Shattering The Surfaces

Epilogue

Ten Years Later

No one could remember the last time they all had been together. The families continued to grow and branch out. It wasn’t because they lost touch, just how life takes you to different places and in different directions.

They were all here today.

Each had their own thoughts and memories. The breeze billowed the women’s dresses and coats and flapped through the hair of the men. The new children were unsure of how to act on such an occasion.

The thoughts were the most interesting despite the outward appearances. None seemed to be very depressed and somber. They were more grateful, it was…surprising.

Debra, true to form with a wild orange streak through the brown tendrils despite her age thought only of gratitude. If not she would never have met her husband Rob and had their own daughter. Their granddaughter she gazed at who sat in the arms of her son in law, Tony, had a smile spreading across her face.

Rob himself also was feeling how he would never have gotten off the streets if it wasn’t for the hope one person had in people.

Lily thought how much she would miss the kindness and playful nature of the man she grew up around with her best friend. How so many different things could have happened but how his one decision brought Brandon into her life. She chuckled at the memory of how they first met.

Brandon had not gotten to know them like the others, but still could see the connections and how it has affected everyone here throughout all their lives.

It was the hardest to turn to the thoughts of Abigail. She had been the most precious to him. Brave as always as she kept a fond and proud smile on her face. Jon held their daughter who didn’t quite understand what death was yet.

Finally, and the most difficult the thoughts of Dawn floated around. How much she would miss him, how happy she was to have had him in her life. How grateful she would be for the decision he made that brought her husband into her life and the family that came with it. Blessed no matter what had happened over the years.

The thoughts of Nathan were the most complex and curious. He was the only one who was the most upset. He wasn’t hiding it either. He didn’t know what he would do without his mentor anymore. But he knew the family that surrounded him would be enough. He owned him his life because he had given life back to him.

As Greg’s spirit moved on, a surge of love for all these people swept through and he truly felt at peace.

If he had not accepted that simple program offer that seemed so insignificant at the time to accept Nathan into his house despite his reservations as a father, none of these people would have come together or exist and became a family.

Greg would always be with them and proud of what they have accomplished, what he had accomplished. He was never famous, or rich just a man who saw the good in people and how a simple choice can impact over so many lives. The effects rippled through the years and generations.

Let’s hope we always stay true to ourselves in choosing the right paths. You never know where they might take you.

The End