Date: Sat, 29 May 2010 04:10:28 EDT From: Bwstories8@aol.com Subject: Castaway Hotel: Grand Reopening - Book 6, chapters 41 - 42 Castaway Hotel -- Grand Reopening -- Book 6 by BW Copyright 2009 by billwstories Chapter 41 -- Saying Good-bye. **Author's Note:** Please read the disclaimer in Chapter 00 before you read this. After I made the arrangements with the funeral home, I worked with the minister to plan for the service I wanted at the church. After Brent died, I wasn't thinking very clearly, so I made mistakes, which I didn't want to repeat. The biggest of those mistakes was that I didn't involve all the boys in the planning or service. Some of them had mentioned it several times during the intervening months and let me know they would always regret they didn't take part. This time, everyone would be included, one-way or another. I called Nick's parents' home, to let him know about Cody. Nick wanted to come back for the funeral and offered to delay his trip to Brazil, so he could do this. However, I was reticent to have him make such a quick decision. Instead, I told him to think about it for a while and talk it over with his parents, before he made up his mind. I told him the entire family would be fine with whatever he chose to do. I emphasized everyone would understand if he went to Brazil as scheduled, but I didn't want to influence his decision, because I realized it might be a choice that could affect him for years to come. He said he'd let me know which option he settled on, as soon as he knew himself, and I assured him that would be fine. A couple hours later I got a call back from Nick, during which he informed me he and his parents would be joining us for the service. Since we arrived home from Sloan-Kettering, Kevin had been spending a great deal of time with Graham. He was helping him work through the grieving process, since he had gone through it when Brent died. This, of course, made Kevin the most qualified for the job and he took the responsibility seriously. He had taken it upon himself to help Graham through this, with no coaxing from any of us, so I made sure to thank him, the next time we were alone. I also thanked Vinnie for being so understanding and sharing Kevin with a needy brother. Vinnie said he understood Graham needed Kevin right now and he wasn't jealous, but I told him it was still nice to see. It is especially heartwarming to witness one of them going out of his way to help another and it also showed a certain amount of maturity on his part. For the entire day after we got home, there was nothing scheduled to take place. The calling hours wouldn't be until the following day, so I used this time to work with the boys who wanted to do something special for the service. When I spoke to Dion, he asked if he could sing the hymns and other spiritual songs before, during and after the service, which I thought was a wonderful idea. Eagerly, I sat down with him to pick out appropriate selections for this occasion. I also called the church and spoke to the minister, so I could tell him what we wanted to do. He agreed to allow Dion to sing the various hymns we'd selected and then suggested he could arrange for the children's choir to back him up. Once we agreed, he recommended setting up a practice for later that evening, so we could get them all together to make sure they knew the various songs and it all gelled with the organist. We agreed it would be fine with us and then we thanked him for his help. I knew this would sound beautiful and be perfect, under the circumstances, and I praised Dion for his offer. Graham and Trey had also suggested they wanted to do something special. They were going to write something appropriate for the service and then read it at the church. I told them that would be fine and sent them off to compose whatever it was they wanted to say. I would look their ideas over later, so I could offer suggestions and help polish their rough drafts. They both thought it was a good idea, so they went to their rooms to consider what they were going to write. Andrew had also come up to me and asked if there was some way we could use the picture he drew of Cody. I told him I'd have it framed and placed beside the casket, to help others remember what Cody looked like before he got sick. Andrew smiled at my response and asked if he could do another picture too, but this one in color. I told him it was a wonderful idea, while also reminding him he didn't have much time to complete it, just in case he wanted to reconsider. He said he would do it anyway and raced off to get started. I also spoke to the other boys, to determine which of them wanted to be pallbearers and which would prefer to assist with communion. Although communion isn't normally a part of the funeral service, I had requested it be included. This would help remind the rest of us that someday we would all be reunited in God's presence, as promised by the sacrifice Jesus had made and signified by this sacrament. The minister agreed we could do this, so I informed him I would have four of my boys assist him with this portion of the service. Now, I just had one more thing to take care of, so I approached Vinnie to discuss the idea with him. Seeing he used crutches to get around, I obviously couldn't have him be a pallbearer. I also couldn't