"Thank you for picking me up Mr. President," Sharon said as she got in the
car.
"It was no trouble what so ever," Jed smiled.
"Did you get some sleep last night Sharon?" Abbey asked.
"I got a little. I was amazed. I was positive that I wouldn't get any sleep," She looked out the window and took a deep breath. For the rest of the way to the Cathedral, everyone stayed quiet. Everyone was preparing themselves and taking deep breaths. When they pulled up, they noticed that Josh and Donna were there. As was CJ and Toby. They were all trying to help Toby out of the car.
"This is cute," Sharon smiled a little as the driver parked the car and she got out.
"What is going on?" Leo jumped out and ran over to the car.
"We're trying to get Toby out of the car. He refused to take his crutches in," Josh snapped.
"I can walk fine with out them," Toby snapped back.
"Can he?" Leo asked CJ.
"Not really," CJ said quietly.
"Thanks for backing me up," Toby glared.
"Can I have a minute with Toby?" Sharon said as she walked over.
"Sure," Everyone said and walked over to the limo to see the President.
"Good morning," Toby said trying to get out of the car, but Sharon stopped him.
"Why are you trying to be the big man?" She asked. "Use the crutches."
"I wanted to get up and talk. I didn't think it would be good to walk up in front of everyone with crutches," Toby whined.
"I'll make a deal with you. You use the crutches to go in, and I'll have Josh and Leo help you up to the front so you can give your speech."
"No crutches?"
"No crutches," She smiled. "You ready?"
"I think so," Toby took the crutches out and eased out of the car.
"How are you?" Jed walked up to Toby and patted him on the back.
"I'm fine. I just hate crutches."
"So do I," Jed laughed and helped Toby walk a little faster.
"Sharon," Josh walked over and offered his arm to her. Sharon smiled and took it.
"Thank you Josh."
"How are you?" He asked as they began to walk inside.
"It just doesn't feel real yet," Sharon patted Josh on the arm.
"I know what you mean," He kissed her on the cheek and they sat down. Donna walked over and sat next to Josh. CJ sat on the other side of Sharon and Toby limped his way next to her. Jed helped Toby sit down before doing so himself. Abbey sat down next to him, as Leo sat on the other side of Josh. Charlie sat with Margaret, Carol, Bonnie, and Ginger.
"What are you going to say?" Jed leaned over and asked Toby.
"Something that I think Sam would want everyone to hear."
"I'm sure it will be great," Jed said before the Preacher came out.
"Ladies and Gentleman. We are all gathered here today to celebrate the life of our son, brother, co-worker, and most of all, friend. Samuel Norman Seaborn was a bright, and energetic young man who knew what he wanted from life. And went for it. As a Lawyer, or a Speechwriter, Sam put his all in everything he wanted to do. As Deputy Communications Director, he made it so his voice got heard through the words that he wrote down on paper. Through his words, he helped bring to life an administration that he grew to love and respect. His co-workers didn't just think of him as another employee. They thought of him as a friend. They thought of his as family."
Everyone felt tears run down their faces. It wasn't the first time they cried, but it was the first time that it felt really, truly real.
"At this time, Toby Ziegler has asked to speak with all of you."
"You need some help?" Jed asked while standing up.
