In memory of my beloved Stepfather, Allan Johnston. He passed away last
year from lung cancer. Nov. 20 1942 – Oct. 12 2003
Also included the song "Come On-A My House" by William Saroyan and Ross Bagdasarian is being borrowed for this chapter.
Chapter 16: Never Say Goodbye!
A WEEK LATER!
Dave walks hastily with a frown on his face into the kitchen as he fought to straiten his tie. Simon, whom just happened to be by the coffee pot, calmly handed his dad a cup of coffee. Dave looked at him with a black face.
"Coffee" he said as he handed over the coffee, before pouring himself a cup.
"Thanks, Simon!" Dave said as he turned around and saw his grandkids sitting at the table still in their pyjamas and eating breakfast. "Simon? Why aren't your kids dressed yet?"
"Well...ah!" Simon started to say, and then as if on cue his son Vince leans his cereal bowl a little too far towards him and accidentally spilled most of it on his lap.
"Oops!" Vincent whispered. This always embarrassed him more then upset him.
"Oops, I did it again...!" Sang both Tom and Mary, they then laughed at their brother's clumsiness. Vincent turned and glared at them.
"This is usually why I don't dress them until after they have finished breakfast!" Simon said in frustration as he puts down his coffee and grabbed a dishcloth. He walked over to the table, pulls Vincent out of his chair, and begins to clean him off.
Simon is also feeling a little embarrassed in the way Dave has been on his case about 'how to raise his kids' for the past few day. Even though everyone is stressed due to the preparations for the memorial, and what to do with Miss. Miller's things and home. Still Simon felt it is unfair that Dave would pour most of his stress on to him.
"Simon, they should have been feed and dresses a long time ago! Hurry up will you! We got to be at the funeral home in a half hour!" Dave said as he finished his coffee and headed out of the kitchen to see if the rest of the family is ready to go.
"Vincent is really clumsy, isn't he daddy!" Mary said with an innocent smile.
"Yeah!" Tom quickly agreed.
"Shut up you guys!" Vince spat at his siblings.
"Enough, all of you! If you are done your breakfast, you can go upstairs; mom has your clothes laid out for you."
"Aw dad, do we have to wear those itchy things?" Vincent protested.
"Yes! Now march!" Simon said as he pointed his son to the right direction. Vincent sighed and did as his dad said, while Simon cleaned the rest of the mess.
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UPSTAIRS IN JEANETTE AND SIMON'S ROOM!
Jeanette sat on her bed with a blank look on her face. Her sisters Brittany and Eleanor were also quiet; the shock of losing their 'Mother' is hard to take in. Over the years that she took care of them, and now the Chipettes have to say the final goodbye. How will they do that?
Brittany sat at the mirror and pondered if she should put on mascara or not. Eleanor sat beside her and combed her hair. She has been brushing the same ponytail for the past fifteen minutes without noticing it.
"I can't believe she's gone..." Jeanette finally spoke.
Eleanor and Brittany stopped what they were doing and turned to their sister.
"I know..." Eleanor sighed. "I can still hear her voice."
"I always thought that Miss. Miller would always be there for us." Brittany added. "It's not going to be easy to let her go."
"Especially, after all she had done for us." Eleanor said softly.
"Things are defiantly going to be a lot different now." Jeanette pointed out to her sisters
"Yeah." Brittany and Eleanor agreed.
"Mommy...?" Vincent whined as he entered the room.
Jeanette looked up and instantly saw that something spilled all over the lower part of his pyjamas. "Vincent, what happened to you?"
"I had an accident with my breakfast." He said sheepishly.
Jeanette sighed. "Well, come on then. Lets get you cleaned up and dressed." She said with a bit of a distant look to her.
"Awe, mom! Do I have to wear those things? I hate them!" Vincent protests.
"Vincent, it's only going to be for a couple of hours. Then we will be home again." Jeanette explains.
"I'll go see if Theodore and Alvin are ready." Eleanor says as she finally gets up from her seat. She begins to walk out the bedroom door and heads down the hallway.
Brittany turned to face the mirror again. She is about to put mascara on her eyelashes, but pauses. This past week has been all too much. Ever since Dave told her the news of Miss. Miller's passing, Brittany felt completely numb. Not once did she shed a tear. Even Alvin showed a little more emotion then she did. He even went into the next room for a while when they were in the hotel during their tour to Vancouver, BC. The news hit him so hard that he needed to be alone, and let the reality of this sink in. Brittany wondered if there was something wrong with her, or perhaps that all of this hasn't been able to sink in just yet. Slowly she pulls the mascara closer to her eye, and pauses again.