ask him to help with communion, as that would require him to help pass out the appropriate items and he'd need both hands for his crutches. That is why I asked him if he would be willing to read the twenty-third psalm during the service. He confirmed he would be pleased to do it, so everything was set. I understood Graham slept snuggled in between Kevin and Vinnie that evening, as the duo served as a buffer to protect and comfort him at the same time. I, on the other hand, was still not sleeping very well, even in Jake's reassuring embrace. I not only still had Cody on my mind, but I was worried I had forgotten to take care of some important detail and concerned about how everyone was dealing with Cody's passing. I would lie awake in my bed, listening to every little noise in the house, to see if I could pick up any clues about anything unusual going on. I would also get up and make my rounds through the house. As I did this, I would check on all of the boys, just to make sure each of them was all right. Jake often woke when I got out of bed, but I'd tell him to go back to sleep, as I just needed to walk off some of my nervous energy. He would usually turn over as I left the room, although at first he would question me further, to see what I was up to. Seeing he always got the same response, he finally just gave up asking and now went back to sleep, as soon as I told him to. When we got up the next morning, no one was his normal cheery self. They were still holding their own and not letting their grief overwhelm them, but they were more somber and morose than I could ever remember. I took some time to speak with Graham in private, just to see how he was holding up, and he seemed anxious to get to the funeral parlor, so he could see Cody again. He even asked me if the two of us could go in alone first, so he could make sure Cody looked alright before anyone else went in. I told him that would be fine and he thanked me for allowing him to do this. While the other boys were getting ready, I told Jake what I had promised Graham and then asked him to keep the other boys outside, until I signaled them to come in. He said he would, so I thanked him for his assistance and then we finished getting ready ourselves. Once everyone was prepared to leave, we got in the vehicles and set out for the funeral home. As soon as we arrived, Graham and I got out of the car and went inside the building. We told the funeral director we wanted to check everything out, before the visitors arrived. He agreed to allow us to do this and led us into the room where Cody's body was laid out. Outside, Jake called the rest of the boys together, explained the situation and asked them to be patient until I signaled they could join us. No one seemed to have a problem with this and tried to keep each other occupied while they stood around in their suits, waiting for us to finish our inspection. As Graham and I entered the room, we immediately spotted the casket. When we looked in its direction, we could see Cody's face, even from this distance. While walking forward, we began to get the full impact of how impressive everything looked and we slowly moved toward the area. Cody was lying in a powder blue metallic coffin, with a white silk lining, and there was a large bouquet of flowers covering the closed lower half. This bouquet had a ribbon across it, which read 'son,' and was the arrangement I had sent from Jake and me. There was another large arrangement at the head of the coffin, placed on a stand, and this one read 'brother.' There was also a floral cross placed against the inside of the lid, which had the word 'uncle' attached to it. In addition to the flowers, there were also two pictures placed on stands on either side of the bouquet from the boys. They were set in gold-plated frames, and the first was the charcoal sketch Andrew had done of Cody, which he had won a ribbon for at the art festival. The other was a watercolor of Cody, done using a slightly different pose than the other one, but this one showed off Cody's blond hair, his clear blue eyes and highlighted his wonderful smile. We walked up and looked at Cody for a second, before Graham grabbed a comb out of his pocket and started primping Cody's golden locks. When he was satisfied Cody's hair was done correctly, he stroked the back of his hand against Cody's cheek and then bent forward, so he could kiss him. First, he gave him a little peck on the nose and then he kissed him squarely on his lips. I wasn't sure he'd do this, at least not after his reaction in the hospital, but he did. It proved his love was stronger than any uncomfortable feelings he might have had. When Graham was through fussing over Cody, I also gave Cody a kiss. However, mine was a fatherly kiss, on the forehead, like I often did with the boys when I was proud of them or whenever we parted ways. Then Graham and I talked for a few minutes, while noting all the other bouquets that had been sent. We made sure to see who had sent each one, so we could send them a thank you note later. When Graham finally agreed everything was as it should be, I went out and motioned for the rest of the family to come inside. The other boys took turns going up and saying a final good-bye to Cody, but some were more emotional than others. This didn't mean the