"I think I can do it. I'll just use the crutches," Toby gave in and began to walk up. It took a while, but everyone waited patiently. When he got up there, he put the crutches aside and looked at everyone there. It was full. Some of the faces Toby recognized, but some he didn't. He saw Laurie, Mallory, and Lisa all sitting in the back. Joey was there with Kenny. Fitzwallace was there sitting next to Nancy. Even Andy had come and was sitting in the back. Toby took a deep breath and began.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to get up here," Toby joked; he even got everyone to laugh. "I knew Sam well. I would have liked to have known him better. He was a very good man. He made my life a little easier by being my deputy. I didn't think it was possible to learn any more things in my life, but Sam taught me more then I could ever imagine. He thought me about friendship and about life. I don't think I ever thanked him for that." Toby looked down. He was wearing a backpack to carry some of his things in. He reached for it and took out that notebook he found. "I took home Sam's bag and I found this notebook. I didn't know that he was doing it, but he was writing a book. It was about his life in the White House. I thought that he would have liked me to share his thoughts on some of you. I called a publishing company this morning, and they agreed to look at it tomorrow afternoon and they may publish it," Toby opened it. He marked nine pages. "There is a lot here, so I'm just going to read parts of it. The first page is about Joshua Lyman." Toby looked over at a shocked Josh, then he looked down and began to read. "Josh Lyman has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. He was always there for me when I needed him. Either it is advice for a date, or advice for a meeting. He was always there. I tried not to listen to him so much on the dating thing, he was never really good in that department." Everyone laughed a little, and Josh nodded with tears falling down his face. "He came and got me. I had this job because of him. And that means more to me then he will ever know. He gave me a second family, and to my best friend. I want to say, thank you. From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you." Toby looked up and smiled at Josh, who in turn smiled back. "The next one is for Leo," Toby looked over at Leo and began to read. "The leader of the pact. The man that could make even the President sit up and pay attention. Leo is a man that many, if not all, people should respect. I have been following politics for a long time, and he would have to be my choice for best Chief of Staff ever in the White House. With his big heart, and his key ideas. He makes all of us work for what we earn. And at the end, the winnings that we have mean so much more. He taught me how to be aggressive. He taught me how to be a better leader in meetings. He is a teacher to us all on so many fronts. And to my friend, Leo McGarry, I say, thank you," Toby looked up and nodded at a crying Leo. Leo nodded his appreciation. Toby moved his head over to Jed. "The next one is for the President." Toby nodded and began reading. "The leader of the free World. Jed Bartlet was always up for any challenge that faced him. No matter what it was. He loved this job more then I think he would ever admit. He likes to go into a room and have people feel intimidated. It's a thrill. Every time he gave a speech, I felt goose bumps. He was reading my words in front of the whole World. He brought meaning and he brought life to my words. He was a brilliant speaker, but most of all, he was a great President. To my President, who I'm proud to call my friend, thank you," Toby looked over at Jed, who sat there proud. He smiled and nodded at Toby as a tear fell down his face. "The next one is for CJ." He looked up and smiled at her. He saw CJ take a deep breath, and then he began. "CJ Cregg, the only woman among the senior staff. Yet she scared me more then any man. She is brilliant in her own right. I admire her so much, I don't think I ever told her that. We butted heads a few times, but most of the time, I deserved it. From throwing the basketball out the window to dealing with re- election, she stood up and she fought for what she believed was right. And I respect her for that. I wish I could have known her better, maybe I will later. I will get to know the more personal side of her wit and character. She was my other sister in my heart, and to her, I say, thank you." Toby looked over and nodded at a crying CJ. She nodded and smiled to indicate for him to move on. "The next one is the final one I will read today. It's directed for the secretaries and for Charlie." He looked over and saw the shock on all of their faces. "To Bonnie and Ginger. Thank you for putting up with Toby and me. I know it must have been difficult. You two women have such great spirit inside you. After we are all out of the White House, I hope you find all the happiness you could ask for. For Margaret, the woman that never backed down from a fuming Leo. Now, you have to respect that. You are a wise woman Margaret. Keep that spirit alive for a long time, will you. Donna, you became a close friend. I hope to get to know you even more then I do now. For you are the woman who holds Josh's heart. Never underestimate that power Donnatella. And for my main man Charlie. You were given this job without really knowing what it consisted of. And you did the best job with it. You are a great guy and you have a very bright future ahead of you. You can do whatever you want with your life. You never know, you might even work for me in the future." Toby looked up and nodded. "To all the men and women who I have worked with in my time in the White House. I thank you all for giving me the hope and the courage to carry on. Even when it didn't look so good," Toby smiled. "And that's all I had to say," Toby walked back down and went to his seat. Josh got up and walked over to him before he could sit down.