'What if I suddenly break out in tears?' She ponders in thought. 'I'll end up with mascara running down my face, and I'll look terrible.' With a sigh, Brittany puts the mascara back down on the table and rests her head on her hands while she stares blankly in the mirror.
HALF HOUR LATER!
The scene at the funeral home was an emotional one. The Chipettes stayed together as some of the guest offered them their own feeling for losing Miss Miller. Most of Miss. Miller's surviving friends and relatives showed up. Everyone mingled in remembrance over his or her experiences with Miss. Miller.
The young triplets, of course, were really confused with everyone's sadness. They didn't know how to react when an adult would come up to them and pretended to act brave and give each of them a hug. It would even bother them when they would tell them that 'it is going to be alright...'
Mary looked over to the other end of the room and saw her Angels watching over her and her family. Obviously no one else could see them. Normally she feels comfort when she sees the Angels, but she also began seeing Miss. Miller floating around, and that made her nervous. Mary-Anne ran up to Simon and had him pick her up. She began to snuggle closer to her dad in hopes that'll keep her safe from the images.
"Awe, hey there little one." One of Miss. Miller's friends cooed as she patted Mary on the head.
Mary whimpered and hid her face in Simon's shoulder.
Simon smirked "She's sometimes shy." Simon said to excuse his daughters actions.
"That is understandable... You are a good parent, Simon." She complemented before moving on to the next group of people.
"Thanks." Simon says as the woman walks away.
Gradually everyone takes his or her seats in the memorial hall of the funeral home. Dave, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes sat in the front row. As Jeanette sat down, Tom instantly wanted to sit on her lap. Jeanette smiled through her tears and picked up her son. Simon had Vincent sitting between his mom and him, while Mary-Anne sat on the other side of him. Jeanette looks over to her left to see Brittany sitting beside her, then Alvin, Eleanor, Theodore, and Dave. Brittany still had a blank, emotionless look on her face.
The Priest comes in from the door at the front end of the hall. He walks up to Dave in order to say a few words before he begins the ceremony.
Without warning, Brittany begins to weep. She felt silly for crying like this, and yet she is also grateful that she decided to leave the mascara off in case this would happen.
"It is alright, my child." The Priest consulted her with his hand on her shoulder. "Let yourself cry, and heal away the hurt."
Brittany didn't say anything; she simply nodded at the Priest. Alvin smiled warmly at her and placed his arm around her. He could also feel his emotions building up, but kept them at bay. As much as he felt like it, Alvin didn't want to cry, not yet. He has to stay focused till later in this serves. All he can do is sniffle back the tears and try to concentrate on something else.
Jeanette, Eleanor, and Theodore shed tears as well. The pain would there for a while, before the healing could begin.
"Dad? What's wrong with Aunt Brittany?" Vincent asks.
"She's sad, Vincent. Remember, we talked about this." Simon reminded his son.
The Priest gave the rest of Miss. Miller's immediate family a warm smile, and turned to go up to the podium. He pauses for a moment as he confirms his papers are in order. With a deep breath, the priest begins.
"God of us all, we call you by many names and no name, but we come to you as a loving caring God whose heart aches with our human hurting..."
"Dad...I'm bored..." Vincent's voice is heard clearly.
"Vincent, not now..." Simon growls in a low tone.
Around the room some of the guest stifle their giggles over Vincent's innocents.
"We gather to remember and give thanks for the life and love of Beatrice Miller, and to remember the special connections we have had with her... and she with us." The Priest calmly continues.
"But, daaad..."
"Vin-cent..." Simon growls lower as he grits his teeth tightly.
Alvin slouched forward and hid his face as he tried not to burst out laughing. He mentally thanked Vincent for the perfect distraction so he wouldn't cry now.
The Chipettes and Theodore were all giggling and crying at the same time over Vincent's antics.
"As we are faced with the reality of her death, remind each one of us that your love never ends. When all else seems to have failed, still you are God." Again the priest continues, only this time he tries to hide a smile that is trying to form in the corner of his mouth.
"My suit itches..." Vincent grumbled as he now begins to fidget.
"Alright...that's it." Simon simply can't take this anymore. He just knows that Vincent is going to keep up this charade through out the entire ceremony.
