Page 127 of Someone to Remember
He runs for the door but gives me a look over his shoulder that says everything about the bond we’ve formed.
I give him a thumbs-up that earns me a big grin before he disappears through the door.
“Phew,” I say to Derek. “I thought he was gonna blow.”
“I know. Remember when we had that kind of energy?”
“I’m not sure I ever did.”
Derek comes closer to give me a last once-over. “You look good.”
“Thanks for standing up for me.”
“I’m incredibly honored that you asked me, and Roni is, too.”
“It’s funny when you think about who stood there the first time and how different life is now. How different everything is.”
“For sure. A whole new cast of characters in the after, with some of the original peeps hanging in there for the long haul.”
“Not as many as you thought, though.”
“The ones who matter are the ones who stay.”
“Yes, that exactly.”
“Those are your words. You wrote that in one of your posts, about how tragedy separates you from the people who aren’t meant to stay.”
“Did I? Well, that’s rather profound of me.”
He smiles. “You can’t know how much your words have meant to me over the years as I rebuilt my life. Any time I thought I couldn’t keep going, I’d fall into the Gage Collier rabbit hole and reemerge with the feeling that if you could do it, so could I.”
“That means a lot to me. Thank you for saying so.”
“It’s true for so many people. You took an unimaginable tragedy and turned it into such a gift to others suffering through loss.”
“It’s how I survived, by talking about it. I’m so glad it helps you and others.”
The wedding coordinator returns to give us the signal that it’s time.
My heart gives a happy, joyful lift. I can’t wait to see Iris and the girls.
Derek hugs me. “I’ll see you out there.”
“Be right there.”
Iris suggested that we ask Mimi and Stan to walk me in as a bridge between the past and future. They’ve been so instrumental in getting me through the worst time in my life. They’re a big part of the reason I survived and am so ready for this next step with Iris and the kids.
When they come into the room, they’re smiling and tearful and as overwhelmed as I’ve felt all day.
“You look so handsome,” Mimi says, her hand over her heart.
“Thank you for agreeing to do this.”
“Oh, my love… We’re so honored to be part of your big day and to represent Natasha and the girls.”
“They’re smiling down on us today,” Stan says gruffly. “I have no doubt about that. They’d love Iris and the kids as much as we do.”
“I want you to know… Your love and support have made all this possible. You never wavered. You welcomed Iris and her kids like they were family to you from minute one. You never made me feel like I was doing something wrong by moving on with my life. Those are the most incredible gifts you ever could’ve given me, and they’ve made all the difference.”
