Chapter Eight

Royal Fiance

Burial Ceremony

Sota's Speech

It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today delivering this eulogy for my mother, Linda Marie Park. Preparing this speech has been difficult, but also very rewarding. It allowed me to reflect on all of the time my mother and I spent together and how wonderful a person she was. I am glad that I am able to share some of these memories with you today and some of the attributes that made my mother so special.

My mother grew up in Nashville, Tennessee as a farmer's daughter. For generations her family farmed vegetables and this is where my mother got her green thumb. She also learned a lot about the value of hard work from her years on the farm. She's the oldest sister of Izumi Higurashi.

My mom dreamed of becoming a teacher and pursued her dream by leaving her small town to attend university in Japan. It was during university that she met my father and he shared his passion for travel with her. They both fell in love with Tokyo and moved here permanently. Japan became their home and they both got jobs as high school teachers and started their family.

I couldn't have asked for a better mother. She taught me a lot about balancing work, family and leisure. My mom was a well-respected teacher and I was impressed by her passion for education and how much she cared about her students. Even though she spent a lot of time coaching and volunteering at her school, she always made her family her top priority.

As I got older, my mom shared with me her love for gardening that she learned as a child working on the farm. My mom and I had the most impressive organic vegetable gardens at our houses. Whenever I work in my garden it will remind me of my mother.

I learned a lot from my mother over the years. She taught me how important a strong work ethic is and how it is even more important to spend time with your friends and family. I will never forget you. God Bless you.

(Sota was choked up after that speech but everyone was very supportive and place flowers on Linda's casket)

(All of Sota's friends and his cousin Kagome gave Sota a big group hug)

ICHIGO'S POV

King Isshin: Ichigo are you feeling ok?

Ichigo: Look at him, dammit he's really... really sad.

Queen Misuki: Sota is going through alot now and his friends are comforting him.

Karin: You know he will be at the gravestone for an hour or two.

Yuzu: I remember when grandma died, I stayed for a sec.

(After all the hugging it was time to lower the Linda's casket to the ground)

Gospel Chior

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

(Tears feel from the family and friends but feel heavy from Sota's eyes)

Ichigo: Sota take your time and I'll be right here with you.

Sota: T-thank you..I-Ichigo. *eyes flushed with tears*

(Ichigo embraced Sota to try to make him stop crying, it worked for a minute and Sota Said his last goodbye)

Sota: Goodbye mom I love you.