Simon stands up and quickly pulls his son off the bench. He looks up at everyone watching him, and begins to smile to hide his embarrassment.
"Heh, I'll be right back..." Simon turns to the Priest, "Please continue, I'll only be a moment."
With that, Simon drags is son out of the room through the closest doors in front of the hall.
The Priest waited for a moment for the guests to calm their stifling giggles. He clears his throat and continues...
"So we pray to you for one another in our need, and for all anywhere who may mourn with us this day. We remember especially family members and friends who are separated from us by time, distance and circumstances.
"If there are those amongst us who doubt we ask that you will give your guiding light. If there are those who are weak, we ask for abundant strength. If there are those who sense they have sinned, we ask for our mercy. To all who sorrow, give your peace."
The door opens at the front end of the hall; Simon and Vincent both rejoin the guests. Vincent sniffles a few tears from his face. It is noticeable that he had just received a stern lecture on behaviour. Both father and son return to their seats. Vince sits down in between of his mom and his dad, and quietly pouts to himself. Mary looks up at her dad, and decides she wants to sit on his lap. She holds up her arms to him, and without rejection, Simon lifts her onto his lap.
"Keep true in us the love with which we hold one another." The Priest concludes. "In all our ways we trust you... Here our prayers O God.... Amen."
"Amen." The guests repeated.
A brief paused was made as the Priest turns the page on the podium, so he can start the second part of his prayer.
"When we come together at a time like this we wonder what we as friends can say or do to be helpful and supportive. Words seem so empty when you are here grieving for someone who has touched your lives in special ways.
"Beatrice's body wore out and we are left to deal with her death. One would like to think we all can live forever, and yet death is apart of us.
"Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor... for you and other family members, we who come as friends have no way of calculating the depth of feelings that each of you are having to deal with right now... very probably a huge mix of scare, anger, bewilderment, numbness, turmoil, sadness too deep to describe and more. Regretfully there is nothing we can do to take those feelings away from you... but we can be with you... providing whatever help and support we can to help you through the days ahead.
"When someone you love and have been close to dies, it's as though your world has been turned upside down and you wonder if things will ever get back on an even keel again. Grieving is going to be a different journey, which doesn't have any timetable or pattern. It is often a lonely and scary experience... and what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. Each has to find their own way to grieve, so do give yourselves time and permission to deal with this strange mix of emotions.
"There comes a time when our heads cannot fathom things and we have to let our hearts take over and let whatever faith and courage we have help us through the turmoil.
"So here we gather to remember Beatrice... and how shall we remember her?
"We are blessed with the gift of memory... and now the memories we have of Beatrice become more precious. Such memories are yours to keep and no one can take them away from you. We can also add to those memories.
"Family members and friends have prepared some remembrances for us... David Seville has put together a Eulogy, and would like to share it now."
Dave took in a deep breathe before standing up to the podium. He then pulls out a piece of paper from his inner jacket pocket and lays it out in front of him. Before he begins he mentally goes over the words he is about to say. He looks up towards the audience and feels all eyes on him. Dave never felt so much pressure.
"What can I say about Miss. Miller, she was the most kindest and most supportive woman anyone could have ever known...?" He finally starts.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"She was always there when I needed a babysitter and she was always there when ever there was a family crisis."
Dave paused for a bit to look up at his boys, Simon, who was sitting up in the front row with Jeanette and their kids, knew that one of those crises that Dave was talking about was the time when he was kidnapped at age ten. He began to frown emotionally, even though that incident was not his fault, he still felt guilty because of it.
Alvin, who sat beside Brittany at the opposite end, bowed his head in shame as he remembered some of the lies he told to her when he was a kid, especially then he and his bothers stole a little toy panda from her. Even though they returned it to her, he never got the chance to make it up to her for that. Theodore remembers the time when he lied to her when Alvin wanted to go on the world tour, balloon race. He catches a tear that is running down his face and sniffs back the rest.
"No matter what happened, Miss. Miller would always be there for us." Dave continues. "She was like a real family member to me and my boys. When she agreed to adopt and look after the Chipettes I knew she had a heart of gold."
The Chipettes remembered the day when they moved in with Miss. Miller and the first year as they had to get use to living with someone else besides just the three of them and not going from one orphanage to the next, and working in dirty kitchens in restaurants for as far as back they could remember. Before Miss. Miller came into their lives they had a hard life. The tears ran down their faces as they remembered her kindness.