ones who were more demonstrative or hysterical loved or missed Cody more, nor did it mean the others loved or missed him less. Instead, it was merely their way of dealing with a situation such as this. Everyone has their own way of coping with tragedy and unpleasant situations, but it is hard to qualify one as being more expressive about how someone feels than another. As the boys were doing this, I pulled Peter aside, so I could see how he was dealing with a situation he had been thrust into. "How are you doing?" I asked him. "Fine, sir," he answered. "I didn't know him very well, but it's still very sad. I'm sorry he had to die so young and I know you'll all miss him. I could tell you loved each other and I can see how deeply you miss him already." "You're very perceptive," I replied. "Have you ever been part of anything like this before?" "I went to my grandmum's funeral," he told me, "but I've never known anyone this young who has died. I've read about such things, in the newspaper and magazines, but I've never actually seen the body or been there for the service." "I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother, but I'm glad you've never lost anyone this young before," I confirmed. "Are you certain you are all right." "Yes, Sir… I mean, Pop," he said with an apologetic gaze. "You don't have to worry about me. Take care of your sons and I'll try to help, especially with Ricky." Having said this, he walked over and stood next to the older blond. It was obvious Ricky was one of those taking this very emotionally. When the immediate family was through saying their final farewells, I told the funeral director he could allow the other visitors in. I had Jake and the boys line up beside me, so we would form a welcoming line to greet them. Among the first to arrive were the members of our extended family and they took a moment to see how each of us were holding up. They offered their condolences and support, before asking what we needed and volunteering their services for whatever they could do. I thanked them and explained we've always known we could count on them, especially when things had sunk to their lowest. They just acknowledged they were willing to do whatever was necessary. Even though Cody hadn't been with us for very long, he still had made many friends and they arrived at the funeral home too. Most of them had a parent or two accompanying them, for moral support, since this was most likely the first time they had known someone from their own age group who had died. There were plenty of tears flowing as they passed by, but many kind words were also said and we thanked each and every one of them for coming. There were also some teachers in this group, some who had had Cody in one of their classes, but others who came just as a show of support for the rest of the family. It is nice to know you have such loyal friends and colleagues. In between the afternoon and evening calling hours we went home, and much to our surprise, Sally, Mary and Margaret had prepared a meal for us. They said they knew we probably wouldn't eat much or very well otherwise, so they wanted to make sure no one starved. I thanked them and we enjoyed what they had prepared, but I don't think any of us ate very much. If the boys were like me, they didn't have much of an appetite while enduring the many feelings we were each experiencing. The evening viewing was much the same as the afternoon session, with more of Cody's classmates, additional teachers and staff and other family friends arriving to show their support and offer sympathy. Some of these people had attended earlier, but still came back a second time. My older children arrived during the second viewing and my two oldest grandsons were with them. Seeing those two had spent so much time with their uncles, their parents thought it best if they were included, if they wanted to be. Both Jordan and Nicky expressed an interest in being here, so they were allowed to come. Once they saw their Uncle Cody resting in his casket, they started to become nervous and apprehensive, so they stayed close to me. They asked many questions about what happened to Uncle Cody and why he had to die when he was so young, which I answered as honestly as I could. I'm not sure anyone could have answered those types of questions to their satisfaction, but I did the best I could. "Even though it's not pleasant to think about," I began, "sometimes even younger people can get really sick. This is what happened to your Uncle Cody." "Will we get it too," Nicky wanted to know. "No, you can't catch what your uncle had," I assured them. "He was just unlucky to have gotten it himself." "Did he hurt bad?" Jordan asked. "For most of the time, the doctor gave him medicine so he wouldn't hurt," I explained, "but there may have been times when he felt some of it." "What happens when you die," Jordan followed, and I could tell he was deadly serious. "Different people believe different things," I began. "Even though the body remains behind, those who are religious feel the soul goes to be with God. There are some people who believe the soul just disappears and others are convinced the soul goes into another body and lives another life." "What do you believe, Papa?" Nicky asked, directly. "I believe your Uncle Cody is now in heaven, with