Angelica walked back into the living room and put a freshly changed Sarah in her seat to begin her birthday party.
"Cake?" Sarah asked pointing at the masterpiece sitting in front of her.
"Not until we have dinner," Tina said as she took the steaks outside to begin to grill them.
The others began to talk and sneak Sarah treats while they waited for Tina to return with dinner. Sarah's focus, however, was in the corner of the room. She stared for a moment and then began to giggle and point to the empty corner.
"Funny," Sarah said causing Alice and Dana to turn and glance at the empty corner of the room.
"What's funny Baby?"
"I lub you," Sarah grinned, then turned back around and began to try to stick her finger in the frosting as Dana and Alice sat puzzled at Sarah's seemingly private moment.
"We love you too," Megan whispered as she and Janet looked on at their daughter's birthday celebration with her family.
While Tina was outside working on grilling the steaks, Bette took Sarah out of her chair and over to the couch. The rest of the family was involved in varying side conversations, and Bette wanted to take a moment with Sarah to reflect on the past year. She reached under the coffee table and retrieved Megan's last creative work of art, the scrapbook detailing both her life and Janet's.
Bette pointed to pictures and Sarah smiled as one glossy photo after another came into view.
"Mama," Sarah said pointing at a picture of both Megan and Janet.
"Those are your mamas," Bette smiled and kissed Sarah on the head.
As Sarah turned the page and continued to babble about the photos before her, Bette suddenly found herself drawn to the same empty corner Sarah had been pointing at earlier.
"Babe?" Tina called to Bette as she sat looking at the empty corner. "You ready to eat?"
"Always," Bette grabbed Sarah and walked her to the table.
The corner, which was filled with warmth and love, continued to beckon to Bette. Without understanding why, she looked at the corner once more and smiled.
There, in the corner, was also a proud Melvin as he watched his daughter immerse herself in her greatest accomplishments, the success and love of her family.
09/02/2007 ,
16:04:07 PM From:
azmama Comments:
Gumby......You're a natural. Your writing is beautiful and it seems so effortless. I could read more of this tale especially the resolution of Angelica's situation. I really enjoy all the dialogue. Tina is strong in your stories and so is Bette but their love for each other is totally palpable and tender. Their banter is clever and sexy. PPS.
09/02/2007 ,
16:30:52 PM From:
fortlw Comments:
Thank you Gumby. That was beautiful. I assume Angelica is back in the fold again and has come out of the bratty teenage phase.
09/02/2007 ,
16:36:50 PM From:
kbergin47 Comments:
Awwww, I just love it all. Beena...so cute! PPS!!
09/02/2007 ,
17:15:30 PM From:
Kendra35 Comments:
God you're good!
09/02/2007 ,
17:35:16 PM From:
Seahurst Comments:
Oh for the love of god! Again? You made me cry AGAIN??!!! :-) Thank you...I love crying over a good story.
09/02/2007 ,
17:45:32 PM From:
griffen Comments:
ok, I've done a lot of crying with this story, but it's the only time I will say I don't mind at all. It's worth it everytime as you can bring chapter after chapter to life in more ways then one and somehow manage to touch all our hearts. Thanks so much!!! PPS
09/02/2007 ,
18:02:40 PM From:
smiley Comments:
That was beautiful Gumby! Your a great writer, one of the best on the site!
09/02/2007 ,
18:03:03 PM From:
tylo Comments:
great work as always
09/02/2007 ,
18:09:18 PM From:
AmandaMG Comments:
loved this Gumby... and i also believes in angels... and i do believe they were watching and sarah could also see them... this was beautiful... i do hope its not the end...
09/02/2007 ,
18:38:46 PM From:
superdaddy Comments:
no other way to end it Gumby, perfect ending as always!!!! good luck with the soccer, cheerleading and anything else your daughter is interested in and it will be alot and chances are you will agree to maybe 90% of them.
09/02/2007 ,
19:26:58 PM From:
Dainty Comments:
Wonderful chapter and I hope there are a few more before you end it but, if not, it has been a most moving and loving story. They are both strong and their love is never ending and they give so much to each other. It's wonderful to read. Thank you. PPS
09/02/2007 ,
19:52:41 PM From:
wildtouch Comments:
one of the best chapters i have read. bravo. written by a true talented author.....lots of kudos to you!!!