"Miss. Miller has never let anyone down, she would always drop whatever she was doing in order to help a friend and family member. She brought joy into everyone's hearts that she knew. It was rare that Miss. Miller would get too angry at someone, but one things for sure if she would ever get upset that it would be best to just let her drive.
The audience chuckled knowingly.
"I'm sure everyone here would all agree that Miss. Miller was one of a kind. I know everyone including myself will have a difficult time letting go of the memories spent with her, and the smiles she'd make for people that she would barely knew."
Dave had to pause for a bit in order to compose himself to go further. He takes a deep breath before looking up once more to continue.
"She loved and was loved by everyone close to her. She would be missed greatly and I know that she wouldn't want anyone to be sad for her absence, but to always have her memories live forever in our hearts. Good- bye's were never Miss. Miller's thing she would always think of a way to keep the moment alive, with that in mind we don't just say 'Good-bye' to her, but Fare-well...Fare-well, Miss. Miller." As Dave finished his speech the Priest stood up.
"Thank you, David." The priest announces when he reaches the podium again. "Next to say a few words is Beatrice's cousin, Todd Johnston."
An elderly man, in his late seventies, from the next row stood up and walked up to the Priest. The Priest addressed the podium to him and again took a seat.
"The most famous thing that my dear sweet cousin would always be famous for is the dance known as the 'Rag-time Ruckus'." Todd begins. "Her and her boyfriend, Morty, was proven quite the pair. Beatrice, loved fun and adventure...there is nothing about it...she lived for it.
"As children growing up, there wasn't much in the way of 'living the good life' during the depression, and as usual, Beatrice, found the way for us to enjoy what we have. She reminded us of life and how we can always find joy in the little things. One thing I have notice, she always enjoyed the theatre and singing. Always being the centre of attention, the world was a stage to her.
"I remember when she called me up one day and told me she was taking in three young chipmunk girls...I thought to myself 'is she nuts? What is she thinking taking care of children when she has had no experience at all?' As usual, Beatrice proved me wrong. As I see before me...she has raised three beautiful and creative girls that have grown up into wonderful people."
The Chipettes started grinning at Todd through their tears.
"The world is not going to be the same without Beatrice Miller, but we will have her memory live on! Her love will live in our hearts forever!"
Again, the priest stands up. "Thank you, Todd... Is there anyone else here that would like to say a few words?"
The room sat still. Most of the guests were too busy sniffling and whipping their tears away from their face.
"Alright then. Next Alvin Seville will sing one of Miss. Miller's favourite songs, 'Come On-A My House'..."
Alvin's stomach began to turn slightly. He never felt so nervous. Finally, he gets up and walks towards the front of the hall. Alvin picks up the microphone that was sitting near the podium. A musical intro started up. The tempo of the song is a bit calmer then it usually is, but still it fit Miss. Miller perfectly.
Alvin takes a deep breath...
Come on-a my house my house, I´m gonna give you candy
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give a you
Apple a plum and apricot-a too eh
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house I´m gonna give a you
Figs and dates and grapes and cakes eh
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you candy
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you everything
(instrumental interlude)
Come on-a my house my house, I´m gonna give you Christmas tree
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you
Marriage ring and a pomegranate too ah
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house I´m gonna give a you
Peach and pear and I love your hair ah
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you Easta-egg
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you
Everything - everything - everything
-------------
The song managed to put smiles on a few tearful faces. Everyone knew that that song suited Miss. Miller to a 'T'.
Alvin puts the microphone down, and walks up to where his family is sitting. He kept his eyes lowered to the ground. Alvin's body quivered for no reason at all. This is a whole new feeling for him. How could one song be so hard to sing and create so much emotion?
Simon stands up as Alvin walked up in his direction. Alvin stops and looks up at his taller brother. The two brothers stare into each other's eyes for a moment. Simon then stretches out his arms and begins to give his brother a hug. A flood of warm tears escaped from Alvin's eyes. He is relieved that he was able to finish the song before his emotions finally took over.
-------------------
After the ceremony, everyone gathered into the next room to have coffee or tea, sandwiches and cakes. On a display at one end of the room sat an urn. Inside the urn are Miss. Miller's ashes. Also on display are many pictures of her and her family that she held dear. Large bouquet of flowers brought a soft touch to the atmosphere. As difficult as this is, everyone is able to have closure and say good-bye, or fare-well, in this case, to the dearly departed Miss. Miller.
