

Danny: Yeah, I dreamed she was a girl. But I taught her how to hit a baseball and she was great.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, how about that?

Danny: Yeah, and you know what else? Right at the end of my dream, there was this voice that called Billy.

John Avery Whittaker: A voice?

Danny: Yeah, since Billy is with Jesus, do you think...

John Avery Whittaker: Well, I don't know, Danny, but I think it's safe to say that your prayer last night got answered in a very big way.

Danny: Yeah. She said I'm her big brother, Mr. Whittaker. And that I always will be. I sure wish I could have stayed with her.

John Avery Whittaker: You will, Danny. One day you'll stay with her forever and ever. Now, come on. Let's go see your mom.

Chris: Danny has discovered a wonderful promise given to us by Jesus in Matthew 19. There he told his disciples to not stop little children from coming to him because the kingdom of heaven is made of such as these.

Even though Billy never got the chance to be born, Danny and his mom and dad can take comfort in the fact that she's safe with Jesus and that, as Whit said, one day they'll be able to stay with her and with Him forever and ever.

If you have a question about today's broadcast or about anything having to do with Odyssey, write it down and send it to us. We love getting your cards and letters and we'll do our best to answer your question too.

The address is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And don't forget to ask how you can get a copy of today's episode. It's called Forever... Amen. The address again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995.

Adventures in Odyssey's a presentation of Focus on the Family. Forever... Amen was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Bob Luttrell and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.

Hi, this is Chris.

Guest (Male): And this is Harlo.

Chris: We always love hearing what you think of our show. In fact, sometimes we might just walk up to you and ask.

Guest (Male): So, what do you think of the show?

Guest (Female): We have really enjoyed Odyssey for many years. Oftentimes, we will spend family nights sitting around just listening to Odyssey and working a puzzle.

Guest (Male): It's part of our ritual. Saturday mornings we make pancakes and we listen to Odyssey and we laugh about the stories.

Guest (Male): I started to listen to Odyssey when I was four.

Guest (Male): I've been listening to Odyssey for seven years. I started listening when I was eight and I've continued listening until I'm now 15.

Guest (Female): My 19-year-old loves Odyssey. I grew up on Odyssey and my family took a lot of trips and we would listen to the tapes all the way, and that was probably one of the highlights of the trips.

Guest (Female): We have five boys. Ever since the oldest, who is now 19 and in college, was little, we've traveled with Odyssey. It's always been instead of, "How many more miles, Mom?" it's, "How many more Odyssey tapes, Mom or Dad, until we get there?" We always have two or three Odysseys in the car all the time.

Guest (Female): As a parent, it makes me feel that I can use any moment in the car as a time to teach my children.

Guest (Male): Sometimes I've actually referred back to an Odyssey episode and said, "What did Whit say about that?" or, "How was this situation handled? Do you think it was a good way to handle it?" So it has promoted some discussion along those lines.

Guest (Female): Underground Railroad. Many interesting discussions out of that one. What was the whole Civil War about? Was it really slavery? Was it states' rights? How did this affect the individual families? How would we react if we were in their shoes at that time? So many of those types of discussions have been generated.

Guest (Male): Every night since Odyssey, I go to sleep.

Guest (Female): We listen to Adventures in Odyssey because my daughter has trouble going to sleep at night. She enjoys listening to the stories and it helps settle her down and gives her something to concentrate on.

Guest (Female): There's this one tape and I used to be afraid and I'd wake up in the middle of the night and go to my mom and dad's room. And then it taught me about not being afraid and that's why I like it.

Guest (Male): Well, my family's used Odyssey tapes and CDs so much, the kids can quote them back to me.

Guest (Female): I really like Odyssey and I've memorized lots of the shows.

Guest (Female): They're learning, even though they may not realize they're learning great moral lessons and things that they can apply in their everyday lives.

Guest (Male): Best radio drama ever made.

Guest (Group): We love Odyssey!

Chris: We appreciate your comments. Keep those cards and letters coming in.