Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 94716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Adam’s brother, Thomas, also a fellow firefighter, clapped Jack on the back once before returning his hands to his lap. Thomas was also Tai’s best friend.
The preacher took the pulpit again, and everyone’s attention returned to him.
“I had the privilege of watching Adam grow. He attended this church from the time he was about knee high, until just last week. He’d given me a letter a few months back, and told me to share it with you on the event of his death.” The preacher said and cleared his throat.
If this letter is being read to everyone now, it means that I have finally met my maker. I honestly hope this letter is never used, but if it is, I want you to celebrate my life, not mourn me. I want you to go to the lake house, crack open some beers and make fun of me. I want you to remember the good times we had. Lastly, I want you all to live life the way it’s meant to be lived. Full Speed Ahead.
I had a wonderful life, and would like to thank my mom and pop for putting up with me through my reckless teenage years. You were both wonderful parents and you deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for putting up with Jack, Thomas, Tai and myself.
Thomas, I would like you to live life to the fullest. No, you cannot have my room after I’m gone. Just kidding. You were the best brother in the world, and I am very proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. Most likely, I died doing what I loved, and I don’t want that to hold you back from doing what you love.
Taima, you were the little brother from hell, but I love you anyway. Everything that I just said to Thomas applies to you as well. Life is short. I want you to live life to the fullest. I hope you dance… Oh wait, I think I’m quoting song lyrics to you now. Mostly, I want you to take care of Jack. He’s going to need you.
Finally, to my best friend, and brother, Jack. I love you like a fat kid loves cake. You are the cheese to my macaroni. Yadda, yadda, yadda. You have lost more than anyone in their life deserves to, and I’m sorry that I’m adding on to that burden. I love you, man. Promise me that you won’t drown yourself in Jack Daniels. I want you to drink it like a real man, but then go back to your life the next day and move on. Live it.
I love you all with all my heart. Now, get to drinking that beer.
My shoulders were shaking in laughing sobs. Everyone was in the same state I was in as well. Except for Jack. He was still sitting there, silent and unsmiling.
My grin slid away from my face as I watched him stare at the beautiful black coffin draped in the American Flag. It had shrouds of flowers on it, but only in bright neon green, since that was Adam’s favorite color.
Although he’d been cremated due to the state of his body, his parents still wanted him to be buried in a coffin. They wanted him to have the finest coffin they could find. They’d been devastated when they’d learned he had to be cremated, but there was nothing left of his body, and it was just the best thing to do in the given situation.
When the preacher said the closing prayer, all six of the pallbearers, including Jack, stepped up to the coffin and took a handle. Ever so carefully, they lifted it from its platform, and made their way down the steps in the front of the stage. As they passed, Jack gave me a searching look and then nodded his head, as if assuring himself that he could do it.
The coffin passed us, and the front row stood. It wasn’t until I’d taken the first step to follow Adam’s parents that I remembered that I had nearly two hundred pounds of dog lying on my feet. Tai’s arm around my waist saved me from the fall, and I patted him gratefully before bending down and taking Kodiak’s leash into my hand.
The dog seemed to be stuck to my ass; I wasn’t so sure the leash was even necessary. However, Jack explained that San Antonio had strict leash laws and with Kodiak being a wolf hybrid, he would definitely have to have the leash just in case anyone got any stray ideas in their heads.
As I turned the edge of the pew and got the first good look behind me, I was flabbergasted.
The crowd behind us was absolutely incredible. It was like a sea of uniforms. I’d known that not only Kyle’s fire department would show up, but also never would I have guessed that this many would. Row after row, seat after seat was filled. They were all dressed in their absolute finest. Crisp and pressed uniforms, beautifully positioned hats, pristine gloves. To tell the truth, I felt a little underdressed in my form fitting black dress that hit to just above my knees. Good thing I wore actual heels, or I’d really feel out of place.
The first row behind us I knew to be part of the Kyle fire department. The second row housed the police department. The third, fourth, and fifth rows was made up of Adam’s friends and acquaintances.
Jack’s friends, Cheyenne and Sam, Max and Payton, Ember and Gabe, Blaine and Elliott, and finally James, were all on the seat directly behind the Kyle Fire Department’s row. The men were dressed in their Army dress uniforms, all showing their silent support for not only Adam, but Jack as well. However, after that, I didn’t know who belonged to who.
Once we were outside, there was more of the same, except now there was a wall of men on each side of the pathway in two rows, allowing us to pass through them as a sign of respect. It was extremely overwhelming and, yet again, I felt that I really shouldn’t be where I was. Not that neither Honey, John, nor Jack allowed me to continue with that way of thinking.