Dreams, Memories & Keys

Chapter 56 - Monday

Aside from his visit with Richard on Saturday afternoon which briefly pulled him out of himself, Greg Abernathy went through the motions of going through the weekend in preparation for Monday, the day of his wife's funeral, on automatic as Julie said. He welcomed in the Sabbath with the greatest reverence and closed it out in much the same way. He spent a great deal of time in prayer, something no one in the family could fault him for. He spent time with Julie and Alan and Matt and Zack, and Jessie in particular, doing what he could to ease their grief as they too prepared for the day. When it came to his children, Greg was more than aware that Julie and Alan were mainly concerned about how Susan's death was affecting him, while for Matt and Zack they were morning the loss of their mother. Susan's loss was being acutely felt by them, though both young men were being consoled by their wives and could still experience joy at being with their children. They were bolstered by faith, and he knew Susan would be pleased if she knew.

Then came Jessie. Susan's loss was a different sort of experience for the daughter Greg and Susan adopted together. Jessie had been born to them in their very first life. She'd experienced their loss many times across their various lives. This time however both he and Susan had been blessed by living long enough to see her grown, married, with a family of her own. Jessie could see how Susan's loss was affecting him, but for herself he could only see the joy that finally, her mama had been allowed to come home.

"I think Mama succeeded," Jessie told Greg on Sunday evening while waiting for guests coming for the funeral to arrive.

"What makes you think that?" Greg asked.

"Melody told me. Her father is happy. Mama is too. She's waiting for you."

Greg looked at Jessie in surprise. "I know. I heard her say that on her way home."

"Did you see her cross through the veil too? The way Mama did when Melody went home?" Jessie wondered.

"Not exactly. I suppose I simply felt it as her spirit left. She passed by me very close on her way home," Greg tried to explain.

Jessie smiled sadly. "I love you, Papa. I want you know. But I also want you to know, I will understand when it is your turn to go home."

"Thank you, Jessie. That is good to know. I will pray that you succeed too when it is your time to go home," Greg told her.

Jessie didn't answer. She simply hugged her papa before going to check on her twins.

^^^

Nobody could ever remember the rest of the Sunday before when the day for Susan's funeral came. But everybody remembered Monday.

The day was cloudy and cool when the family set out on Monday morning for the funeral home where the service for Susan would be held. They decided to have the service early because everyone there knew Susan loved mornings.

Greg stood with their children as he viewed her body, knowing in his heart that Susan wasn't there. It was like they explained to Melody so long ago. These were just her earthly remains. It was his responsibility to see them buried, but Susan herself waited for him in the great beyond.

Between all the family and friends who came, the room where they held the funeral was full to overflowing. The minister spoke, talking about Susan's faith in a savior, but more than that in the Lord above. Greg was glad to hear it. If there was something he hoped his wife would be remembered for, he felt in his heart it should be her faith.

Then with just the family and a few of their closest friends, the service moved to the cemetery where Greg stood next to Melody's marker, thinking about how Susan was quite literally with her now. They were both home. There was space for him beside Susan on her other side and he knew it was he who would be going next. He would be there too, before too long.