I wrote this story a few years ago in memory of my own best friend. His name was also Ken so that is why I picked poor Hutch as the one to die in this story. Some of what happens in this story is taken from when my friend died. He died very suddenly and because of that I never got a chance to say goodbye. I wrote the following poem shortly after his funeral and I thought I would include it in the actual story but couldn't figure out how to make it fit. So I just decided to put it in as its own chapter.
On the Other Side
When your time on earth is over
And you step on heaven's shore
Jesus will be waiting with his arms open wide
And I will be standing there right by his side.
I can not wait to see you
I know how you have grieved
But in the end we will meet again
And all your tears will cease.
I did not want to leave you
If it had been my choice I would not have gone
But God had other plans for me
And he said "son it's time to go"
I am standing here with our loved ones
Who have gone to the other side
So there is no more need for tears
Let God wipe them from your eyes
Lean on Him and He will help
As you go about your day
Please do not be unhappy because
I would not want you to feel that way
Just think of me often but remember
This is not good bye.
Just think of me as waiting for you on the other side
With my arms held open wide.