Chapter 9
Jed gazed out the window on Air Force One. He was on his way to Manchester late Friday afternoon. Alone in his office, his mind was really not focusing on anything. Abbey, Zoey, and Ellie were in the bedroom, trying to respect his request for some time alone. Although Abbey had wanted to be with Jed, she knew he would ask for her when he was ready.
Sighing, he thought about all the times he had flown on this very plane to happy family occasions. Occasions that had included his mother. Birthdays, holidays, all those special occasions that made family life so happy. Although he had had to cut back trips to the farm since assuming the Presidency, the times he did make it up there made the time he had shared with his mother all the more special. Especially now.
Leo and CJ were in the middle section of the plane, going over the final details of the next forty-eight hours.
Upon arrival in Manchester, Zoey and Ellie would go to Liz's house while Jed and Abbey would travel to Jon's home, and then the funeral home, for private time with their mother. Later that evening, an invitation only visitation would be held at Jon's house. Ron had agreed to the plans, but with normal security precautions everywhere the President would be visiting.
On Saturday, the service would be held at Mrs. Bartlet's home church. The press had respected the President's wishes to have a private service and burial, but he had agreed to cameras outside the church. The eulogies would be provided to the press after the service. Both Jed and Jon had written some brief remarks, but most of the eulogy would come directly from their heart.
After burial, a private family-only gathering would be held at Liz's house. She had offered the use of her house after Jon had offered to hold the visitation at his house the night before.
The First Family would stay at the farm when they weren't involved in functions and return to Washington sometime Sunday afternoon.
It would be an emotional weekend.