"You have everything you need right here," Megan smiled at Bette to comfort her. "Your family, love, the success you wanted approval for is sitting beside you."
Tina felt her own tears falling as she laid her cheek against Bette's head. Her tears fell quicker, dampening Bette's hair, as she rubbed Bette's back with one hand and Megan's arm with the other.
"We love you," Tina said quietly. "I'm sorry...."
Tina was at a loss for words but Megan's smile comforted her quickly. Megan focused on Bette now, still feeling her struggle and pain over the inevitable.
"Megan," Janet said softly. "It's time to say goodbye to Sarah. Once we leave this room, you won't come back Babe. Give her peace, show her compassion and love, but it's time to say goodbye to our daughter."
Megan looked back at Bette and lifted her weak arm to place her hand against Bette's wet cheek.
"You are one of the kindest, loving, most amazing people I know," Megan smiled. "Teach my daughter that, teach my daughter all that you learned from your experiences, and above all else teach her that we loved her, enough to put her first."
Megan closed her eyes. She struggled to take a few breaths, before she took Janet's hand and stepped to the warm corner once more.
"Megan?" Bette said blinking rapidly to see through her tears. "Megan!"
"She's gone Babe," Tina held Bette close to her as her body shook from sobbing.
"Nooooooo!" Bette's voice rang loud through the quiet night.
Megan suddenly found herself standing, once more, beside Sarah's crib. She looked at Janet, who smiled to offer her support, before reaching into the crib to touch Sarah one last time before leaving the house. This time, however, Sarah stirred and woke from her sleep.
Sarah's innocent, curious eyes met with Megan's as if she could see her clearly. Megan ran her hand over Sarah's soft, curly hair as she had done countless times before.
"Mama," Sarah said quietly.
"Can she see us?"
"I'm not sure," Janet admitted reaching out and touching her innocent daughter lovingly. "She just may."
"Mama," Sarah grabbed their hands at the same time, causing both women to gasp in wonderment.
"She can see us."
"Baby," Janet began to cry harder. "I've missed you."
Sarah's response was simply wide grin.
"We love you," Megan whispered. "We'll always love you and always be here."
Janet grabbed Megan's hand and held it tightly. She bent down and kissed Sarah once on the cheek, resting her lips there a moment longer than necessary to feel the closeness she had never experienced with her own daughter.
"It's time," Janet said as the light in Sarah's room faded and the last view Megan and Janet saw was Sarah waving and smiling.
08/29/2007 ,
23:32:51 PM From:
jaspercat Comments:
BENDY...my mind is blank right now...all i can think to say is WOW!
08/29/2007 ,
23:46:14 PM From:
smiley Comments:
The tears can't stop. That was really sad but I am glad Megan's suffering is no more. I need to watch something funny now.
08/29/2007 ,
23:49:17 PM From:
BetteAndTinaForever Comments:
this was so beautifully written that i don't have words...thank you
08/29/2007 ,
23:51:48 PM From:
azmama Comments:
Amazing but it's making me too sad.
08/29/2007 ,
23:55:40 PM From:
mcee Comments:
I have tears just streaming down my face. Thank you, Gumby, for this amazing story and thank you for sharing some of yourself in your notes.
08/29/2007 ,
23:56:00 PM From:
Rau Comments:
oh wow so difficult to read, so physically reminding of past pain; thank u did it beautifully and I agree with your thoughts at the beginning...thank you, it helps to cry....
08/30/2007 ,
00:01:50 AM From:
lowerbottom111 Comments:
This is a masterpiece. Thank you.
08/30/2007 ,
00:04:42 AM From:
honda90 Comments:
As there are amazing writers and stories, not one has ever brought me to this point. I too just lost my Granny and miss her terribly, I hope that's how she went, I hope someone came and got her. She was our direct link and I still believe that she is, only from a different place. Please and Thank you
08/30/2007 ,
00:27:59 AM From:
rsa Comments:
Simply amazing. Such emotion. Good thing I had Kleenex.
08/30/2007 ,
00:29:56 AM From:
trecelovinit Comments:
Amazing!
08/30/2007 ,
00:34:40 AM From:
jb621 Comments:
****with tears trickling down my cheeks** Ya did good, Gumby.
08/30/2007 ,
00:45:17 AM From:
Jackiee1 Comments:
I sit with tears running down my face wondering about what comes next.
08/30/2007 ,
00:46:13 AM From:
Privy In Pink Comments:
My tears are free-flowing. It brought back so much....I am SO gonna be late for work tomorrow morning. Gumby you're amazing.
08/30/2007 ,
00:51:37 AM From:
Eddy Comments:
Amazing. I really had to cry. What kind of excellent story.
08/30/2007 ,
00:53:14 AM From:
gool Comments:
Thank you Gumby for sharing with us.
08/30/2007 ,
01:36:23 AM From:
kant_help_it Comments:
Wow, wow, wow! Gumby that was probably the most emotionally gripping chapter I've ever read on fan fic. I like all others here have tears rolling down my cheeks. You are indeed an amazning writer to bring out such emotion in us all.
