After watching all 10 seasons of The Waltons, I have to say "The Pony Cart" in season 5 is my favorite episode. I can't watch it without weeping.
Beulah Bondi, was the actress who played Martha Corinne. She was 86 years old when she played the part and to me she was mesmerizing. Bondi received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series for her performance in "The Pony Cart". At the award show when her name was called, at first it seemed as if Bondi wasn't present, but she received a standing ovation as she walked slowly to the podium, from which she thanked the audience for honoring her while she was still living. She died at age 92 from pulmonary complications caused by broken ribs suffered when she tripped over her cat in her home.