"Did he write anything about you?" Josh asked.
"Yes, but."
"Let me have it," Josh put out his hand.
"Josh, you don't have to," Toby handed him the book.
"You took it upon yourself to share this with us. And I thank you Toby," Josh hugged Toby. "Let me share your part with everyone," Josh looked into Toby's eyes and smiled. Josh walked up and stood where Toby was moments ago.
"Toby forgot to mention one more person. Him," Josh looked at Toby who was now sitting. Josh looked at the marked pages and found Toby's section. He looked over at Toby again and nodded. Then he began to read. "I have never had a job with a boss that I respect and got along with. I think it's a once in a lifetime thing. I have to admit, when I first met Toby, I thought I was in for a rude awakening. He was abrasive to say the least. He shot down my ideas, and never allowed me to take meetings. I didn't understand at first why he was not allowing me to do my job. And now that I have thought about it, I think I figured it out. He was suiting me up for this job I have now. Every meeting I take, the people try to take control and don't let me speak. As soon as I stood up to Toby, he started to listen to me and let me do more then just sit and watch. I see that in meetings. If a person doesn't allow me to speak, I call him on it. And then I shut him up. So in a way, Toby prepared me for this job, by starting tough and not giving up. I believe I am a better man for it. Someone once asked me who my favorite writer is. Only one man popped into my head. And that was my boss, my friend, and my mentor, Toby Ziegler. He will never understand the amount of respect I have for him. I don't think I ever told him thank you for teaching me. Because that's what he was. He was my teacher. Through pain and misery, we stood above all and conquered. He is Batman, as I am his Robin. Thank you." Josh finished and looked over to Toby. Toby looked up to the ceiling and smiled.
"Thank you Sam," He said to himself.
"Ladies and Gentleman. I would like to thank you all for being here. I don't think of this as goodbye. I think of this as a new beginning. Sam is always going to be with us, in our hearts and in our minds. With everything he gave us, we shall return back to him by our actions for the rest of our days. Our family lost a member today. But we should look at what we still have, and grab on to it with all our might. Thank you," Josh stepped down.
After the burial, everyone walked around for a while. People talked to people that they haven't seen in years. People were hugging and kissing. Toby and CJ were near her car.
"So, that's what you were reading last night," CJ smiled.
"Yeah, I found it in his bag."
"It was really sweet of you to read it," CJ kissed him gently.
"Is there something going on here that I should know about?" Jed walked up.
"No sir," Toby and CJ backed away from each other.
"I just saw you two kissing, don't tell me no," He smirked.
"I fell in love," Toby smiled.
"It's about time," Jed hit him on the arm.
"How are your knees holding up?" Josh and Donna walked over, hand in hand.
"I think I'm used to the pain because it's not bothering me anymore," Toby smiled.
"Thank you," Toby pulled Josh in for a hug.
"I think we should all thank you," Josh smiled. "Where did you get that notebook?"
"Sharon said something about Sam writing a book. I looked in his bag and found the notebook. Started reading it and shared it," Toby smirked.
"And it was very nice to hear it," Sharon walked up and kissed Toby. "Thank you for a lovely tribute Toby."
"Your welcome," Toby smiled and hugged her.
"My plane leaves in an hour. Leo said he would drive me. But before I go, I want to say one thing."
"What's that?" Everyone asked.
"Live the rest of your lives. Don't wait till tomorrow to do something. Do it today." She smiled.
"We promise," Everyone smiled.
"I'll visit sometime," She smiled.
"We'll love to have you anytime," Jed said.
"Take care you guys," Sharon hugged everyone and then left with Leo.
"She's a tough lady," Donna said.
"One of the best in the World," Jed said. "You guys have the next two days off to get everything together, is that okay?"
"That's more then okay," CJ said.
"Then there's just one more thing to say," Jed smiled.
"What's that?" Josh asked.
"An old saying that always made Sam smile."
"Yeah?" Toby said.
"What's next?" Jed smiled and everyone gathered for a hug. They all knew that it would never be the same. But they were ready to face a different day together.
