Chapter 5: The Waiting Room
Annie sat separate from the rest of her family. She needed time to think. She knew that when you were grieving the loss of a family member other family members could help but all she wanted was to be alone.
Mary stood up. She couldn't stand the silence anymore. Everyone was quiet even the kids. They were playing quietly in the corner. "Carlos, I'm going to the cafeteria to get some food for the kids. Wanna come?" she asked. "Sure," he answered, "Anyone else wanna come?" "We do!" almost all the kids shouted. Charlie, Jenna, Hailey, Sean, Noah and Grace ran over to where Mary and Carlos stood. They looked up anticipating the trip to get food. "I'll come too to keep the kids under control," Sarah volunteered. She stood up and picked up Jaime and walked over. They all silently left.
Ruthie sat in the nearly empty waiting holding her niece, Savannah. She couldn't believe that Sam was dead. She looked up with tears in her eyes and couldn't believe what she saw. Ashleigh walked over to Annie and climbed onto her lap.
Annie looked up just as Ashleigh climbed into her lap. "Grammy," she asked, "Why are you so sad?" "Honey," Annie began pushing a loose strand of hair out of Ashleigh's face, "I'm sad because your Uncle Sam went to be with the angels and I won't be able to se him until I go to be with the angels." "Grammy, I hope you never go to be with the angels. I hope you stay with me forever," Ashleigh said, "I love you." She leaned in to hug Annie. "I love you too, sweetheart," Annie said as tears filled her eyes yet again.
When the rest of the family arrived back from the cafeteria everyone ate and talked, telling stories about Sam and remembering the good times. There was not a single dry eye in the room when they were done.