Also included the song "Come On-A My House" by William Saroyan and Ross Bagdasarian is being borrowed for this chapter.
Chapter 16: Never Say Goodbye!
A WEEK LATER!
Dave walks hastily with a frown on his face into the kitchen as he fought to straiten his tie. Simon, whom just happened to be by the coffee pot, calmly handed his dad a cup of coffee. Dave looked at him with a black face.
"Coffee" he said as he handed over the coffee, before pouring himself a cup.
"Thanks, Simon!" Dave said as he turned around and saw his grandkids sitting at the table still in their pyjamas and eating breakfast. "Simon? Why aren't your kids dressed yet?"
"Well...ah!" Simon started to say, and then as if on cue his son Vince leans his cereal bowl a little too far towards him and accidentally spilled most of it on his lap.
"Oops!" Vincent whispered. This always embarrassed him more then upset him.
"Oops, I did it again...!" Sang both Tom and Mary, they then laughed at their brother's clumsiness. Vincent turned and glared at them.
"This is usually why I don't dress them until after they have finished breakfast!" Simon said in frustration as he puts down his coffee and grabbed a dishcloth. He walked over to the table, pulls Vincent out of his chair, and begins to clean him off.
Simon is also feeling a little embarrassed in the way Dave has been on his case about 'how to raise his kids' for the past few day. Even though everyone is stressed due to the preparations for the memorial, and what to do with Miss. Miller's things and home. Still Simon felt it is unfair that Dave would pour most of his stress on to him.
"Simon, they should have been feed and dresses a long time ago! Hurry up will you! We got to be at the funeral home in a half hour!" Dave said as he finished his coffee and headed out of the kitchen to see if the rest of the family is ready to go.
"Vincent is really clumsy, isn't he daddy!" Mary said with an innocent smile.
"Yeah!" Tom quickly agreed.
"Shut up you guys!" Vince spat at his siblings.
"Enough, all of you! If you are done your breakfast, you can go upstairs; mom has your clothes laid out for you."
"Aw dad, do we have to wear those itchy things?" Vincent protested.
"Yes! Now march!" Simon said as he pointed his son to the right direction. Vincent sighed and did as his dad said, while Simon cleaned the rest of the mess.
---------------
UPSTAIRS IN JEANETTE AND SIMON'S ROOM!
Jeanette sat on her bed with a blank look on her face. Her sisters Brittany and Eleanor were also quiet; the shock of losing their 'Mother' is hard to take in. Over the years that she took care of them, and now the Chipettes have to say the final goodbye. How will they do that?
Brittany sat at the mirror and pondered if she should put on mascara or not. Eleanor sat beside her and combed her hair. She has been brushing the same ponytail for the past fifteen minutes without noticing it.
"I can't believe she's gone..." Jeanette finally spoke.
Eleanor and Brittany stopped what they were doing and turned to their sister.
"I know..." Eleanor sighed. "I can still hear her voice."
"I always thought that Miss. Miller would always be there for us." Brittany added. "It's not going to be easy to let her go."
"Especially, after all she had done for us." Eleanor said softly.
"Things are defiantly going to be a lot different now." Jeanette pointed out to her sisters
"Yeah." Brittany and Eleanor agreed.
"Mommy...?" Vincent whined as he entered the room.
Jeanette looked up and instantly saw that something spilled all over the lower part of his pyjamas. "Vincent, what happened to you?"
"I had an accident with my breakfast." He said sheepishly.
Jeanette sighed. "Well, come on then. Lets get you cleaned up and dressed." She said with a bit of a distant look to her.
"Awe, mom! Do I have to wear those things? I hate them!" Vincent protests.
"Vincent, it's only going to be for a couple of hours. Then we will be home again." Jeanette explains.
"I'll go see if Theodore and Alvin are ready." Eleanor says as she finally gets up from her seat. She begins to walk out the bedroom door and heads down the hallway.
Brittany turned to face the mirror again. She is about to put mascara on her eyelashes, but pauses. This past week has been all too much. Ever since Dave told her the news of Miss. Miller's passing, Brittany felt completely numb. Not once did she shed a tear. Even Alvin showed a little more emotion then she did. He even went into the next room for a while when they were in the hotel during their tour to Vancouver, BC. The news hit him so hard that he needed to be alone, and let the reality of this sink in. Brittany wondered if there was something wrong with her, or perhaps that all of this hasn't been able to sink in just yet. Slowly she pulls the mascara closer to her eye, and pauses again.