08/30/2007 ,
02:28:16 AM From:
ess-n-tee Comments:
incredible, amazing. and wonderfully written. thanks
08/30/2007 ,
03:26:03 AM From:
Bailey Comments:
Don't know what else to say, but thank you. That was beautiful. I cannot imagine the courage it took to not only create this difficult story but then share it with us. I am amazed.
08/30/2007 ,
03:48:49 AM From:
Kendra35 Comments:
I had a hard time reading the end f this one through my tears. You're a great writer.
08/30/2007 ,
04:25:15 AM From:
lami Comments:
Absolutely amazing and wonderfully written. Just can't stop the tears. Thanks Gumby.
08/30/2007 ,
04:39:19 AM From:
AngelDana Comments:
Best of luck with your friend. Loss is a difficult subject and one which you have approached brilliantly. Thank you for sharing this. ADx
08/30/2007 ,
04:45:28 AM From:
m_s_gypsy Comments:
To borrow a line from this chapter... " i can feel their pain". Brilliant writing Gumby.
08/30/2007 ,
05:17:59 AM From:
patpez Comments:
Gumby this was beautifully written, thank you!!
08/30/2007 ,
05:34:25 AM From:
Lamentamini Comments:
Will read this one later. :)
08/30/2007 ,
06:01:11 AM From:
Probie Comments:
That was an amazing chapter. Heartbreaking but so wonderfully written.
08/30/2007 ,
06:24:51 AM From:
rebo63 Comments:
WOW. I really can't say more. Just WOW!
08/30/2007 ,
07:08:29 AM From:
cgirl Comments:
WOW!! Talking about full of emotion. *sitting in a corner, collecting my thoughts* I grew to like Megan as you stated so profoundly in your author's note. I must say that I have experienced lost of friends that were treasured, but never a lost so close. You have painted a very touching and emotional moment.
08/30/2007 ,
08:02:04 AM From:
annieb69 Comments:
dear god woman, you have got me crying at work, now i really have to hide what i'm doing here. great, great job, just went through this with my mom 6 mo.'s ago, and you did an amazing job with this!!!!!!!!!
08/30/2007 ,
08:02:52 AM From:
Catb Comments:
As one of your silent readers, I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed reading this wonderful story and I look forward to reading the last chapter.
08/30/2007 ,
08:03:49 AM From:
lucybelly Comments:
I've savored every word of this amazing story. Simply beautiful. Good luck with mending your friendship.
08/30/2007 ,
08:14:46 AM From:
andreaulens Comments:
God You actually made me cry with this chapter. Simply amazing
08/30/2007 ,
09:36:31 AM From:
OneStorm1 Comments:
Beautiful just beautiful, that's all I can say.
08/30/2007 ,
09:44:10 AM From:
superdaddy Comments:
Gumby you've gone and done it again!!!!!!!! written an excellent chapter, and made me cry!!!! Made me think of my aunt's death which I missed, and never got to say goodbye to until I actually voiced it, and that's when she came to me in my first dream of her to say goodbye to me. And since then I dream her every time something is to change in my life. So our loved ones never ever leaves us!!! THANKS GUMBY. I SINCERELY HOPE THE NEXT CHAPTER IS LIGHTER AND WITH A BIT OF HUMOR!~
08/30/2007 ,
10:00:12 AM From:
akalittlered Comments:
WOW!!! That was Amazing and so sad. I do hope Bette will be OK. Thank you
08/30/2007 ,
10:12:45 AM From:
lara weave Comments:
i know that i don't often leave a comment and for that i'm truly sorry because every chapter that you post deserves one.that was just so heart breaking, i'm sitting here with the tears falling from my eyes.you are an amazing writer and i thank you for sharing your stories with us. please post again soon.x.x.
08/30/2007 ,
10:51:58 AM From:
vam Comments:
That was beautifully, tenderly expressed. You are am amazing writer.
08/30/2007 ,
11:01:47 AM From:
dyslexic17 Comments:
wow.. great chapter.. great writer..
08/30/2007 ,
11:25:15 AM From:
bjulch Comments:
Absolutely beautiful!
08/30/2007 ,
11:32:55 AM From:
robbeedee Comments:
Hey Gumby, I can just about type through my tears. It is a wonderful gift that you have. The ability to share such heartfelt emotion with all your readers and genuinely touch the loves of so many. I read your comments on loss and just like your story, they have the power to affect each reader with the sincerity and honesty. Showing the different types of loss is a lesson to us all. A message to make the most of the time we have with those we love. A note to stop petty arguments or disagreements lingering and destroying true friendships. It amazes that something so simple can crush companionship. And, finally a reminder to always be true to yourself. During a détente in warfare it can be easy to lose yourself and think that everything is grand but you need to reassess the situation and look deeply at who you are and what you are doing. Is there a little voice niggling away that this might not be the best course of action. As for Megan's final journey from life to death; it was extraordinary. I hope that there is someone special to come and take you through these final stages. Someone to take away the pain, to offer support and comfort, to guide you on the right path, to help you let go of the present and journey to a better place. Thank heavens Angelica was thirsty and her quick thinking to waken her mothers. I am sure she was glad when Tina sent her to Shane's. Bette's reluctance to let Megan go was in part her desire to hold on to her father. Janet's was very perceptive and understood Bette's position. Having Megan show Bette it was her time was awesome. Gumby, again your talent overwhelm me throughout this tragic event but there was hope and awareness of this death being the right path for Megan to take. My words seem so unable to convey the feeling I am trying valiantly to express. Just be secure in the knowledge that you have moved me beyond words. Thank you so much for trusting me with your treasure. Your Loyal and weeping Fan.
