Chapter 91
The time had come for Nick and Katie to be at the funeral home. Nick couldn’t seem to get his tie straight. Dee had walked in to check on Nick and to help with Katie.
“Nick, do you need help with that?” she asked him gently.
“Umm…yeah. Heather…she always…helped me with it.” he said as he broke down in tears.
Dee just held him in her arms. She knew of no other way to help him. Howie, Brian, AJ, and Kevin had all come into the room, to see if there was more that they could do. They knew that this was very difficult for Nick.
“Heather is with you always Nick. She doesn’t have to suffer anymore. She isn’t in pain.” Brian tried to tell his best friend.
“Yes, and she will never know her baby…she will never see her grow up. WHY??!!” Nick yelled.
Everyone knew that Nick was only trying to deal with the death as best as he could. He couldn’t bear to go into the funeral home to see the casket, and see the cascades of flowers.
“If only Heather knew how much everyone loved her, she wouldn’t have left.” Nick said aloud.
“Nick, she knew how much you loved her…and that is why she gave up everything she had…for you and for Katie Lynne. And, you must remember her always…” Howie said softly.
“And Katie? She will never know how wonderful her mother really was.” Nick said as he picked Katie up and walked down the aisle to the front row.
Nick then set Katie down with his mother, and walked over to the casket.
“Heather, I want you to know…I love you. I wish you didn’t have to leave me…but I understand the things you did in life. Just know that I am watching you baby. I love you…and I miss you so much.” he said, and then placed a flower on the top.
The casket had been closed, for privacy. Nick didn’t want the fans to see how bad things had gotten. Hundreds of people soon started to file in to pay their respects. Nick would hug them or shake their hands, but was in his own little world. He was picturing all the wonderful times he had sung because he was happy. He held the wedding picture that showed the joining of two wonderful loves. And, he held the beautiful creation that he helped make…Kathryn Lynne.
The service was beautiful. Howie had decided to read a poem, one that he felt fit the relationship that Nick had with me. As he read it, Nick sat silently, tears pouring from his eyes.
Where Will I Be?
Where will I be when you need me?
Where will I be…Tell me where will I be?
When you are alone on the dark street at night
When you are awake full of anguish and fright
When a loved one has gone to a land far away
When you need a soft touch and to hear, “It’s Okay.”
Where will I be…tell me where will I be?
When stars look like planets when you gaze at the sky
And your dreams are so sad they bring tears to your eyes
Everything is so white, and the trees stand so tall
That you need someone to hold you close by
And to dwell on those thoughts, you might cry
Where will I be when you need me
Where will I be…tell me where will I be?
When problems arise and you need to talk
When all you need is a friend and a leisurely walk
When worries enter your mind and won’t part
When you really need me
I’ll be in your heart
There I will be when you need me
There I will be
That’s where I will be
I’ll be there to comfort when your heart is weak
I’ll be there when troubles and sorrows you meet
When inward pain tears at your heart you can know
I’ll live in your heart and strengthen your soul
There I will be when you need me
There I will be
That’s where I will be.
As Howie finished, Brian and the other got up to say a few words. Each of them had favorite memories of the times everyone had spent together. There were tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Once the service was done, Nick and Katie were escorted to the cemetery where the burial was to be done. Nick had picked out a nice spot on top of the hill, overlooking the water. He knew that he could sit there, and feel the life that he once knew. As the final prayers were being said, Nick sat there, looking out over the water. The branches of the palm trees swayed in the wind, and the birds chirped.
He knew in his heart, that although life had ended as he knew it…the memories and love would live on.
*** *** ***
Several days had gone by…and Brian was worried about Nick. He hadn’t eaten, he hadn’t slept. All he did was sit in the porch swing, and hold a single chocolate rose. He would hum the music to “You’ll Be In My Heart” as he watched the waves crash over the sand.
When Katie would cry, he would get up slowly, pick her up in his arms, and hold her close until she fell asleep again. He was all alone, and had no one, except his sweet daughter. The pain inside was greater than he had ever felt…yet, he knew that things would be okay. Every time he felt the breeze across his face, and the winds rustle the branches of the trees…he knew it was Heather saying hello.
It would be a long time before he would pick up his life, and find the peace and happiness that he once had.
And Katie…she was the connection that he needed…she was what held Nick
together.