Chapter 32, Saying Goodbye: Summer 2041

A/N: Warning about this chapter; major character death. Get the tissues!

Early in 2041, Tony and Ziva both cut back on their volunteer activities as Gibbs' health began to decline. He was becoming less and less mobile and could only use the walker for short amounts of time before tiring. He used the wheelchair most of the time, even in his rooms. He slept almost sixteen hours a day, staying awake for no more than four or five hours at a time. Mostly the longer periods of being awake were when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited.

Ziva also noticed that he ate less and less and sometimes she had to remind him to eat. She was worried about him and at the same time, she and Tony were quietly preparing themselves to say goodbye. Tim and Delilah visited frequently and Jimmy and Breena came by at least once a week. Leon and Abby came over on Tuesday and Friday nights to give Tony and Ziva a chance to spend some time alone or with Tali and her family or Anthony and his family.

As spring turned to summer, Gibbs spent more and more time in his bed, only moving when he needed to use the bathroom or when the bedding was changed.

As the end of July drew near, someone was always in the house with Gibbs. On the morning of the thirtieth, Ziva was reading a letter from John and Rivka to Gibbs when he suddenly went pale and fell forward. Ziva called out for Tony, and put the head of the bed down. She checked for a pulse, and found one, but it was thready. She got the oxygen cannula onto Gibbs' nose and adjusted the oxygen flow. Tony had come into the room to help her straighten Gibbs body so the air could reach his lungs. Together they watched as his color returned and his eyes fluttered open. Gibbs smiled weakly at the two, and Ziva and Tony each took a hand in their own.

"My time is nearly here." Gibbs spoke in a whisper. "Please bring my family to me."

Ziva nodded, tears in her eyes. Tony wiped his eyes with his free hand and spoke softly, "On it, Boss, um, Dad." Tony looked at Ziva and she motioned for him to go out first.

Tony called Tim and then each of his five children. Tim offered to call Abby and Leon and to tell Jimmy. Tony thanked his brother and went back to Ziva and Gibbs. Gibbs had fallen asleep and was breathing normally. His color was still good. Ziva looked at Tony as he told her he had reached all of the family. John and Rivka were on their way from Atlanta, LJ from Savannah, and Beth and Charles from Erie. Tali and Chaim were getting the boys from NCIS daycare and Anthony and Katie were getting their family ready for the trip over. Tim went to pick up Delilah and headed over. Jimmy and Breena also were on the way over. Abby sent a text to Ziva that she and Leon were headed that way.

The family in town started arriving around 1100. Abby and Leon arrived first and went in to see Gibbs. Abby wiped her eyes and hugged Gibbs. Leon put a hand on Gibbs shoulder as his wife hugged her surrogate father. Gibbs nodded and asked for time alone with each of them. Abby went out and she and Ziva hugged and cried. Tony put his arms around both of them.

"Leon… love you like a brother man… take care of my Abby… she's gonna need you to be strong for her… give my love… to Kayla and Jared and their families…" Gibbs reached out his arms and he and Leon embraced. Both men wept openly and held the embrace. Gibbs patted Leon's back. "Send Abby in now."

Leon went out to find Abby. She saw his tears and hugged her husband tight. "He wants you to come in Abby. Be strong for him and I will be right here when you come out." Leon wiped his wife's tears from her cheeks and she nodded.

Abby entered Gibbs' room. She looked at the pale and shrunken man who had been her father for so long. She loved this man like no other. Gibbs motioned for her to sit on the side of the bed and she sat down. He took her hand in his. "Abby… hey, kid… I'll always be with you, ya know… right here…" he placed a hand over her heart. "I love you, Abs… never forget that.." Gibbs felt himself drawn into Abby's hug.

"Oh, Gibbs, my heart is breaking into a million pieces right now." Abby sobbed on Gibbs shoulder. He gently rubbed her back and held her close.

"I love you, Abby. Never forget that. Take care of your family and lean on Leon. He is your rock now." Gibbs let go of Abby and she knew it was time to let him lie back on his bed.

"I love you, Gibbs." Abby was sobbing and turned to go as Gibbs squeezed her hand one last time.

"Send in Breena next."

Abby left the room, dabbing at her eyes and blowing her nose. Leon embraced his wife and led her to the family room and sat her down on the loveseat.