God," I advised, "and we'll all see him, and be with him, again some day." "Does that mean we'll all die too," Jordan asked. "Yes, eventually everyone dies," I explained, "but hopefully most of us will be very, very old when that time comes. It's not something you should worry about now, since you'll probably live to be eighty, ninety or even one hundred years old before that happens." The boys seemed to accept this explanation and didn't pursue it further. After the final viewing concluded, we went back to the house, but things were still pretty somber. The extended family had taken care of everything while we were gone and cleaned up after we had eaten. They were truly amazing. The funeral was scheduled for 11:00 the next day, so there was still a great deal to go through. I also understood this would be another night of very limited sleep, due to all the emotional turmoil enveloping each of us. Actually, I was surprised I was still going fairly strong, but understood my body was just functioning on instinct and adrenaline. I also realized my body was going to crash, big time, once this was over. I hoped it wouldn't wipe me out completely or cause other problems, like the health-related issues I suffered after Brent's funeral, but there was nothing I could do about that now. Although we all turned in a short time later, emotionally drained by the events of the past few days, we also knew there was another big day ahead of us tomorrow. I did fall asleep for longer periods than the previous two nights, but I still didn't have what I'd call a good night's sleep. There was still one more day to get through and I wanted to make sure this one went off perfectly; without a hitch. I was nervous, but I was certain each of the boys would do his part, so this helped to allay my fears somewhat. After a quick service at the funeral home, the casket was going to be closed and moved to the church, where the religious service would be performed. As was my custom, I planned to be there when the coffin was sealed, but Graham told me he wanted to do something in private, before that happened. When I inquired as to what that was, he said he had something he wanted to put in the casket with Cody. I told him that would be fine with me, and then I made arrangements with the funeral director for this to take place. I had Jake take the other boys into one of the other rooms, to wait until we were done. Once Graham and I were alone with Cody's body, Graham walked up to the casket, reached into his suit pocket and pulled something out of it. It was a ring and I recognized it as one I had given him for his birthday a few years ago. He looked up at me and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I thought this would show Cody I will love him forever." I couldn't speak. I was so choked up at the moment that I merely nodded my head, to let him know I had no problem with what he was planning to do. Seeing my response, he turned back toward Cody, placed the ring on Cody's finger and then kissed him one final time, once on the nose and then on the lips. After he had completed his good-bye, I had him leave and join the others, while I watched the funeral director seal the coffin shut. Castaway Hotel -- Grand Reopening -- Book 6 by BW Copyright 2009 by billwstories Chapter 42 -- A Fitting Farewell. Once the casket was sealed, the pallbearers were brought into the room, so they could carry the coffin to the hearse. Ricky, Danny, Dustin, Kevin, Frankie, Nick, Cole, and Pat had volunteered for this job and picked up the small coffin. Since it only contained a small fragile body inside, they had no problem lifting it and slowly exited the building. They were very careful moving the casket and everything they did exuded the great respect and admiration they felt for the one inside. This was truly an effort guided by love. Once the casket had been placed in the back of the hearse, the boys walked over to get in their ride to the church. They would be going with Mark, who was driving the Suburban, while Brandon drove the rest of the family in our van. Jake and I were told we should ride in the limo that would follow the hearse, but I made sure to include Graham with us, along with my two grandsons. I thought this might mean more to them and let me show each one some affection, as we took the short ride to the church. It didn't take the limo very long to get there, even though it probably never exceeded thirty miles per hour. We came to a stop in front of the church and the driver came around to open our door and let us out. We all stood silently on the sidewalk as we watched the pallbearers remove the coffin from the hearse and carry it inside. We followed them into the edifice, and as we passed through the main doors, I heard the first notes of the music begin. A few seconds after that, I heard Dion's beautiful tenor voice singing the words to the first song, 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord'. Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near When my light is almost gone Hear my cry, hear my call Hold my hand lest I fall Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home When the darkness appears and the night draws near And the day is past and gone At the river I stand Guide my feet, hold my hand Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home It was so beautiful, and so sweet, that I found it difficult to keep the tears from filling my eyes as I took my seat. As we sat and waited for everyone else to enter and get seated, another song began, but this time it was 'Whispering Hope'. Soft as the voice of an Angel Breathing a lesson unheard Hope with a gentle persuasion Whispers her comforting word Wait, till the darkness is over Wait, till the tempest is done Hope for the sunshine tomorrow After the shower is gone Whispering hope (whispering hope) Oh, how welcome thy voice Making my heart (making my heart) In its sorrow rejoice If in the dusk of the twilight Dim be the region afar Will not the deepening darkness Brighten the glimmering star Then, when the night is upon us Why should the heart sink away When the dark midnight is over Watch for the breaking of day Whispering hope (whispering hope) Oh, how welcome thy voice Making my heart (making my heart) In its sorrow rejoice By the time this hymn ended, everyone was inside and the service was ready to begin. Cody's casket had been placed in front of the altar, with one of Andrew's pictures placed on a small stand on either side of it, and the minister was ready to start. After greeting everyone and sharing his introductory words, he asked Vinnie to step forward and read the twenty-third psalm. Once Vinnie had finished, the minister called Trey up to read what he had written for this occasion. As Trey walked up to the lectern, he pulled out the sheet of paper he would read from and began to speak. "Be not fearful of death, For it is not the end of life, but merely a new beginning. Death is not the conqueror that vanquishes all, But it is the liberator that sets us free. Although death may terminate our mortal existence, It gives us the opportunity to explore a realm we have never known. Death is not the closing of a door and the ending of a life, But it is the opening of a door and the beginning of a new existence. Although death may, for a time, separate us from those we love, It will also serve to unite us with all those who have gone before. It is not the harbinger of eternal rest or a journey into nothingness, But our birth into a new plane of being, where we shall reside with our creator. Even though death's sting may hurt for a time, The pain it causes will last only briefly. Although we shall forever miss the loved one who has passed, The pain of his passing shall only be a temporary phase. Eventually it will be replaced with a feeling of joy, From knowing we were blessed by his presence, no matter how brief it was. So fear not what death shall bring, But rejoice in its eventual arrival. Although our brains may not be able to understand its true meaning, Please understand it is more than our last breath or final repose. Death be not proud, nor should it be humble, For it is but one more step in the evolution of our souls." As Trey made his way back to his seat, I could see his message was well received. Everyone was already asking if he wrote that himself, and even though it didn't refer specifically to Cody, it was still comforting to know there might be something more awaiting us after death. Now, it was Graham's turn to go to the lectern and share his thoughts with us. I watched him carefully as he made his way forward, since I wasn't convinced he'd hold up long enough to do this. He was still grief stricken and very emotional, and you could hear it in his voice as he began to speak. "Cody was not only my brother, my best friend, my companion and my soul mate, He was also one of the best things to ever happen to our family. Although I will miss him and mourn the fact that he is gone, I will never forget all those things that made him so very special. I will always see his loving and mischievous smile, Which could fill the gloomiest days with sunshine and warmth. I will always hear his melodic and gentle voice, The very sound of which could make me forget whatever troubled me. I will always feel his gentle and caring touch, Which could ease my pain and make my spirit soar. I will always remember his good natured and easy-going way, And how he could turn any frown into a smile. I will always cherish the pranks he would play, To make us laugh or help distract us from our problems. Until the day I too shall die, I will carry his memory, like a treasure within my heart." As Graham made his way back to sit beside me, I looked around the church and noticed many people wiping their eyes, as his words had moved them very deeply. I hugged him when he returned to his seat, but I also knew it was my turn to go next. I wasn't sure I could top or even equal, what my two sons had already said, but I couldn't let this opportunity pass with out adding my own comments. Even though I had seen their pieces in advance and helped polish them up a little, those words had come from their hearts and I worried my words might sound shallow after what they had said. However, I didn't have time to worry about this further, as I received the official notification it was my turn to go next. As I made my way from my seat, I took a deep breath and walked to the lectern. I pulled out my cheat-sheet and began to read. "I know mankind has often questioned why good people seem to die so young and I've asked that same question