Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 15:18:50 EDT From: Bwstories8@aol.com Subject: The Castaway Hotel - book 6, Chapter 20 Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality. Don't read this story if: **You're not 18 or over, **If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live, **Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex. The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against violators. I wish to extend my thank you to Ed for his editorial assistance with this chapter, and Art for his additional input on each chapter. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other `constructive' comments or advice may be sent to: bwstories8@aol.com. * * * * * * * * Although the boys in these stories have unprotected sex, I strongly urge all of you out there to be smart and protect yourselves from various sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms when having intercourse. * * * * * * * * The Castaway Hotel-Book 6-by BW (Young-Friends). Copyright 2000 by billwstories Chapter 20 - A fitting farewell. November 2002 Now that I had made the arrangements with the funeral home, I was working with the minister to plan the service at the church. After Brent died, I wasn't thinking very clearly, and I made some mistakes that I didn't want to repeat this time. The biggest of those mistakes was that I didn't involve all the boys in the planning or service, and some of them had mentioned it several times in the intervening months, letting me know that they shall always regret that 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, and Nick wanted to come back for the funeral, and delay his trip to Brazil. I told him to think about it for a while, and talk it over with his parents, before he made any decisions, but we would be fine with whatever he chose to do. I told him everyone would understand, if he went to Brazil as scheduled, but I didn't want to influence his decision, because I realized that this might be a decision which could affect him for years to come. He said he'd let me know what he decided, as soon as he knew himself, and I told him that would be fine. A couple hours later I got a call from him, and he informed me that he and his parents would be joining us for the service. Since we arrived back home from Sloan-Kettering, Kevin had been spending a great deal of time with Graham, helping him work his way through the grieving process. Having gone through this when Brent died, he was the most qualified for the job, and he took it upon himself to help Graham through this, with no coaxing from any of us. I made sure to thank him, one time when I could get him alone, and then I also thanked Vinnie, for being so understanding and sharing Kevin with a needy brother. It is especially heartwarming to see the boys go out of their way to help each other, and it shows a certain amount of maturity on their part. For the entire day after we arrived back home, there was nothing scheduled to take place. The calling hours wouldn't be until the following day, so I would use 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. Now I sat down with him to pick out appropriate songs for this occasion. I also called the church, and spoke to the minister, telling him what we wanted to do. He agreed to have Dion sing the various songs we selected, and he'd have the children's choir back him up. He suggested he could set up a practice for later that evening, so we could get them all together and make sure they knew the various songs and it all gelled with the pianist. We told him that would be fine with both of us, and we thanked him for his help. I knew this would sound beautiful and be perfect for this situation, and I thanked Dion for his offer. Graham and Trey had suggested that they both wanted to write something appropriate for the service, and then read it the church. I told them that would be fine, and I sent them off to compose whatever it was they wanted to say, and then I would look it over later, offering suggestions and helping them polish it up a bit. They both thought that would be a good idea, so they went off to consider what they were going to write. Andrew had also come up to me, asking if there was some way we could use the picture he drew of Cody, and I told him that I'd have it framed and placed beside the casket. He smiled when I told him that, and asked if he could do another picture too, but this one in color. I told him he could, but reminded him that he didn't have much time to complete it in, just in case he wanted to reconsider. He said he could do it anyway, and he raced off to get started on it. I also spoke to the other boys, deciding which of them would be pallbearers and which of them would assist with communion. Although communion isn't normally a part of the funeral service, I had requested that it be done, to help remind the rest of us that someday we would all be reunited in God's presence, as promised by the sacrifice that Jesus had made and signified by this sacrament. The minister had agreed that we could do this, and I told him I would have four of my boys assist him with this portion of the service. Now I had one more thing to take care of, and I approached Vinnie to discuss this 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. Therefore, I asked him if he would be willing the read the twenty-third psalm during the service, and he said he would be pleased to do that. Now everything was set. I understood Graham slept snuggled in between Kevin and Vinnie that evening, as the duo served as a buffer for him, protecting and comforting 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 I was 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, seeing if I could pick up any clues as to anything unusual going on. I would also get up and make my rounds around the house, checking in on all of the boys, just to make sure they were all still 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 just turn over as I left the room, though 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 he just went back to sleep as soon as I told him to. When we got up the next morning, everyone was still not their normal cheery self, but they were holding their own and not letting their grief overwhelm them. 