Chapter 15 Present
Jed and Abbey were meeting the others at the church.
When the limousine drove up, the girls and Liz's family were waiting for them outside the church. Jed kissed each of his girls and grandchildren.
Right behind the Presidential limousine, another black limousine drove up and Jon and his family stepped out. Jon, Claire, and their two children made their way into the church.
After waiting for a few minutes inside the vestibule of the church, a black hearse pulled up.
Catherine Bartlet had started her final journey.
Both families waited outside for the casket to be unloaded and placed on the metal wheels. Ron had not been pleased with the President being out in the open for so long, but Jed had been insistent that he be allowed to pay his mother that final respect, waiting for her to enter before him.
The families followed the casket as it was pushed down the aisle of the small church. As it passed, the invited guests stood in respect. Following the casket was the First Family and then Jon's family. Because of Catherine's age, there were no other relatives who attended the service.
As the casket was placed at the altar, Jed's family took up the first two rows on the left while Jon's family sat along the front pew on the right.
The service progressed as each person silently relieved their special memories of Catherine. Jed held Abbey's hand, again trying to draw strength from her seemingly endless supply.
Finally, it was time for the sons' tribute.
"Catherine had asked each of her sons to say some words. They have asked to jointly present the final tribute to their mother." Father Mark turned and nodded to the two men on the front row.
Both Jed and Jon stood at the same time and made their way to the lecterns, one on each side of the altar.
Jed started first.
"Our mother was a very special lady. She had some rough times in her life, but still thought the best of all she had ever known. She raised two boys who, even to this day, knew they were loved very much.
With Jed's voice cracking, he nodded to his younger brother to begin.
"Mom cared about everybody she ever met, be it a friend or a stranger on the street. But she saved the best advice for her family. Only a few weeks ago, she shared her philosophy of life. The one that gave her guidance in everything she did ever since she was a blushing bride at twenty."
Now Jed took over.
"Her philosophy was about the importance of family. She reminded both me and Jon many times that no matter what happened in life, family would always be there for one another. And I think we both have tried to live that."
Jon took the next segment.
"Mom knew best. She gave us unconditional love when there was none. She made our cuts and scrapes better by just being there. She was a great mother. Even in her later years, she made sure we knew how proud she was of both of us. And she asked of us one final request."
Jed took over again.
"Today, my brother and I announce the formation of the Catherine Lynn Bartlet Foundation, dedicated to giving hope where there is none, giving light where there is darkness, and helping those whose life has made it impossible for them to help themselves."
As each man made their way back to their seats, they kissed the head of the casket and made the sign of the cross. One final kiss to the mother that they deeply loved and even more deeply would miss for the rest of their lives.
After a final prayer, the family escorted Catherine out of the church one last time.