They say funerals a just one big family reunion. Well that's where I'm headed. One of my dearest friend and former boss passed away. He had Relapsing Remitting MS and the doctors gave him eight years but he fought. He lasted eight more years than was expected.

I hadn't seen him, or any of my friends for two and a half years now. I had however kept tabs on his health through the news and through special channels. He has sent me a letter asking me to come to talk with him before he died but I couldn't do it. I didn't want to see him like that. I wanted to remember the smart, hansom, and punctual man I knew.

Now as we drive to church I kick myself for not going. For not being able to say all the things I wanted to say, for not showing him the picture of my family, and most of all remains about our nine years together. The struggles that we encountered on the campaign trail. The horrible days, weeks, and months in the white house. The painful situations and the fun times even though there where few.

I look back at Kathryn. She's sitting next to the window looking out and holding her little white bear. He gave that bear to her when she was born. Since I told her about his death she has clung onto it for dear life. The last time she saw him was when she was four. She adored him just as much as he adored her. She loved to sit and listen to stories of the administration and the many many useless facts he had stored in his head.

I look back out the window and watch as the familiar scenery passes me by. I've been to this church many times. Most of the time it was for happy occasions like Christmas, Easter, and two weddings. However, this is the third time we've gathered here for a solemn occasion.

As we drive up no body is outside except the secret service. I'm not surprised they are here because when a former president passes away all other former presidents are asked to come, plus the current president is an old friend.

Danny parks the car and we all get out. Kathryn clings on to her teddy, and me while Danny walks on the other side of me. When we reach the door I stop. I can't go any further. But when Danny places a comforting hand on my back and opens the door I know there is no going back.

The place is already packed and people are standing along the wall. Danny picks Kathryn up and we get ready to head down the right side of the cathedral when a young man walks up to us.

"Mrs. Concannon-Cregg?"

"Yes" I say blindly

"If you would please follow me."

I look at Danny with a confused expression but he just smiles back and nods his head forward indicating I should follow. The walk feels like it takes forever, like the aisle is never ending but then it does. The young man is indicating that this is my pew. I look over and see the faces of my friends, the faces of my collies, the faces of my FAMILY. They're all silently crying. Each remembering the man we are here to honor.

A loving husband, a protective but caring father, an ambitious and intellectual man, a religious individual, a strong leader, a best friend, and the best boss I ever had the pleasure of serving. He was as much a father to me as my own father and as I sit down with my old family, and new, I realize I'm crying.

"We're going to miss you. I'm going to miss you."

Mr. Josiah Bartlet