Abby looked at Breena, "He asked for you next." Then she and Leon held each other and sobbed.

Jimmy squeezed his wife's shoulder and told her he would be right outside the room when she came out. She wiped her eyes and opened the door.

Breena sat on the side of the bed where Gibbs had patted. She took his hand in hers. "Papa Gibbs…" her tears fell freely.

"Breena… my daughter… keep Jimmy out of trouble and love those grandkids for me… I love you." Gibbs hugged Breena and they cried together for a few minutes, He lay back on his pillows as she held his hands. "I love you, Papa Gibbs." She kissed his forehead as he asked to see Jimmy next.

Breena went out into Jimmy's embrace, tears streaming down her face. "He wants to see you next," she told him as they hugged. Jimmy released her and as she went into the kitchen to help Ziva get food for all of the family, Jimmy opened the door to Gibbs' room.

Jimmy stifled a sob as he saw Gibbs on the pillows with his eyes closed. He moved to the bed and Gibbs opened his eyes. Gibbs motioned for Jimmy to sit on the side of the bed. "Jimmy… kid… I love you like a son… so proud of you and all you have accomplished… I know Ducky is smiling on you from above… I'll be sure to tell him how well you have done… take care of your family and love those grandkids and great-grandkids for me… tell Tori I love her…" Gibbs sat up and embraced Jimmy. The two men hugged and Jimmy sobbed onto Gibbs' shoulder. Gibbs lay back and held Jimmy's hand.

"Send in Delilah next." Gibbs closed his eyes to rest as Jimmy left the room.

Jimmy sobbed as he went into the family room. Breena had just come out of the kitchen with a tray of sandwiches and embraced her husband. As Jimmy and Breena sobbed together, he motioned to Delilah and mouthed "you're next."

Delilah nodded at Jimmy and wheeled over to Gibbs doorway. Tim hugged her and gave her a quick kiss, "I'll be right here for you." She nodded at him and went into Gibbs' room.

She wheeled to the side of the bed and Gibbs stroked her face with his hand. "Delilah… thank you for loving my boy… and being his other half… you have been so good for Tim… I love you like a daughter… so proud of the wonderful grandkids you gave me… take care of them and the great-grandkids and love them for me…" Gibbs sat up and leaned over to hug Delilah. She whispered in his ear, "I love you, Gibbs. I will never forget you."

They hugged until Gibbs sat back up and then leaned back on his pillows. He caressed Delilah's face again and wiped several tears off her face. "Send in Tim next."

She kissed his hand and went out to find Tim, barely seeing him through her tears. Tim hugged her and wiped her tears, and she told him he was next. She went over to the others as Tim went to Gibbs' room.

Tim walked in and over to the bed. Gibbs motioned for him to sit on the side of the bed. Tim's tears were falling freely as Gibbs took Tim's hand in his own. "Tim, son, you have come such a long way since I first met you… now you're the team leader and shaping the younger agents into good investigators… I'm so proud of you son… you have a beautiful family and I am so proud of them… love those grandkids for me and give some extra lovin' to the great-grandkids for me… Tim, I love you, son… and if you screw up, I'll be watching and head slap you…" Tim smiled through his tears, "I love you Dad." Gibbs and Tim embraced and Tim let the sobs come. Gibbs rubbed his back and held his son tightly. "Family…" Gibbs whispered in Tim's ear, and Tim nodded.

"Send Tali and her family in next." Gibbs squeezed Tim's shoulder and lay back on his pillows.

Tim went out to the family room and nodded to Tali, "He wants to see your family now." She and Chaim picked up the boys and headed to Gibbs' room as Tim sat with Delilah and they sobbed on each other's shoulders.

Tali and Chaim walked into Gibbs' room; Tali carrying Elijah and Chaim carrying Levi. Three year old Levi wasn't too sure what was going on, but he knew his Ima and Abba and Savta and Saba were very sad. Gibbs put his arms out to hold Elijah. The little boy cooed at him and smiled. Gibbs kissed the baby on the forehead, "Grow up strong and wise. Love your family the best," Gibbs told the boy. He handed him back to Tali and reached for Levi. "Come see me, Levi." The boy snuggled to his Great-grandpa. "I love you, Levi. Be strong and good and help your Ima and Abba take care of Elijah."

