Chapter 38 - Life After Dominic

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I wake up the morning of Dom's funeral. I roll out of bed and run my hand over my belly. I've cried so much the last week that I don't know if I have any tears left. The overwhelming feeling of sadness sweeps over me. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I reach down and pull open my locket and look at his picture. That beautiful soul; he will always have my heart. 

It takes every bit of strength I have left to go to the bathroom and shower. I can still smell him on the sheets. How will I ever be able to show my girls how wonderful their father was? They will never know the extent of his love for us. He died before he could even get in to see the Oncologist. He died before his family could see him one last time. I had to call his mother the night he died; it's unimaginable what she is going through right now. She wailed the entire time, as did I. 

My family and friends called and checked up on me all week. I didn't really want to talk;  I just wanted to stay wrapped up in the sheets where I could still smell him. I went to his side of the closet and breathed in the scent of his clothes. The house is lonely...It's quiet... 

Everybody has chipped in to help Momma at the shop while I stayed home and grieved. I was grateful for the help. As I climb into the shower, I begin to wash up. I'm kind of on autopilot. I can't really handle anything going on around me right now, so I just shut down emotionally. 

Dom's family flew in last night, and they are staying here with me. I can hear them in the living room chatting as I get dressed and fix my hair. 

Once I'm finished, I walk into the living room to find Dom's brother sitting on the sofa. He jumps up and pulls me in for an embrace, "Are you alright, Maggie?" he asks. 

"Yes, Lorenzo, but he's not," I respond with tears streaming down my cheeks. 

The family rushes to my side and embraces me. His mother sobbing loudly. Dom's Mother grabs my cheeks, "You made my boy so happy."

I lean in and press my forehead to hers; It's surprising to hear her speak English. I know she doesn't normally like to. She plants a kiss on both of my cheeks and runs her hands over my growing belly, "Little miracles coming soon."

I gaze down at my growing belly. I realize this is going to be difficult to carry on and raise his children on my own. I wipe the tears that stream down my cheeks, "Is everyone ready to go?" I ask. 

We gather our things and climb into the SUV and head out towards the funeral home. Once we arrive, everyone climbs out of the vehicle.  I walk up to the front to find Momma and Earl waiting for me. Momma pulls me in for an embrace, "Momma, this is Dom's family. They flew in last night for his funeral." I tell her. 

She smiles and nods with tears running down her cheeks. "Momma, this is Francesca and Piero. Dom's Mother and Father. This is his brother and sister in law Lorenzo and Valentina. These are their four children Matteo, Leonardo, Isabella, and Mia. This is my mother, Nova, and her boyfriend Earl."

Francesca and Momma embrace and sob on each other's shoulders. Then Dylan arrives with his family and wraps his arms around me; He doesn't say a word. I introduce everyone to Dom's family. Dylan stays with me throughout the whole funeral.  

Once it starts, we all gather inside and line up next to Dom's casket. He's even beautiful in death. They did a beautiful job. Each family member put something special in that reminded them of Dom. Francesa placed his teddy bear when he was a child into the casket. I had them place his guitar into his casket next to him. That will always be something that reminds me of my Dominic. My brother had me in tears. He placed a package of instant popcorn into his casket because he had Dom try it one time when we went over to his house to hang out and watch movies; Dom was surprised at how much he loved it.

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