The End
"It was no trouble what so ever," Jed smiled.
"Did you get some sleep last night Sharon?" Abbey asked.
"I got a little. I was amazed. I was positive that I wouldn't get any sleep," She looked out the window and took a deep breath. For the rest of the way to the Cathedral, everyone stayed quiet. Everyone was preparing themselves and taking deep breaths. When they pulled up, they noticed that Josh and Donna were there. As was CJ and Toby. They were all trying to help Toby out of the car.
"This is cute," Sharon smiled a little as the driver parked the car and she got out.
"What is going on?" Leo jumped out and ran over to the car.
"We're trying to get Toby out of the car. He refused to take his crutches in," Josh snapped.
"I can walk fine with out them," Toby snapped back.
"Can he?" Leo asked CJ.
"Not really," CJ said quietly.
"Thanks for backing me up," Toby glared.
"Can I have a minute with Toby?" Sharon said as she walked over.
"Sure," Everyone said and walked over to the limo to see the President.
"Good morning," Toby said trying to get out of the car, but Sharon stopped him.
"Why are you trying to be the big man?" She asked. "Use the crutches."
"I wanted to get up and talk. I didn't think it would be good to walk up in front of everyone with crutches," Toby whined.
"I'll make a deal with you. You use the crutches to go in, and I'll have Josh and Leo help you up to the front so you can give your speech."
"No crutches?"
"No crutches," She smiled. "You ready?"
"I think so," Toby took the crutches out and eased out of the car.
"How are you?" Jed walked up to Toby and patted him on the back.
"I'm fine. I just hate crutches."
"So do I," Jed laughed and helped Toby walk a little faster.
"Sharon," Josh walked over and offered his arm to her. Sharon smiled and took it.
"Thank you Josh."
"How are you?" He asked as they began to walk inside.
"It just doesn't feel real yet," Sharon patted Josh on the arm.
"I know what you mean," He kissed her on the cheek and they sat down. Donna walked over and sat next to Josh. CJ sat on the other side of Sharon and Toby limped his way next to her. Jed helped Toby sit down before doing so himself. Abbey sat down next to him, as Leo sat on the other side of Josh. Charlie sat with Margaret, Carol, Bonnie, and Ginger.
"What are you going to say?" Jed leaned over and asked Toby.
"Something that I think Sam would want everyone to hear."
"I'm sure it will be great," Jed said before the Preacher came out.
"Ladies and Gentleman. We are all gathered here today to celebrate the life of our son, brother, co-worker, and most of all, friend. Samuel Norman Seaborn was a bright, and energetic young man who knew what he wanted from life. And went for it. As a Lawyer, or a Speechwriter, Sam put his all in everything he wanted to do. As Deputy Communications Director, he made it so his voice got heard through the words that he wrote down on paper. Through his words, he helped bring to life an administration that he grew to love and respect. His co-workers didn't just think of him as another employee. They thought of him as a friend. They thought of his as family."
Everyone felt tears run down their faces. It wasn't the first time they cried, but it was the first time that it felt really, truly real.
"At this time, Toby Ziegler has asked to speak with all of you."
"You need some help?" Jed asked while standing up.