Levi hugged his great-grandpa, "I love you, Papa." Chaim helped him climb off the bed. Gibbs reached for Chaim's hand. "Chaim, you are my grandson. I love you and I am proud of the husband and father you are for my Tals and Levi and Elijah. Take care of your family and love them extra for me." Chaim and Gibbs hugged and then Chaim took the boys out to the family room, leaving Tali to have time alone with her Grandpa.

Gibbs patted the side of the bed, motioning for Tali to sit. She sat down and Gibbs took her hands in his as he had done with the others. "Tals, you are the one who opened my heart to love again… my first grandchild… so proud of you and the woman you have become… strong like your Ima and Abba … kind and caring and loving… smart as your parents… you have some beautiful children… love them extra for me… I love you Tali. And thank you for being mine…" Gibbs embraced Tali and she let the tears flow. "Grandpa, I am going to miss you so." She sobbed on Gibbs shoulder. "I will tell my children about you and how you taught all of us to make a family with love…" She sobbed again and choked up, as Gibbs stroked her back and hugged her tightly.

He lay back on his pillows and brushed tears off Tali's face. "Send Anthony and Katie in with their family next." She nodded and kissed Gibbs' cheek, "I love you, Grandpa."

Tali left the room and Chaim was waiting for her. He pulled her into a hug and they cried. Tali saw her brother sitting nearby. "Anthony, you and Katie and the kids are next." Anthony nodded and gathered his family to go say their goodbyes.

Anthony opened the door to Gibbs' room and let Katie enter first with Kelly in her arms. Two and one half year old Anthony held his mother's hand. Anthony followed with Shannon in his arms. Katie handed Kelly to Gibbs and the little girl smiled at him and waved her arms. He kissed her forehead and handed her back to Katie. Anthony then handed Shannon to Gibbs and she smiled and cooed at him as Gibbs kissed her forehead. Gibbs handed her back to her father, and pulled the little boy up on the bed. "I love you, Anthony. Be a good boy for your Mom and Dad and be a good big brother to your sisters." He kissed the boy on his forehead and hugged him. "Love you, Papa." Anthony kissed his great-grandfather on the cheek and then his father helped him off the bed.

Tony and Ziva came in to get the children so that Katie and Anthony could have time alone with Gibbs.

"Katie, my sunshine, you have always been the one who could make even a curmudgeon smile. I love you and am proud of the mother, wife and woman you have become. Anthony, so much like your father. A good husband, father, and man. I love you, Anthony… so proud of you. And thank you both for honoring me by naming the twins Kelly and Shannon… I love you both, you have made this old Marine proud." He embraced them individually and kissed them both on the forehead.

"We love you, Grandpa." Katie kissed Gibbs on the cheek, and Anthony kissed his grandfather's forehead. "Gonna miss you Grandpa…" Anthony took Katie's hand as Gibbs asked for John and Rivka next.

Anthony embraced his sister, and told her she and John were next. Then he put his arm around Katie, tears flowing freely down their cheeks and went to find his children.

John and Rivka entered the room. Gibbs smiled at them and motioned them closer. "Hey, hope you had a safe trip from Atlanta… Love you both and wish you the best… So proud of you working with research into artificial intelligence… I love you both…" He hugged them individually and then spoke to each one.

"John, so like your Dad. You are a good man and I am so proud of you. Love the woman you have chosen to be by your side. I love you, John." John leaned over and kissed his Grandpa's cheek. "I love you, Grandpa."

"Rivka, so like your Ima. Bold, strong, fearless. I am so proud of the woman you are, and I know that one day you and John will be fantastic parents. I love you, Rivka." He wiped a tear from her face as she bent to kiss his cheek. "I love you , Grandpa."

Rivka put her arms around John and sobbed onto his shoulder. He let his tears fall as he guided her out to the family room.

"Send in Charles and Beth now." Gibbs lay back on his pillows.

Charles and Beth entered Gibbs' room hand in hand. They moved nearer to the bed as Gibbs opened his eyes. He took each of their hands in his as he spoke.