09/02/2007 ,
20:03:02 PM From:
akalittlered Comments:
Prefection to the core!!! Thank you I so loved the last part with Melvin in the corner looking on proudly at his daughter. Gumby, as always very Beautiful.
09/02/2007 ,
20:56:03 PM From:
momadukes Comments:
Hey soccer mom,(thats great in itself), thank you so much for the shout out, what you said about being there for a complete stranger is like the most awsom thing anyone has ever said to me, I am truly touched. Your story touched me once again and you can tell that when someone, anyone writes like that about children, that they have a big heart, but when you leave shout outs like that, that are not fiction, well, well, well, damm,I am just so touched. Anyway the trip was, well lets just say, I came home a day early to the people that always let me know that they are here for me in their little suttle ways. I knew that a holiday week-end was really not the time to go digging for re-connections and my (goal)get it, kidding, was three people, I reached two, so like the song says, two outta three ain't bad. Md
09/02/2007 ,
22:14:19 PM From:
Privy In Pink Comments:
Gumby, another beautiful chapter. The ending was a masterpiece. I most enjoyed the growth between B&T as a couple and a family. I'd love to see your work as a spinoff called "Tibette"! :o) Good luck with the little one, I'm sure she'll be kick-ass. Will you adopt me?! :op
09/02/2007 ,
23:48:17 PM From:
pulsar03 Comments:
This story has been an amazing read. As beautiful as the ending is, I'm sad to see the story end. Excellent job!
09/03/2007 ,
00:27:41 AM From:
jb621 Comments:
WOW! Bette's to-do list for a Bday party consists of Tina working her ass off! LOL! Hey Bette...Alpha much? I loved how Sarah told Megan & Janet she loved them. Absolutely adorable. So, you signed on as an instructional leader for soccer, huh? That will be so much fun! I haven't played soccer in about 5 years but it is a fantastic sport. And yes....your daughter has you "wrapped!" But your not alone....I'm right there with you when it comes to volunteering my time for my children.
09/03/2007 ,
03:20:02 AM From:
Eddy Comments:
Oh God - that was beautiful. And Bette funny with her perfection. Your writing is great. You can bring Love, Sadness, Pain, Fun in a perfect combination. Thanks for your wounderfull Stories.
09/03/2007 ,
03:43:50 AM From:
lami Comments:
Superbly done and always a pleasure to read. Many thanks.
09/03/2007 ,
05:07:16 AM From:
claricestarling Comments:
Well, I guess this is it, huh ? That was beautiful, Gumby, truly beautiful, not to mention funny. But I guess our friend Jobadge summed it up perfectly, so what else is left to say ? I love your story, Gumby !
09/03/2007 ,
07:44:37 AM From:
prasnil Comments:
Exquisite! Thanks Gumby. That was lovely. And Bette and her list was priceless. LOL!
09/03/2007 ,
08:39:48 AM From:
Jwet Comments:
Wow, I just love how good this is on so many levels. You had me going from hating to loving to pulling my heart strings so hard. All with you masterful way this story had it all. You have shown the perfect family. Thanks it was beautiful.
09/03/2007 ,
10:24:29 AM From:
pam336 Comments:
Gumby...great chapter.
09/03/2007 ,
11:15:58 AM From:
miamigrl Comments:
So sweet and beautiful!
09/03/2007 ,
11:27:34 AM From:
Keisha Comments:
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L
09/03/2007 ,
11:33:21 AM From:
Spumoni Comments:
With your long list of activities and this and you other wonderful stories, you are truly a wonder woman. I opened this chapter with trepidation because I had no facial tissues in the room. I relaxed when I saw thay it was about a party. But there I was at the end, bawling my eyes out, with only my sleeve on which to wipe my nose. You have said that writing this story was painful. Thank you for persevering. To be human is to know loss,. Even if we have different facts, your story resonated because of that shared human experience. The biggest person tribute I can give is that I do not believe in an afterflife, that we will see our loved ones again, or in angels. Yet your story reminded me that, deep inside, I hope that what I believe is wrong.
