A/N: hey everyone! sorry this chapt. is so short, but it just is - lol. i hope everyone is enjoying this story. unfortunately, there are only 4 chapters left. it might take me a while to update, but i will update this story, don't worry :). ttyl - M.E.T.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
(chapter title - Thoughts on Lillian)

A man does not have to be an angel in order to be a saint
- Albert Schweitzer

The morning of Lillian's funeral took place on a warm, sunny spring day. Lizzie felt tears in her eyes as she, Patrick and the kids, headed to the church. Kelli, a very pregnant Maureen, Joanne and Patrick's brother and sister, were already at the church, waiting for the others.

Lizzie's Thoughts - I didn't understand why God took my baby away from me -she had so much to live for, but now, there's nothing to live for. She was only four-months-old, too young to be taken from us.

Patrick's Thoughts - As we entered the church, the first thing I saw was the tiny coffin that contained Lillian's body. Everyone is sniffling around me, but Lizzie's the only one that's crying her eyes out. Our family took the first row of pews while the others filed behind or around us. I now feel the tears streaming down my cheeks as 'You are My Sunshine' was playing on the piano. I couldn't believe that my youngest girl - my angel - was gone.

Kelli's Thoughts - When Lizzie told me that Lillian died, I didn't know what to say. I was sort of hoping that it would be a joke or a horrible nightmare, but it wasn't. I know that this little girl will be missed by everyone.

Eric's Thoughts - I can't believe that Lillian is gone. It seems like yesterday that Lizzie brought her home from the hospital. It's hard on all of us, especially Lizzie and Patrick.

Anne's Thoughts - It's so hard to imagine that little Lillian isn't with us anymore. She seemed so happy and healthy, and then she declined. Lizzie is trying so hard to be brave, and I'm proud of her for that.

Joanne's Thoughts - It's so hard when you lose a child. I've been down that road - my little sister was stillborn. It hit my family so hard, just like Lillian's death is with Lizzie and her family. That poor girl has gone through so much, and I know that things will only get better from here - she has a wonderful support group, made up of Maureen and I, Patrick's siblings and the kids.

Maureen's Thoughts - I can't believe that another special person in my family is gone. Lillian had so much going for her, and now that will never come true. I can't imagine what Lizzie and Patrick must be going through - they're sad, upset and totally devastated. All and all, I hope that everything gets better.

Ming-Na's Thoughts - I can't believe my little sister is gone. Of all my siblings, Lillian was my favorite. I can't imagine how upset mom and dad must be - I haven't seen mom cry since grandpa and Dad died. I miss you Lillian and I will always love you - no matter what.

Marcus' Thoughts - I really don't understand why everyone's crying. Mommy told me that Lillian went to heaven, but I really don't know what that means. I hope that she comes back so that we can play.

Isabel's Thoughts - Mommy and Daddy told us that Lillian went to heaven, but that's confusing me. Is she alive? And if she is, is she coming back? Mommy is crying with Daddy. Daddy is trying his best to keep Mommy quiet, but nothing's working. I see a tiny coffin with a picture of Lillian on it. I feel tears in my eyes. Daddy says it's okay to cry, but I don't want to in front of him and Mommy. I wish that Lillian was alive.

Sara's Thoughts - I really don't know what to think. I know that Lillian was taken from us when she got sick. Mommy said that she had something called HIV - like she, daddy, Marcus and I have. Mommy also said that Lillian's immune system wasn't developed yet, so it made it hard for her to fight off the infection. When I grow up, I want to become a doctor and find a cure for HIV, so that way, we don't lose anyone else in our family.