"I think I can do it. I'll just use the crutches," Toby gave in and began to walk up. It took a while, but everyone waited patiently. When he got up there, he put the crutches aside and looked at everyone there. It was full. Some of the faces Toby recognized, but some he didn't. He saw Laurie, Mallory, and Lisa all sitting in the back. Joey was there with Kenny. Fitzwallace was there sitting next to Nancy. Even Andy had come and was sitting in the back. Toby took a deep breath and began.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to get up here," Toby joked; he even got everyone to laugh. "I knew Sam well. I would have liked to have known him better. He was a very good man. He made my life a little easier by being my deputy. I didn't think it was possible to learn any more things in my life, but Sam taught me more then I could ever imagine. He thought me about friendship and about life. I don't think I ever thanked him for that." Toby looked down. He was wearing a backpack to carry some of his things in. He reached for it and took out that notebook he found. "I took home Sam's bag and I found this notebook. I didn't know that he was doing it, but he was writing a book. It was about his life in the White House. I thought that he would have liked me to share his thoughts on some of you. I called a publishing company this morning, and they agreed to look at it tomorrow afternoon and they may publish it," Toby opened it. He marked nine pages. "There is a lot here, so I'm just going to read parts of it. The first page is about Joshua Lyman." Toby looked over at a shocked Josh, then he looked down and began to read. "Josh Lyman has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. He was always there for me when I needed him. Either it is advice for a date, or advice for a meeting. He was always there. I tried not to listen to him so much on the dating thing, he was never really good in that department." Everyone laughed a little, and Josh nodded with tears falling down his face. "He came and got me. I had this job because of him. And that means more to me then he will ever know. He gave me a second family, and to my best friend. I want to say, thank you. From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you." Toby looked up and smiled at Josh, who in turn smiled back. "The next one is for Leo," Toby looked over at Leo and began to read. "The leader of the pact. The man that could make even the President sit up and pay attention. Leo is a man that many, if not all, people should respect. I have been following politics for a long time, and he would have to be my choice for best Chief of Staff ever in the White House. With his big heart, and his key ideas. He makes all of us work for what we earn. And at the end, the winnings that we have mean so much more. He taught me how to be aggressive. He taught me how to be a better leader in meetings. He is a teacher to us all on so many fronts. And to my friend, Leo McGarry, I say, thank you," Toby looked up and nodded at a crying Leo. Leo nodded his appreciation. Toby moved his head over to Jed. "The next one is for the President." Toby nodded and began reading. "The leader of the free World. Jed Bartlet was always up for any challenge that faced him. No matter what it was. He loved this job more then I think he would ever admit. He likes to go into a room and have people feel intimidated. It's a thrill. Every time he gave a speech, I felt goose bumps. He was reading my words in front of the whole World. He brought meaning and he brought life to my words. He was a brilliant speaker, but most of all, he was a great President. To my President, who I'm proud to call my friend, thank you," Toby looked over at Jed, who sat there proud. He smiled and nodded at Toby as a tear fell down his face. "The next one is for CJ." He looked up and smiled at her. He saw CJ take a deep breath, and then he began. "CJ Cregg, the only woman among the senior staff. Yet she scared me more then any man. She is brilliant in her own right. I admire her so much, I don't think I ever told her that. We butted heads a few times, but most of the time, I deserved it. From throwing the basketball out the window to dealing with re- election, she stood up and she fought for what she believed was right. And I respect her for that. I wish I could have known her better, maybe I will later. I will get to know the more personal side of her wit and character. She was my other sister in my heart, and to her, I say, thank you." Toby looked over and nodded at a crying CJ. She nodded and smiled to indicate for him to move on. "The next one is the final one I will read today. It's directed for the secretaries and for Charlie." He looked over and saw the shock on all of their faces. "To Bonnie and Ginger. Thank you for putting up with Toby and me. I know it must have been difficult. You two women have such great spirit inside you. After we are all out of the White House, I hope you find all the happiness you could ask for. For Margaret, the woman that never backed down from a fuming Leo. Now, you have to respect that. You are a wise woman Margaret. Keep that spirit alive for a long time, will you. Donna, you became a close friend. I hope to get to know you even more then I do now. For you are the woman who holds Josh's heart. Never underestimate that power Donnatella. And for my main man Charlie. You were given this job without really knowing what it consisted of. And you did the best job with it. You are a great guy and you have a very bright future ahead of you. You can do whatever you want with your life. You never know, you might even work for me in the future." Toby looked up and nodded. "To all the men and women who I have worked with in my time in the White House. I thank you all for giving me the hope and the courage to carry on. Even when it didn't look so good," Toby smiled. "And that's all I had to say," Toby walked back down and went to his seat. Josh got up and walked over to him before he could sit down.
"Did he write anything about you?" Josh asked.