too, but I'm still not sure if I have an answer for it. All I can think is that a person has a specific role to fulfill in life, and once they have accomplished what they were meant to do or reached a certain level of perfection, they are then free to leave this temporal plane. The rest of us, however, must still strive to reach the goals set for us, before we may also move on to something better. "Take Cody, for example. In the short time I knew him, I was impressed and amazed by his positive approach to life, even in the face of great adversity, and I can only think of the phrase, 'a little child shall lead us' to explain his role. Yes, lead us he did, and by example, not merely with words. Words are easy to manufacture and can often be hollow, but Cody demonstrated how life should be lived. Although life dealt him many harsh blows, beginning with the circumstances surrounding his birth, his unhappy childhood and the disease that eventually took his life, his spirit never faltered. In spite of all those hardships, Cody remained optimistic, happy and continued to place his concern for others before his own well-being. "How many of us complain and gripe about the little things in life that don't go exactly as we wish? How many of us have complained about minor setbacks that we have had to face or griped about those few miserable people we've had to deal with? If anyone had a RIGHT to complain, it would have been Cody, yet he always faced life with a smile, a cheery disposition and a genuine concern for others, right up until the end. How many of us could have, or would have, been able to do the same? "Maybe Cody was placed on this earth to teach us how to accept life as it comes to us and how to make the best of even the worst situations, so we could pass this lesson on to others. Maybe he had reached the level of perfection required to leave this plane, where it takes the rest of us much longer to come to the same realizations. Maybe it was because he endured the heartaches of life with grace and dignity, he was allowed to move on, so he could receive his reward in heaven. "Whatever the reason for his passing, he is gone from us now, but only in body. His spirit shall continue to live on in those of us whom he has touched so deeply during his brief stay among us. Hopefully, we shall all be able to emulate his saintly example and move on to join him, at some point in time. "I know some of you might be questioning if there is a curse on our family, since we've lost Brent and Cody after such a very short time, but I'd argue we aren't cursed, but blessed. We were blessed to have had each of them in our lives, even if it didn't last as long as we might have wished, and we should be thankful we found each other and were given the opportunity to share the time we had together. I know I, for one, shall always be richer for those experiences. "Cody, I shall never forget you and I will always be touched by the memories of you. I feel confident your brothers feel the same way and I look forward to someday being with you again. I will continue to send you my love, in ways I hope you can appreciate. Thank you for being my son and may God now grant you the blessings and love you have always deserved." As I made my way back to my seat, I could hardly see where I was going, because my eyes were filled with tears. Luckily I was sitting in the front row, so I didn't have far to walk, and somehow I managed to take my place between Jake and Graham. Now, the minister explained that communion would be given next, as per my request. Sammy, Mark, Brandon, and Jay were going to help with this, so each of them made his way forward, so he could do his part. As they began to move from their seats, the music started once again, but this time we heard Dion's tenor voice sing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow", which lasted through most of the communion process. Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely, And long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my portion My constant friend is He His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me I sing because I'm happy I sing because I'm free For His eye is on the sparrow And I know he watches me. Let not your heart be troubled His tender word I hear And resting on His goodness I lose my doubts and fears Though by the path He leadeth But one step I may see His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me I sing because I'm happy I sing because I'm free For His eye is on the sparrow And I know he watches me. Whenever I am tempted Whenever clouds arise When songs give place to sighing When hope within me dies I draw the closer to Him From Care He sets me free His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me I sing because I'm happy I sing because I'm free For His eye is on the sparrow And I know he watches me. As the minister finished up with communion, and while he put everything away, Dion and the choir began to sing, 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee', which they would continue until the minister was ready to begin his sermon. I am weak, but Thou are strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Just a closer walk with Thee, Precious Jesus, hear my plea, Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. When