Chapter 11
So then it was settled, Rayne would head to Tennessee to live with Vanessa and Ted while they took care of Ted's father. Randy still didn't care much for the idea, but he knew his wife was right. Sierra and Tyler didn't want Rayne to leave either, but they all agreed to keep in contact with emails.
As the months passed, Rayne kept up with her daily emails to her sister and brother. Dani and Randy flew out every other weekend to see Rayne. Once a month they would bring the rest of the kids with them. Soon the triplet's first birthday was upon them and Dani and Randy were busy planning the party.
The day of the party, everyone was at the house. The triplets had started walking a week before their birthday and they were everywhere. The party was a huge success and after the house was cleaned up, Randy and Dani sat down to try and enjoy some quiet time. Vanessa had surprised Randy by sending Rayne to St. Louis for the birthday party.
The next day as Dani and Randy were fixing breakfast for the kids, Randy's cell rang. It was Vanessa calling. Rayne wasn't scheduled to fly back until the following Saturday. Randy exchanged looks with Dani before answering his phone.
"Hi Vanessa." Randy stated.
"Randy. I know its early, but uh, Ted's dad passed away early this morning." Vanessa told him through tears.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Randy responded.
"The funeral is set for Friday afternoon. Is there any way that you, Dani and the kids can drive out for the service?" Vanessa asked.
"I don't see why not. I'll call my mom and dad and tell them." Randy answered.
"Thank you, Randy." Vanessa responded before hanging up.
"Is everything ok?" Dani asked.
"No. Ted Sr. died this morning." Randy answered as he dialed his parents number and told them the news.
Dani and Randy sat down with the kids and told them about Ted Sr. and driving out to the funeral. Bob and Elaine were going to fly out since it would be a shorter trip for them. Randy, Dani and the kids left St. Louis Tuesday morning for Knoxville, Tennessee.
Once everyone was in Knoxville, Randy and Dani left the kids with Bob and Elaine while they went over to help Ted, Vanessa and Melanie with the arrangements. Randy had known Ted Sr. since he was about 20 years old and Bob knew him even longer as they wrestled together for many years.
Friday soon rolled around and everyone headed to the service and then the burial for Ted Sr. It was a sad day. Ted and Vanessa were going to pay tribute to Ted Sr. in two weeks on RAW when they would be in St. Louis. Randy told them that he and Vanessa and his parents would be more than happy to be there for the event.
The service and burial went very smoothly and there was not a single dry eye in the place. After the burial close friends and family headed back to the house for the reception. Everyone shared good memories of Ted Sr and even laughed when Brett, Mike and Ted would tell stories of their dad from their childhood. Melanie was thankful and greatful for everyone who helped and everyone who touched their lives.
Two weeks passed quickly and soon everyone was gathered at the arena in St. Louis. It had been quite a while since Dani and Randy had set foot inside the squared circle. Ted and Vanessa were in the ring waiting for the show to begin while Randy and Dani were back stage waiting for their cue. The tech guy knew to play Randy's old theme song Voices as they walked out.
"Welcome to a very special Monday Night RAW." Vanessa stated as the show started. "Tonight is a very special night as we honor a WWE Hall of Famer, a Legend and an all around wonderful man."
"That he was. Tonight's show is a special tribute to Ted "The Million Dollar Man" DiBiase Sr. My father. As most of you probably already know, my father passed, away three weeks ago from Pancreatic cancer. He fought a long hard battle until the end. Let's take a few moments to remember him." Ted stated as the titantron played a video montage from when Ted Sr. was a wrestler.
As the night went on, those who knew Ted Sr. spoke of him and shared some of their memories of him with the WWE universe. By the end of the night, Ted was finally at peace with his father's passing. After the show, Randy, Dani, Vanessa and Ted sat in Randy and Dani's livingroom and toasted Ted Sr. and his life.