'What if I suddenly break out in tears?' She ponders in thought. 'I'll end up with mascara running down my face, and I'll look terrible.' With a sigh, Brittany puts the mascara back down on the table and rests her head on her hands while she stares blankly in the mirror.
HALF HOUR LATER!
The scene at the funeral home was an emotional one. The Chipettes stayed together as some of the guest offered them their own feeling for losing Miss Miller. Most of Miss. Miller's surviving friends and relatives showed up. Everyone mingled in remembrance over his or her experiences with Miss. Miller.
The young triplets, of course, were really confused with everyone's sadness. They didn't know how to react when an adult would come up to them and pretended to act brave and give each of them a hug. It would even bother them when they would tell them that 'it is going to be alright...'
Mary looked over to the other end of the room and saw her Angels watching over her and her family. Obviously no one else could see them. Normally she feels comfort when she sees the Angels, but she also began seeing Miss. Miller floating around, and that made her nervous. Mary-Anne ran up to Simon and had him pick her up. She began to snuggle closer to her dad in hopes that'll keep her safe from the images.
"Awe, hey there little one." One of Miss. Miller's friends cooed as she patted Mary on the head.
Mary whimpered and hid her face in Simon's shoulder.
Simon smirked "She's sometimes shy." Simon said to excuse his daughters actions.
"That is understandable... You are a good parent, Simon." She complemented before moving on to the next group of people.
"Thanks." Simon says as the woman walks away.
Gradually everyone takes his or her seats in the memorial hall of the funeral home. Dave, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes sat in the front row. As Jeanette sat down, Tom instantly wanted to sit on her lap. Jeanette smiled through her tears and picked up her son. Simon had Vincent sitting between his mom and him, while Mary-Anne sat on the other side of him. Jeanette looks over to her left to see Brittany sitting beside her, then Alvin, Eleanor, Theodore, and Dave. Brittany still had a blank, emotionless look on her face.
The Priest comes in from the door at the front end of the hall. He walks up to Dave in order to say a few words before he begins the ceremony.
Without warning, Brittany begins to weep. She felt silly for crying like this, and yet she is also grateful that she decided to leave the mascara off in case this would happen.
"It is alright, my child." The Priest consulted her with his hand on her shoulder. "Let yourself cry, and heal away the hurt."
Brittany didn't say anything; she simply nodded at the Priest. Alvin smiled warmly at her and placed his arm around her. He could also feel his emotions building up, but kept them at bay. As much as he felt like it, Alvin didn't want to cry, not yet. He has to stay focused till later in this serves. All he can do is sniffle back the tears and try to concentrate on something else.
Jeanette, Eleanor, and Theodore shed tears as well. The pain would there for a while, before the healing could begin.
"Dad? What's wrong with Aunt Brittany?" Vincent asks.
"She's sad, Vincent. Remember, we talked about this." Simon reminded his son.
The Priest gave the rest of Miss. Miller's immediate family a warm smile, and turned to go up to the podium. He pauses for a moment as he confirms his papers are in order. With a deep breath, the priest begins.
"God of us all, we call you by many names and no name, but we come to you as a loving caring God whose heart aches with our human hurting..."
"Dad...I'm bored..." Vincent's voice is heard clearly.
"Vincent, not now..." Simon growls in a low tone.
Around the room some of the guest stifle their giggles over Vincent's innocents.
"We gather to remember and give thanks for the life and love of Beatrice Miller, and to remember the special connections we have had with her... and she with us." The Priest calmly continues.
"But, daaad..."
"Vin-cent..." Simon growls lower as he grits his teeth tightly.
Alvin slouched forward and hid his face as he tried not to burst out laughing. He mentally thanked Vincent for the perfect distraction so he wouldn't cry now.
The Chipettes and Theodore were all giggling and crying at the same time over Vincent's antics.
"As we are faced with the reality of her death, remind each one of us that your love never ends. When all else seems to have failed, still you are God." Again the priest continues, only this time he tries to hide a smile that is trying to form in the corner of his mouth.
"My suit itches..." Vincent grumbled as he now begins to fidget.
"Alright...that's it." Simon simply can't take this anymore. He just knows that Vincent is going to keep up this charade through out the entire ceremony.
Simon stands up and quickly pulls his son off the bench. He looks up at everyone watching him, and begins to smile to hide his embarrassment.