"So proud of you two working with the kids who need guidance and love. Charles, you have a wonderful woman by your side. Cherish her and love her, I am proud of the man you have become… I guess the business of dying never goes away… I love you." Charles smiled through his tears and shook Gibbs' hand. "Love you, Grandpa."

"Beth, you are so much like your Abba in your generous and caring heart. Love the man you have by your side. You will be a good mother someday… I love you." Beth hugged her Grandpa and kissed his cheek. "I love you, Grandpa. I am going to miss you." She sobbed and Charles put his arm around her. She leaned on his shoulder and they both let the tears fall as they left the room to send LJ in next.

LJ wiped his eyes and hugged his sister and Charles. He went to the door to Gibbs' room and entered. His Grandpa was lying back on the bed with his eyes closed. LJ shut the door and moved over to the bed. Gibbs patted the bed for LJ to sit on the side. "Grandpa…" LJ choked back a sob. Gibbs took the young man's hand in his and smiled at his grandson.

"LJ, my painting buddy… you have talent… and unlike me, you will go far with it… I am so proud of the man you have become… you have always been special to me… I love you, LJ." Gibbs sat up and embraced his grandson. LJ leaned into his Grandpa's hug and sobbed on his shoulder. "What am I going to do without you, Grandpa? I love you and I am going to miss you big time." Gibbs held LJ as he sobbed, rubbing his back and hugging him tightly. "LJ, I will always be with you… when you capture that perfect sunrise or design that perfect house for someone, I'll be there, in your heart forever…" LJ sobbed even harder and nodded his head that he understood. "I love you, Grandpa." Gibbs held LJ a bit longer and then asked him to send his mother in.

LJ went out of Gibbs' room, sobbing. "Ima?" Ziva ran over to her son and embraced him letting him cry on her shoulder. "Grandpa asked for you next." Ziva squeezed LJ's shoulder and kissed his cheek. "Your Abba is in the kitchen." She turned to go to Gibbs' room.

Ziva entered the room as Gibbs rested and had his eyes closed. The last two were going to be hardest; his Ziver and Tony were the closest he had to children of his own since Kelly. He knew that for each of them he had been the father they never had with their biological fathers.

"Ziver…" Gibbs patted the bed and motioned for her to sit next to him. Ziva sat and took Gibbs' hands into her own. "Abba…" The tears fell freely. Gibbs brushed them from her face. "Ziva… my daughter…" Gibbs choked his tears back. He had to get through these last two. "Oh, Ziver… where do I begin? You have been my daughter for so long… I have watched you grow and change and fight for everything you have… you have given me five wonderful grandchildren… taught me how to be a father again… loved me, warts and all… Ziver, I love you… " Gibbs' voice broke as he choked back another sob. Ziva reached out to touch his face with her hand. He leaned into her touch. "Ziva, I am so glad you and Tony found each other… you have been so good for him and he for you… I love you, Ziva… I will always be with you…" Ziva wrapped her arms around him. "And if I happen to see Eli, I am going to kick his ass this time." Gibbs and Ziva smiled at each other through their tears, and Ziva put her hands on his face.

"Abba… Abba… I love you, Abba." Ziva sobbed and hugged Gibbs. He rubbed his hand over her back and sobbed with her.

She kissed Gibbs' cheek and stood up. "I will send Tony in, Abba." He squeezed her hand. "I love you, kid."

Ziva went out into the family room. Most of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren had gone to rest and get some sleep. Only LJ remained with Tim, Delilah, Leon and Abby. Jimmy and Breena had gone back to their house, with Charles and Beth, to talk with Tori and Jared on Skype. Tony was sitting by himself in the dining room. Ziva put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. He stood up and enveloped her in a hug. She sobbed as he held her, his own tears running in rivers. "He wants to see you now." Tony nodded. He kissed Ziva and squeezed her hand. "I love you, Zi."

Tony opened the door to Gibbs' room. Gibbs had his eyes closed and was resting on the pillows. Tony could see tears running down Gibbs' face. The old man looked so vulnerable and frail, Tony's heart broke again. "Dad?" Gibbs motioned for Tony to sit on the side of the bed.

"Son…" Gibbs opened his eyes and looked at the man who he loved as son so much it sometimes hurt, like now, when he was having to say his goodbye. Tony's green eyes were red-rimmed and filled with tears. "Tony… I…" Gibbs took Tony's hand in his. He had to get through this, the hardest one of all.