my feeble life is o'er, Time for me will be no more; Guide me gently, safely o'er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. Just a closer walk with Thee, Precious Jesus, hear my plea, Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. As the final notes of the song faded within the church, the minister stepped up to the lectern, ready to give his sermon. "Normally I would take some of this time to talk about the dearly departed and tell you a little about who he was, but I think that has already been done far better than I could ever have hoped to do. Instead, I will offer words of comfort to those who remain behind, to help them cope with their grief. "Our Lord let us know there was a reward beyond this life when he told his disciples, in the Gospel according to John, chapter 14. 'Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.' This was his promise to his followers that there would be eternal life for all those who believe in his name. "In the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 10, verse 14, he also told us to 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of God.' I think this lets us see that children have a special significance in heaven and a special place with our heavenly father. "In his sermon on the mount, Jesus taught us many things, and as reported in the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 5, we learn the following. 'Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.' "Our Lord gave us even more hope, when after raising Lazarus from the dead, he told us, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.' Carry this with you, now as you depart and know that we share the promise of eternal life. We shall all be together again, in a better place, at another time." After he finished his sermon, he offered a prayer, and then Dion and the choir began another song, this time the musical version of "The Lord's Prayer". Our Father which art in haven, Hallowed by thy name Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Now it was time for the pallbearers to carry the casket to the hearse for its final trip to the cemetery. As they moved down the aisle, leaving the church, everyone filed in behind them, as Dion and the choir sang their final selection, "I'll Fly Away". Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away. To a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away. I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away. When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away. When the shadows of the life have flown, I'll fly away. Like a bird thrown, driven by the storm, I'll fly away. I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away. When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away. Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away. To a land where joy shall never end, I'll fly away. I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away. When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away. I asked Dion to join us in the limo for the ride to the cemetery, so I could congratulate him on the beautiful job he had done. Listening to his masterful and touching renditions, backed by the children's choir, it truly sounded like a choir of angels had participated, to speed Cody on his way. It was a short drive to the burial site and the casket was delicately set above its final resting place. Once everyone had gathered around, the minister offered his final words of hope to those assembled. The service was brief, but very familiar, and the family was given the opportunity to place a flower on the casket, before we left. Once the ceremony had concluded and the others had wandered away, I stayed to watch them lower the coffin into the vault and seal it shut. Again, this wasn't something the cemetery crew liked to do, but it was something I insisted on doing, so begrudgingly they gave in to my request. Graham had returned to join me, and even though I tried to talk him out of it, he insisted he wanted to stay, so I allowed him to be there with me. Once everything was done and they were ready to fill in the remainder of the hole with dirt, we turned and began to walk back toward the limo. When we were about halfway there, Graham stopped and turned to face Cody's gravesite, so I stopped too and waited beside him. After a brief backward glance he turned to me and spoke. "He's all right, Dad. I just saw him standing next to Brent and they had their arms around each other's shoulders. They were smiling at me and your wife stood behind them, along with Ricky's mother, Sammy and Andrew's mother and father, Trey's parents, and Vinnie's mom and dad. There was also a woman standing behind Cody, which makes me think it was his mother. I'll bet she wants to do the things for him now that she didn't do for him when she was alive. He's okay, Dad, and I don't feel so bad now." As we finished walking to the limo, I knew he was right and someday we'd all be there with them too. The End of Book 6 E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to: bwstories8@aol.com - but please put the story title in the subject line, so it doesn't get deleted as junk mail. I truly hope you enjoyed this story. If you'd like to read other stories I have written, you may find them on my website at http://bwsryc.gayauthors.org/