"Heh, I'll be right back..." Simon turns to the Priest, "Please continue, I'll only be a moment."
With that, Simon drags is son out of the room through the closest doors in front of the hall.
The Priest waited for a moment for the guests to calm their stifling giggles. He clears his throat and continues...
"So we pray to you for one another in our need, and for all anywhere who may mourn with us this day. We remember especially family members and friends who are separated from us by time, distance and circumstances.
"If there are those amongst us who doubt we ask that you will give your guiding light. If there are those who are weak, we ask for abundant strength. If there are those who sense they have sinned, we ask for our mercy. To all who sorrow, give your peace."
The door opens at the front end of the hall; Simon and Vincent both rejoin the guests. Vincent sniffles a few tears from his face. It is noticeable that he had just received a stern lecture on behaviour. Both father and son return to their seats. Vince sits down in between of his mom and his dad, and quietly pouts to himself. Mary looks up at her dad, and decides she wants to sit on his lap. She holds up her arms to him, and without rejection, Simon lifts her onto his lap.
"Keep true in us the love with which we hold one another." The Priest concludes. "In all our ways we trust you... Here our prayers O God.... Amen."
"Amen." The guests repeated.
A brief paused was made as the Priest turns the page on the podium, so he can start the second part of his prayer.
"When we come together at a time like this we wonder what we as friends can say or do to be helpful and supportive. Words seem so empty when you are here grieving for someone who has touched your lives in special ways.
"Beatrice's body wore out and we are left to deal with her death. One would like to think we all can live forever, and yet death is apart of us.
"Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor... for you and other family members, we who come as friends have no way of calculating the depth of feelings that each of you are having to deal with right now... very probably a huge mix of scare, anger, bewilderment, numbness, turmoil, sadness too deep to describe and more. Regretfully there is nothing we can do to take those feelings away from you... but we can be with you... providing whatever help and support we can to help you through the days ahead.
"When someone you love and have been close to dies, it's as though your world has been turned upside down and you wonder if things will ever get back on an even keel again. Grieving is going to be a different journey, which doesn't have any timetable or pattern. It is often a lonely and scary experience... and what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. Each has to find their own way to grieve, so do give yourselves time and permission to deal with this strange mix of emotions.
"There comes a time when our heads cannot fathom things and we have to let our hearts take over and let whatever faith and courage we have help us through the turmoil.
"So here we gather to remember Beatrice... and how shall we remember her?
"We are blessed with the gift of memory... and now the memories we have of Beatrice become more precious. Such memories are yours to keep and no one can take them away from you. We can also add to those memories.
"Family members and friends have prepared some remembrances for us... David Seville has put together a Eulogy, and would like to share it now."
Dave took in a deep breathe before standing up to the podium. He then pulls out a piece of paper from his inner jacket pocket and lays it out in front of him. Before he begins he mentally goes over the words he is about to say. He looks up towards the audience and feels all eyes on him. Dave never felt so much pressure.
"What can I say about Miss. Miller, she was the most kindest and most supportive woman anyone could have ever known...?" He finally starts.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"She was always there when I needed a babysitter and she was always there when ever there was a family crisis."
Dave paused for a bit to look up at his boys, Simon, who was sitting up in the front row with Jeanette and their kids, knew that one of those crises that Dave was talking about was the time when he was kidnapped at age ten. He began to frown emotionally, even though that incident was not his fault, he still felt guilty because of it.
Alvin, who sat beside Brittany at the opposite end, bowed his head in shame as he remembered some of the lies he told to her when he was a kid, especially then he and his bothers stole a little toy panda from her. Even though they returned it to her, he never got the chance to make it up to her for that. Theodore remembers the time when he lied to her when Alvin wanted to go on the world tour, balloon race. He catches a tear that is running down his face and sniffs back the rest.
"No matter what happened, Miss. Miller would always be there for us." Dave continues. "She was like a real family member to me and my boys. When she agreed to adopt and look after the Chipettes I knew she had a heart of gold."
The Chipettes remembered the day when they moved in with Miss. Miller and the first year as they had to get use to living with someone else besides just the three of them and not going from one orphanage to the next, and working in dirty kitchens in restaurants for as far as back they could remember. Before Miss. Miller came into their lives they had a hard life. The tears ran down their faces as they remembered her kindness.
