Chapter 30: The Power of Good-Bye
Luis and Sheridan waited in Mr. Summerton's office nervously. Sheridan turned to Luis and said "What if something is wrong with our baby. Oh Luis this isn't fair." "Calm down, Sheridan we don't know for sure if anything is wrong. I am sure everything will turn out alright." "I hope you're right Luis, because I don't think I could take any more bad news. I mean look at all we have been through to be together." "I know Sheridan, I know" Luis whispered softly in Sheridan's ear as he stroked her back. Just then Mr. Summerton walked into his office.
He walked over to his chair and sat down. He reviewed the results again and then looked over at the young couple. They appeared to be so much in love, yet at the moment they looked agitated and worried. He began to speak "Mr. and Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald we have the results as to why your baby's heart rhythm was duplicated. I suspected such at first, but I had to be sure. There's no point in saying something to both of you, if in fact the opposite was true." "Oh nooo" Sheridan cried. "Tell me doctor, what's wrong with our baby? Is it something serious?" "Calm down Mrs. Fitzgerald you haven't heard what I was going to say."
Meanwhile, back in Harmony everyone was gathered at the church for the funerals of the deceased Sheridan Crane and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. There were candles adorning the church halls and alters and in front of the alter rested the two caskets, side by side. On the left side of the alter were two pictures, one of Sheridan and one of Luis, which were encircled by a green wreath. Father Longan commenced the funeral and spoke.
"We are all gathered here today to pay our respects to the faithfully departed young souls. We will always remember these two individuals, Sheridan Crane and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald by looking back at the fond memories we shared with them. Not to long ago, we all gathered here to celebrate the joyful union of these two in holy matrimony. Let us pray."
There was a moment of silence and then Father Longan commenced by saying
"Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially those for whom we now pray, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and Sheridan Crane. May these, and all who sleep in Christ, find in your presence light, happiness and peace. Let us remember our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again; bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence. Amen."
"Now we will hear two eulogies in memory of these Luis and Sheridan. Theresa will commence, Theresa."
Theresa got up and walked over to the alter. She paused for a moment and starred at the picture of Luis smiling and starring her back in the face. She kept expecting for Luis to walk into the church and say "What's going on here? Why is everyone attending my funeral? I am not dead." Or she wanted to wake up from this horrible and horrific dream, but neither came true. As each day had passed edging closer to this moment, Theresa realized the inevitable truth, that Luis was never coming back, nor Sheridan. She stepped up on the alter and turned to face the crowd. She looked at all the sad faces. Everyone in Harmony had come to pay their respects. The Bennett’s, the Russell’s and the Cranes were all here to say goodbye to Sheridan and Luis.
"My brother Luis, always told me...that...life...should...be lived...to the...ful..l..est.." She began to sob and she realized she had to be strong. She cleared her throat and began again. "Luis always put his family...ahead..of everything..else. He wanted the best for all of us, Miguel...Mama and me. He loved us so much and he always looked...out for us. He gave up his dreams, in order to...support...his...family. He made new dreams and desperately...wanted to ....become a detective..and now those....dreams are...dead. But what will continue to live on...in...our..hearts..are the memories we cherish...of Luis. He always looked out for everyone..in Harmony. He gave us his free time...and devoted it to the kids at the youth center. Luis always...put...the concerns...of..others ahead of his own." Tears trickled down Theresa's cheeks and as she looked around, most of the people in the room where crying as well.
"But most importantly....Luis...always cherished love. Even though his dream of being a...detective..has vanished...the one thing that was must..important....to Luis came true. Luis found his soulmate...Sheridan. When I saw the way he looked at her....and loved her...you could tell...that that's the kind of love...we all dream about. The kind of love that's unconditional and everlasting. He had the chance....to...walk down the aisle and marry Sheridan. That day was the happiest day of his life. And now together,....Luis and Sheridan...will...live...forever...as one...in heaven. If Sheridan had died...then Luis' spirit would have died...because they were so connected...that living apart or with...out each other..was unthinkable..and that kind of...love...he was able...to find...in his lifetime.
The memories of my brother will always be in my heart...and in your hearts. Let us not....forget....that..fond memories we shared..with Luis and Sheridan...may the memories be...imprinted in...our hearts....as well as...our minds. Thank you" Theresa wiped the tears from her cheeks and sat down next to her mother and Miguel. Pilar consoled Theresa and whispered in her ear "That was beautiful Theresita. Luis would have been very proud of you."
To Be Continued...
Preview for Chapter 31: What will the doctor say about Luis and Sheridan baby? Find out what Ethan has to say about his aunt Sheridan. Will the town of Harmony ever know the truth? Find out in Chapter 31: The Power of Good-bye part 2
