Note for the funeral service, they all differ and say different things so I've skipped most of the traditional "ashes to ashes," and done just speeches from the west wing crew. I mean in no way to be disrespectful, but in the funerals I've been too, I often don't register most of it. RIP John Spencer.
Chapter 2: Saying Goodbye
The next day:
The
Congressman had announced that while a search for a new VP candidate
was in progress that nothing would be announced until after the
funeral and political aftermath was settled. Josh was grateful that
politics made room for the death of a great mind and well loved man.
The following day:
It was a gray and rainy day for the funeral. Hundreds of people filled the church all with the same saddened look. Josh studied their faces, it was reassuring that Leo had so many people who loved him.
Donna reached over and took his hand, "Josh, Sam and Mallory are sitting over there," she walked towards them and Josh followed in a daze.
The President and First Lady arrived minutes later choosing to sit with the old crew instead of their honored positions.
"Josh," the President studied the younger man.
"Hello Mr. President," he said softly.
"Did Toby give you something to read," the President looked at Josh intently.
"Yes Sir, he did," Josh looked concerned.
"I'd like to read it, if that's alright," the President asked.
"Yes sir, but what about the security?" Josh still hadn't lost his worry.
"The Secret Service knew it would be a possibility," Jed said.
"Yes Sir," he handed the writing to him.
"Thank you Josh," the President turned and sat down.
The First Lady embraced
Josh before turning to Donna and asking her about Josh.
"How's
he doing?" She questioned the young woman.
Donna shook her head, "he's been in a daze, he's still running things, but I don't think it's hit him, he's in automatic pilot."
She glanced over at
Josh who was talking with the President, "he's going to crack
soon," she whispered.
The First Lady nodded and then placed her
hand on Donna's shoulder, "you'll get through to him, you
always do," she said gently before moving to sit next to her
husband.
Sam was standing with an arm around Mallory, "where's your husband?"
"He's flying in from India, but he was delayed in London," she was fighting back tears.
Sam nodded, "I'm here if you need anything," he offered.
He was surprised when Mallory turned and met his gaze directly, "My dad always liked you more than he let on, I mean he approved of us," she smiled sadly.
"Could have fooled me," Sam muttered.
"He was just harder
on you because he knew you'd rise to the challenge," she said
gently.
"We didn't work out Mal, did we?" Sam felt
bitterness even after all these years.
"I'm sorry Sam," her voice quavered.
"I'm glad we're here now," he responded giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze.
Toby watched on TV as the people filled the church. Mallory had asked that the actual service not be videotaped, but recorders were allowed in the church. Toby had emailed his speech to Josh earlier that day, he wasn't sure he was going to be able to go. Since the day Josh called him he'd been working on it. He only hoped people would understand that what he'd written could never do justice to Leo McGarry.
Will took Kate's arm as they walked in. This was the first time he'd ever seen her cry. She was always so strong, but today she was just like everyone else. She had lost a true mentor and friend. They stopped at the two rows filled with familiar faces. Sam and Mallory slid over making room. Just then Ellie, her husband, Liz, her husband and children and then finally Zoey and Charlie appeared. If it was surprising to see those two together, no one made any comments about it. Leo would have approved of that match too, Mallory was sure. The Congressman. Helen and Lou arrived and Josh and Donna slid over.
Matt glanced at Josh, "you doing okay?"
Josh nodded, "been better, but I'm okay."
Last to arrive were Debbie, Ginger, Bonnie, C.J and Margaret. The women took their seats beside their friends. The original team, minus Toby and of course Leo, was back together. It was at a time like this that Jed missed the presence of Mrs. Landingham. How had he managed to keep going this long? Finally the service began.
The preacher spoke a bit about Leo's life, the tragedy in his passing and blessed his spirit to God.
"Now we'll hear from Leo's daughter, Mallory O'Brian."
Mallory stood tall:
"I'm so grateful to see all of your friendly faces here today. My dad would be touched and I'm sure he wishes he could exchange the banter that you all had with him. My dad struggled a lot in his life, it wasn't easy. He struggled with alcoholism, worked too much and tried to keep together his marriage for a long time. I know that most of you saw him at his lowest, but the most impressive thing about Dad was he never let things keep him down. I'm sure he would have been proud to be this country's Vice President, but he earned the eternal peace and rest that he's found. I hope you're sipping a ginger ale and reading a good book dad, I miss you."
Next the President stood.
"Josh," Donna looked at him.
"He wanted too," he responded.
"Toby Zeigler wrote this eulogy for Leo just recently. Despite recent events, Toby knew Leo and it felt as though he was the appropriate choice to write this. Thank you Toby." At his house Toby heard the President began to read his words, just as it used to be.
"Many of you know Leo as the politician, the man who could get things done. Some of us know the man who struggled with his personal demons, but all of us admired him in some way or another. Leo McGarry was not perfect, but he was someone who we all aspired to be like and someone we turned to for guidance. In addition to being a close personal friend of the President's, Leo was the one who assembled the team and led us on the way to victory. He served as the Chief of Staff for six and a half years until his first heart attack forced him to retire from that position. In the weeks following his absence, we all realized what a true leader he was as we struggled to find ways to keep ourselves on track. Leo was always modest about his role insisting it was a team effort. Every team needs a leader and Leo was ours. We are all grateful that he is now resting peacefully, however the shocking loss has rendered us all struggling once again. This time we can't call him up or expect him to drop by. Leo was a true leader because he was a team player, and he never failed to help us better ourselves. He was graceful under fire, humorous when a tension reliever was necessary, forceful when needed and always a true loyal friend. That friend is what we will all miss the most, we all knew him as a good person. Leo, thank you for the privilege of working and living in your presence, we will all miss you and hope somewhere we have a guardian angel looking over us."
The President looked up, "God bless you Leo, you were my best friend and I'm really going to miss you," he stepped down.
Toby smiled softly as he sat in his chair. That was fitting; even he couldn't have planned it better.