09/03/2007 ,
12:28:19 PM From:
robbeedee Comments:
Hello Gumby, That was extraordinary. After everything that all the gals have been through, they are together and stronger for their journey. It has been eventfully but it was awesome to see how this family has pulled together, remembered the past and now looks to the future. It is a wonderful testament to Megan and Janet to see their little girl grow up in a house full of love and laughter; for Melvin to see the depth of love, emotion and foundations Bette and Tina have given their family, and the gang to be a part of this magical household. Faith and friendship are integral to family life and these gals share it all. I totally adored this tale even through all of the heartache and sad times. Thank you so much for sharing this magnificent melodrama with me. Your Loyal Fan.
09/03/2007 ,
14:16:36 PM From:
chefette Comments:
WOW. I have just read the last three chapter's. It took me awhile as I could not see my screen through all the tear's. This story has touched my heart in so many way's. Thank you.
09/03/2007 ,
14:46:05 PM From:
Lamentamini Comments:
I'm with Seahurst. YOU FREAKING MADE ME CRY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD And LOL@Beena!
09/03/2007 ,
16:17:56 PM From:
OneStorm1 Comments:
Beautiful I love how this family comes together and supports each other it's just priceless.
09/03/2007 ,
17:29:30 PM From:
gogk Comments:
My friend this chatper was so beautiful. I believe that the people that love us so much and took that travel before us they are always watching for us, well at least i know that. You don't stop to amazing me with your great job.
09/03/2007 ,
21:33:58 PM From:
BetteAndTinaForever Comments:
i just want to say that as a reader, with each of your story i can see so much growth that it's really amazing to know that i was here when you fist started...thank you for this wonderful story :)
09/04/2007 ,
01:15:18 AM From:
lwordid Comments:
Very well written. Thanks.
09/04/2007 ,
08:12:09 AM From:
Catb Comments:
Enjoyed it. Looking forward to your next story.
09/04/2007 ,
10:09:17 AM From:
honda90 Comments:
That's the 2nd time this morning you've made me cry, and thankyou!! I'll have a warm and fuzzy feeling all day thanks to you.
09/04/2007 ,
12:43:01 PM From:
coop Comments:
That was great, I got goose bumps just reading it. Love Bette and Tina, and Angelica has turned out to be such a combination of the two. Why can't her parents be like all the others. ON another note, the poem, its the same one we used when my Aunt passed, and I just read it again the other day as it was the anniversary of her passing. Its always given me a sense of peace.
09/04/2007 ,
21:52:08 PM From:
Lonely_Artist Comments:
Brilliant. This one wasnt an easy story to read, I told you already, and you said it wasnt an easy one to write either. But u did it masterfully and Im proud of you my friend. Now, more of the cheerful store and bring the book on ;) xx
09/04/2007 ,
22:44:47 PM From:
pattifloatn Comments:
You have continued to make me cry with each chapter of this story. It has gotten harder to read with each passing chapter. This past weekend my uncle was in town to visit my dad. In the near future I will watch my father pass onto the nether world. With ALS there is no cure and all one can do is sit back and watch as a person's bodily functions are taken away. This story brought back some very good memories and so sad ones. I only hope that writing this story brought you some hope, joy and maybe even closure to your soul.
09/06/2007 ,
04:52:53 AM From:
Rau Comments:
very nice...love sarah and all her mamas.
09/11/2007 ,
20:11:39 PM From:
gigi1976 Comments:
Gumby, it is a crime against all things holy and divine that I have not left you a comment after these last few chapters of this moving story. I should be sent to the dungeons. And surprisingly, I'm at a loss for words. I think the girls above have said it perfectly - amazing, heart wrenching, moving, perfect, etc. It was all of those things and then some. Thank you for sharing your inspiration!!
10/15/2007 ,
08:54:23 AM From:
buzzxcore Comments:
was this really the end :(
12/10/2007 ,
01:19:13 AM From:
ut Comments:
That was amazing and beautiful!