"Dad…" Tony squeezed Gibbs' hand.

"Tony, I am so proud of you, son… you and Ziva have given me five terrific grandkids and some pretty awesome great-grandkids… You were the best young investigator I have ever known…" Gibbs paused and breathed deeply. "I… love… you… son…" Gibbs broke down, sobbing and Tony pulled the man into a hug. He sobbed with his father of the heart. "Dad, I love you."

Gibbs whispered into Tony's ear, "If I run across Senior, I'm gonna whup his ass just because I can." Tony smiled and replied, "Thanks, Dad."

They stayed in the embrace for several minutes, both sobbing. Ziva peeked into the room and Tony motioned for her to join them. She sat down next to her husband and Abba and the three of them sobbed into each other's embrace.

"I am going to rest now," Gibbs lay back on his pillows. Ziva pulled the blanket up and helped him get comfortable. Tony checked his water cup and put a hand on Gibbs' shoulder. "I'm staying with you, Dad."

Ziva nodded, "Abba, I am not leaving you."

They sat together at the side of the bed, taking turns holding Gibbs' hand as he slept. The other family members came and went through the rest of the night and into the next day. They brought food and water to Tony and Ziva and occasionally sat with one or the other while one took a stretch break. Gibbs woke once during the afternoon and asked for water. Ziva held the straw for him to sip and Tony helped him sit up to drink. He squeezed their hands and smiled at them. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep. All of the family had gathered at the house again, with more food and beverages brought in for them all. Around 2300, Ziva and Tony both noticed a change in Gibbs' breathing. He seemed to be relaxing and more peaceful. Tony went out of the room and motioned for the family to come in if they wanted, saying that it appeared the end was near. He went back to Ziva and they both held Gibbs' hand between their two. They sat silently as the others came into the room. Spouses held each other and wept silently.

At 0027 on 1 August 2041, Gibbs breathed his last earthly breath. Jimmy moved in and examined Gibbs, declaring him officially deceased for the record. Breena moved out of the room and sent a text to her assistant that the body would be ready for them to pick up. She went back to Jimmy and they embraced, sobbing.

Tony and Ziva held each other tightly, each giving one last hand squeeze to Gibbs' hand. "Goodbye, Dad." "Goodbye, Abba." They turned to each other and sobbed together.

~TIVA~

Breena's assistant and his team arrived to take the body to the mortuary to prepare for the funeral. He hugged Breena and Jimmy and told Breena to stay with her family; he had the arrangements under control. She thanked him.

Tali and Chaim headed home with their sleeping boys. Anthony and Katie also headed home with their three sleeping children. Charles and Beth and Jimmy and Breena headed to the Palmer house. John and Rivka headed home with Delilah. LJ went to his room to sleep.

Tim, Abby, Leon, Tony and Ziva sat in the family room together and quietly shared memories and tears.

~TIVA~

The services were held at Slater's on 2 August at 1100. Nearly two hundred people had come to pay their respects and to console the family. After the services, Gibbs' body was taken to Stillwater, Pennsylvania to be interred with his parents, Shannon, and Kelly. A Marine escort gave a twenty one gun salute and presented the folded flag that had draped the coffin to Tony and Ziva.

Tony wrapped his arm around Ziva as she clutched the flag to her, both of them sobbing. "Zi, my heart has a hole in it…" Tony sobbed. Ziva nodded; hers did as well… She sobbed into Tony's embrace.

Each of the family members filed past the coffin, leaving a white rose and saying goodbye. Abby leaned on Leon as she placed her rose and wept for Gibbs. Breena and Jimmy held each other and placed their roses. Tim wheeled Delilah's chair over so she could place her rose and then he placed his. As they moved on, Tony embraced his brother and the two men sobbed on each other's shoulders. Ziva and Delilah held hands as they cried and watched their husbands. Tim moved to Delilah and wheeled her chair off to the side as Tony and Ziva went to place their roses. They leaned into each other, weeping openly and placed their roses side by side together. "Abba…" "Dad…"

Both Ziva and Tony later swore that at that moment they heard Gibbs, "I've got your six. I love you."