"Miss. Miller has never let anyone down, she would always drop whatever she was doing in order to help a friend and family member. She brought joy into everyone's hearts that she knew. It was rare that Miss. Miller would get too angry at someone, but one things for sure if she would ever get upset that it would be best to just let her drive.
The audience chuckled knowingly.
"I'm sure everyone here would all agree that Miss. Miller was one of a kind. I know everyone including myself will have a difficult time letting go of the memories spent with her, and the smiles she'd make for people that she would barely knew."
Dave had to pause for a bit in order to compose himself to go further. He takes a deep breath before looking up once more to continue.
"She loved and was loved by everyone close to her. She would be missed greatly and I know that she wouldn't want anyone to be sad for her absence, but to always have her memories live forever in our hearts. Good- bye's were never Miss. Miller's thing she would always think of a way to keep the moment alive, with that in mind we don't just say 'Good-bye' to her, but Fare-well...Fare-well, Miss. Miller." As Dave finished his speech the Priest stood up.
"Thank you, David." The priest announces when he reaches the podium again. "Next to say a few words is Beatrice's cousin, Todd Johnston."
An elderly man, in his late seventies, from the next row stood up and walked up to the Priest. The Priest addressed the podium to him and again took a seat.
"The most famous thing that my dear sweet cousin would always be famous for is the dance known as the 'Rag-time Ruckus'." Todd begins. "Her and her boyfriend, Morty, was proven quite the pair. Beatrice, loved fun and adventure...there is nothing about it...she lived for it.
"As children growing up, there wasn't much in the way of 'living the good life' during the depression, and as usual, Beatrice, found the way for us to enjoy what we have. She reminded us of life and how we can always find joy in the little things. One thing I have notice, she always enjoyed the theatre and singing. Always being the centre of attention, the world was a stage to her.
"I remember when she called me up one day and told me she was taking in three young chipmunk girls...I thought to myself 'is she nuts? What is she thinking taking care of children when she has had no experience at all?' As usual, Beatrice proved me wrong. As I see before me...she has raised three beautiful and creative girls that have grown up into wonderful people."
The Chipettes started grinning at Todd through their tears.
"The world is not going to be the same without Beatrice Miller, but we will have her memory live on! Her love will live in our hearts forever!"
Again, the priest stands up. "Thank you, Todd... Is there anyone else here that would like to say a few words?"
The room sat still. Most of the guests were too busy sniffling and whipping their tears away from their face.
"Alright then. Next Alvin Seville will sing one of Miss. Miller's favourite songs, 'Come On-A My House'..."
Alvin's stomach began to turn slightly. He never felt so nervous. Finally, he gets up and walks towards the front of the hall. Alvin picks up the microphone that was sitting near the podium. A musical intro started up. The tempo of the song is a bit calmer then it usually is, but still it fit Miss. Miller perfectly.
Alvin takes a deep breath...
Come on-a my house my house, I´m gonna give you candy
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give a you
Apple a plum and apricot-a too eh
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house I´m gonna give a you
Figs and dates and grapes and cakes eh
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you candy
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you everything
(instrumental interlude)
Come on-a my house my house, I´m gonna give you Christmas tree
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you
Marriage ring and a pomegranate too ah
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house I´m gonna give a you
Peach and pear and I love your hair ah
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house a come on
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you Easta-egg
Come on-a my house, my house, I´m gonna give you
Everything - everything - everything
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The song managed to put smiles on a few tearful faces. Everyone knew that that song suited Miss. Miller to a 'T'.
Alvin puts the microphone down, and walks up to where his family is sitting. He kept his eyes lowered to the ground. Alvin's body quivered for no reason at all. This is a whole new feeling for him. How could one song be so hard to sing and create so much emotion?
Simon stands up as Alvin walked up in his direction. Alvin stops and looks up at his taller brother. The two brothers stare into each other's eyes for a moment. Simon then stretches out his arms and begins to give his brother a hug. A flood of warm tears escaped from Alvin's eyes. He is relieved that he was able to finish the song before his emotions finally took over.
-------------------
After the ceremony, everyone gathered into the next room to have coffee or tea, sandwiches and cakes. On a display at one end of the room sat an urn. Inside the urn are Miss. Miller's ashes. Also on display are many pictures of her and her family that she held dear. Large bouquet of flowers brought a soft touch to the atmosphere. As difficult as this is, everyone is able to have closure and say good-bye, or fare-well, in this case, to the dearly departed Miss. Miller.