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 all right before anyone else went in. I told him that would be fine, and he thanked me for allowing him to do that. While the other boys were getting ready, I told Jake what I had promised Graham, and then I asked him to keep the other boys outside, until I signaled them to come in. He said he would do that, and 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, telling the funeral director we wanted to check everything out, before the visitors arrived. He agreed to allow us to do that, and we were led into the room where Cody's body was. Outside, Jake had called the rest of the boys together, explained the situation to them, and asked them to be patient until I signaled them to join us. No one seemed to have a problem with this, and they stood around patiently in their suits, waiting for us to finish our inspection. Graham and I went into the room, and we immediately spotted the casket. As we looked in its direction, we could see Cody's face, even from this distance. We walked forward, getting the full impact of what we saw as we moved toward it. It was 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 it was the arrangement I had sent from Jake and me. There was another large arrangement at the head of the coffin, placed in a stand, and this one reading `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 in front of the one bouquet from the boys. They were set in gold-plated frames, and the first was the charcoal sketch Andrew had done of Cody, and had won a ribbon for him 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 wondrous smile. We walked up and looked at Cody for a second, and then Graham grabbed the comb out of his pocket and started doing something with Cody's hair. When he was satisfied his hair was done correctly, he stroked the back of his hand against Cody's cheek, before he bent forward and kissed him, first on his nose, and then on his lips. I wasn't sure he'd do that, after his reaction in the hospital, but he did, proving that his love is stronger than any uncomfortable feelings he might have had. When he was through primping Cody, I also gave Cody a kiss, but a fatherly kiss, on the forehead. Then Graham and I talked for a few minutes, noticing all the other bouquets that had been sent there, and seeing who had sent each one. When he agreed everything was ready, I went out and signaled the rest of the family to come in. The other boys each took a turn going up and saying a final good-bye to Cody, some more emotionally than the others, but that didn't mean the missed him any less. Their show of emotions, or lack thereof, didn't mean they loved him more or less than any of the others. Instead, it was merely their way of dealing with a situation such as this. When we were through saying our final farewells, I told the funeral director he could allow the other visitors in, and we formed a welcoming line to greet them. Among the first to arrive were the members of our extended family, and then some of Cody's friends from school arrived as well. Some of them had a parent or two with them, probably for moral support, as this was most likely the first viewing they had attended for someone from their own age group. There were plenty of tears flowing as they passed by, with many kind words 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 that you have such loyal friends and colleagues. The evening viewing was much the same, with more of each of those various groups returning, and some people even came back for a second time. My older children arrived during the second viewing, and my two oldest grandsons were with them. Seeing those two had spent more time with the boys, we thought they should be allowed to come, if they wanted to, and both had expressed an interest in being there. They both stayed close to me, asking me many questions about what happened to Uncle Cody and why he had to die when he was so young, and I answered them as best I could, but I'm not sure anyone could answer those types of questions to their satisfaction. After the final viewing concluded, we went back to the house, but things were still pretty somber. The funeral would be tomorrow, and it would start at 11:00, and I knew that it would be another night of very limited sleep. Actually, I was surprised I was still going after all of this, but I knew my body was just functioning on instinct and adrenaline, and I knew there would be a big crash ahead of me, once this was over. I hoped it wouldn't wipe me out completely, or cause other problems for me, like health related issues after Brent's funeral, but there was nothing I could do about that now. We all turned in fairly early that evening, emotionally drained by the events of the past few days, and we knew we'd also have 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. I still had one more day to get through, and I wanted to make sure that this one went off perfectly, and without a hitch. I was nervous, but I knew all the boys would do their 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 casket 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, 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 that I will love him forever." I couldn't speak, as I was so choked up at that moment, so I merely nodded my head, to let him know I had no problem with what he was doing. Seeing that, he turned back toward Cody, placed that ring on his finger, and then kissed him one final time, once on the nose and then on the lips, and then I had him leave and join the others, while I watched the funeral director seal the coffin shut. Now 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 were to perform this job, and they picked up that small coffin, with that fragile body inside, slowly lifted it, and then slowly exited the building. Once the casket had been placed in the back of the hearse, the boys walked over to the Suburban, for the ride to the church. They would go with Mark, who'd be driving that vehicle, while Brandon would drive the rest of the family, using our van. Jake and I were