08/30/2007 ,
12:04:53 PM From:
coop Comments:
What a fantastic job you've done. I'm sitting at my desk with tears coming down my cheeks hoping that no one walks in my office. The only good that has probably come out of this is that Megan is reunited with Janet. Hopefully you will continue the story so we can see how Sarah's life has progressed with B&T.
08/30/2007 ,
13:58:39 PM From:
fortlw Comments:
Just superb. My tears are making it impossible to write more.
08/30/2007 ,
15:39:48 PM From:
Keisha Comments:
OMG!, The last few chaps have brought some serious tears to my eyes.
08/30/2007 ,
17:18:57 PM From:
Sara Comments:
I am speechless......the lump in my throat and tears are your fault!!! Utterly amazing chapter! Please don't ever stop writing!
08/30/2007 ,
17:20:40 PM From:
kbergin47 Comments:
What can I say......You are a fantastic writer! You handled Megan's death better than I could have imagined. I cried with the rest. Can't wait for the next chapter!
08/30/2007 ,
17:40:55 PM From:
nettababy Comments:
First thank you for giving a piece of yourself and opinions in the notes that was so true and wonderful of you to share. second having lost most of my family to cancer and violence I feel that when the time comes it loved ones that have passed before us really do come for us to make the transition less scary. That thought always gives me comfort so thank you for making the scene so beautifully written. Third I had just read the chapter and started crying and my manager asked me if I wanted to home early because of some "emotional" issues. So there I was driving my forklift with a face full of tears. Looking at it now it just makes laugh. But thank you for the emotional ride that was a beautiful story as always. PEACE.
08/30/2007 ,
19:34:20 PM From:
pulsar03 Comments:
A beautiful chapter!
08/30/2007 ,
22:14:40 PM From:
gogk Comments:
there are no words to explain how many feelings you move with this chapter, it was wonderful. Thanks so so so so much
08/31/2007 ,
00:11:25 AM From:
momadukes Comments:
Grumpy I hope you go find your friend and everything works out good, I myself will embark on a journy east tommarow to re-connect with some family members hopefuly. Your story has touched me deeply, for that I thank you. Md
08/31/2007 ,
05:18:25 AM From:
claricestarling Comments:
This was very beautiful, powerful,... But I'm still glad to see that this doesn't seem to be the final chapter to this story for I hope your last chappie will be a little more lighthearted ( lol ! ). Great update Gumby !!
08/31/2007 ,
08:21:10 AM From:
prasnil Comments:
Thanks for that Chapter Gumby!
08/31/2007 ,
10:42:26 AM From:
zabo Comments:
I don't cry on sad movies or stories.... but you made a few tears ran down my cheeks especially when I read that Sarah grabbed her mothers' hands... *oh, feel the heart ache* I do believe kids can see things that we adults cannot see. Thank you... for the amazing writing.
08/31/2007 ,
17:01:59 PM From:
miamigrl Comments:
I mus agree with Lowerbottom...THIS IS A MASTERPIECE! WOW! WOW! WOW!
08/31/2007 ,
20:14:47 PM From:
Jobadge Comments:
I can only reiterate what eveyone above me has said. Pure brilliance. Oh and are you trying to win an award for the longest Author Note?!?!? xxx
09/01/2007 ,
00:09:45 AM From:
Lamentamini Comments:
I finally got around to reading this at a time I could be totally alone. I sobbed. I would've wailed if the house had been empty. Angelica handled that better than I would have. I would've freaked out.
09/01/2007 ,
00:39:24 AM From:
pattifloatn Comments:
Such a painful chapter and yet very loving. My head hurts from the pain and tears. Sarah will have wonder family that will bring her in but at least she got to see both of her mothers together.
09/01/2007 ,
15:26:50 PM From:
scaper Comments:
Gumby,I'm with all of the above too. From your notes through to the final line of this chapter, are so many of the things I believe & have experienced. To see so much in such a short space, wow!
09/02/2007 ,
04:10:03 AM From:
M99 Comments:
So sad but your story was beautiful, Sarah will loved by all. Thanks
09/02/2007 ,
06:11:34 AM From:
skycaptain Comments:
Damn you Gumby...you have me sitting here crying my eyes out. I love this story...you have a gift woman!
09/02/2007 ,
11:27:53 AM From:
AmandaMG Comments:
just read the last 3 chapters and the tears are falling form my eyes... i can't even think of what to say... great writing K...
12/10/2007 ,
01:06:09 AM From:
ut Comments:
Can't stop the tears!
