The service had ended.  The last scripture had been read, the last prayer uttered.  The pall bearers removed the roses from their lapels and moved toward the tent, flowers in hand.  The first four laid theirs on the casket, as was customary.  The fifth handed his to the daughter.  The last moved toward the granddaughter, handed her the rose clutched in his hand, and the two of them wrapped their arms around each other.  It had been a long journey, an emotionally trying journey, a journey that was drawing to an end.  For a brief moment they clung to one another, each knowing how much the other had lost.

To one he had been a mentor, giving him his first opportunity in life, starting him down the path that would lead to this exact moment in time.  There had been encouragement through the years, training by word and by example, until he was no longer able to fill that role.  It was then that the student became the devoted friend and the person who would care for his body when his spirit was set free.

To the other he had been a father figure when it was needed so desperately, a confidant and teacher of life’s lessons.  Again, those lessons came through example, not so very different from those taught at work for they exhibited honesty, integrity, and compassion.  And when he was no longer able to fill that role, the grandchild became the caregiver, making certain his needs were met, assuring that those who tended to his daily care did so as she would have had the task fallen directly to her.

On that day they both said good-bye to someone who helped mold them into the people they had become, someone who generously shared of his time and his wisdom and his love.  His role in each of their lives was very different, but the impact was immeasurable and the void will be impossible to fill.  Voids like that never really diminish; the darkness just lessens as time moves forward.  They will continue with their separate lives, walking their separate paths, yet always bound together in their love, respect, and admiration for one very special man.

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