told we should ride in the limo, that would follow the hearse, but I made sure Graham was in with us, as well as my two grandsons. I thought this might mean more to them and let me show them some affection, as we took that short ride. Soon the limo came to a stop, in front of the church, and we got out and waited, as the pallbearers pulled the coffin out of the hearse. We followed them into the church, and as we passed through the main doors, I heard the music begin, and then I heard Dion's beautiful tenor voice sing out 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 tears were filling my eyes as I took my seat. As we sat and waited for everyone else to enter the church, 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 this time, everyone was in the church, 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 begin. After greeting everyone, and sharing his introductory words, he next had Vinnie come up and read the twenty-third psalm. After that, he 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 then he 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. Though death may terminate our mortal existence, It gives us the opportunity to explore a realm that 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. Though 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 it is our birth into a new plane of being, where we shall reside with our creator. Though death's sting may be sharp for a time, The pain it causes lasts but for a short time. Although we shall forever miss the loved one who has passed, The pain of his passing shall be only a temporary thing. Eventually it will be replaced with a feeling of joy, From the knowledge that we were blessed by his presence, no matter how brief that was. So fear not what death shall bring, But rejoice in its eventual arrival. Though our brains may not be able to understand its true meaning, Please understand that 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, and everyone was asking if he wrote that himself. Though it didn't refer to Cody in specific, as Graham would do, it was still comforting to know that there might be something more after death. Now it was Graham's turn to go to the lectern and share his thoughts with us. "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. Though 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 nature and easy-going way, And how he could turn any frown into a smile. I will always cherish the pranks he used to 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 returned 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 as he returned to sit beside me, but I knew it was my turn to go next, and I wasn't sure if I could top what my two sons had already said. Even though I had seen their pieces in advance, and helped them to polish them up a little, those words had come from their hearts, and now I worried that 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 signal that 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 before 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 fulfilled that role or they have 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 this same level, 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 of 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 placed 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 because he endured the heartaches of life with a 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, as we lost Brent and Cody after such a very short time, but I'd argue that we aren't cursed, but blessed. We were blessed to have had them in our lives, even if it didn't last as long as we might have wished, and we should be thankful that we had 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 memories of you. I feel confident that 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, as 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 it. Instead, I will offer words of comfort to those who remain behind, to help them cope with their grief. Our Lord let us know that there was a reward beyond this life, as 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 believed 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 things. `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, to know that we share the promise of eternal life, and 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 once more, this time 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. It was a short drive to the cemetery, and the casket was placed above its final resting place, as the minister offered his final words of hope to those assembled. 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, turned back toward 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 behind them stood your wife, 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, and I think that 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 Book 6 * * * * * * * * Editor's note: Some of you may already be aware of this, but the character of Cody was based loosely on a real life Cody. He too had a very rough life, never knew who his father was, and he too was eventually adopted into a very loving home. His new father is a friend of mine, and they were both so excited and happy when the adoption was finalized. Unfortunately, that Cody was also diagnosed with A.L.L., and even though he also put up a very brave fight, he too could not beat that disease. When Cody's father told me that Castaway was Cody's favorite story, I couldn't think of any better way to honor him, than to include him in it. Therefore, this book has been dedicated to that little blond angel, who graced our lives for such a short time, but taught us the meaning of life, better than any other teacher could. Cody, I hope somehow you realized how much you meant to all of us, especially your father, and that you can somehow appreciate being a part of this particular story. Cody, our little angel, we shall never forget you. Love, Bill * * * * * * * * If you have enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me by clicking on the Nifty author link and scrolling down to "BW". This will give you the links for everything I have posted there. E-mails may be sent to: bwstories8@aol.com.