"Yes, but."
"Let me have it," Josh put out his hand.
"Josh, you don't have to," Toby handed him the book.
"You took it upon yourself to share this with us. And I thank you Toby," Josh hugged Toby. "Let me share your part with everyone," Josh looked into Toby's eyes and smiled. Josh walked up and stood where Toby was moments ago.
"Toby forgot to mention one more person. Him," Josh looked at Toby who was now sitting. Josh looked at the marked pages and found Toby's section. He looked over at Toby again and nodded. Then he began to read. "I have never had a job with a boss that I respect and got along with. I think it's a once in a lifetime thing. I have to admit, when I first met Toby, I thought I was in for a rude awakening. He was abrasive to say the least. He shot down my ideas, and never allowed me to take meetings. I didn't understand at first why he was not allowing me to do my job. And now that I have thought about it, I think I figured it out. He was suiting me up for this job I have now. Every meeting I take, the people try to take control and don't let me speak. As soon as I stood up to Toby, he started to listen to me and let me do more then just sit and watch. I see that in meetings. If a person doesn't allow me to speak, I call him on it. And then I shut him up. So in a way, Toby prepared me for this job, by starting tough and not giving up. I believe I am a better man for it. Someone once asked me who my favorite writer is. Only one man popped into my head. And that was my boss, my friend, and my mentor, Toby Ziegler. He will never understand the amount of respect I have for him. I don't think I ever told him thank you for teaching me. Because that's what he was. He was my teacher. Through pain and misery, we stood above all and conquered. He is Batman, as I am his Robin. Thank you." Josh finished and looked over to Toby. Toby looked up to the ceiling and smiled.
"Thank you Sam," He said to himself.
"Ladies and Gentleman. I would like to thank you all for being here. I don't think of this as goodbye. I think of this as a new beginning. Sam is always going to be with us, in our hearts and in our minds. With everything he gave us, we shall return back to him by our actions for the rest of our days. Our family lost a member today. But we should look at what we still have, and grab on to it with all our might. Thank you," Josh stepped down.
After the burial, everyone walked around for a while. People talked to people that they haven't seen in years. People were hugging and kissing. Toby and CJ were near her car.
"So, that's what you were reading last night," CJ smiled.
"Yeah, I found it in his bag."
"It was really sweet of you to read it," CJ kissed him gently.
"Is there something going on here that I should know about?" Jed walked up.
"No sir," Toby and CJ backed away from each other.
"I just saw you two kissing, don't tell me no," He smirked.
"I fell in love," Toby smiled.
"It's about time," Jed hit him on the arm.
"How are your knees holding up?" Josh and Donna walked over, hand in hand.
"I think I'm used to the pain because it's not bothering me anymore," Toby smiled.
"Thank you," Toby pulled Josh in for a hug.
"I think we should all thank you," Josh smiled. "Where did you get that notebook?"
"Sharon said something about Sam writing a book. I looked in his bag and found the notebook. Started reading it and shared it," Toby smirked.
"And it was very nice to hear it," Sharon walked up and kissed Toby. "Thank you for a lovely tribute Toby."
"Your welcome," Toby smiled and hugged her.
"My plane leaves in an hour. Leo said he would drive me. But before I go, I want to say one thing."
"What's that?" Everyone asked.
"Live the rest of your lives. Don't wait till tomorrow to do something. Do it today." She smiled.
"We promise," Everyone smiled.
"I'll visit sometime," She smiled.
"We'll love to have you anytime," Jed said.
"Take care you guys," Sharon hugged everyone and then left with Leo.
"She's a tough lady," Donna said.
"One of the best in the World," Jed said. "You guys have the next two days off to get everything together, is that okay?"
"That's more then okay," CJ said.
"Then there's just one more thing to say," Jed smiled.
"What's that?" Josh asked.
"An old saying that always made Sam smile."
"Yeah?" Toby said.
"What's next?" Jed smiled and everyone gathered for a hug. They all knew that it would never be the same. But they were ready to face a different day together.
The End