‘‘Come on guys, it's time to go,'' Dad called from the kitchen.
I finished tying my tie and walked out. My brother and sister both stood in the kitchen.
My dad was tying my brother's tie because he was too young to do it himself and my sister was swaying side to side watching her dress twirl.
Dad stood up and looked at us.
‘‘Your mother would be so proud of you guys,'' he said, his eyes starting to fill with water.
He shook his head and picked up the umbrella.
We followed Dad as he walked to the door and stepped outside, opening the umbrella at the same time.
Everybody huddled under it and we scurried to the car that was waiting for us.
Dad ran around the car to the passenger seat and I opened the door, letting my brother and sister in before climbing in myself.
My uncle sat in the driver's seat.
‘‘You guys ready?'' he asked.
‘‘No,'' said Dad, ‘‘but it's time we do this.''
The car pulled out of the driveway and we started off down the road.
I sat looking out the window, watching the raindrops race from the top to the bottom, reminiscing about all the times she had been there.
It seemed like only yesterday she was helping me with my homework or dropping me off at school. Now she couldn't do any of those things.
A single tear started to slide down my face. I wiped it away with the back of my hand.
‘‘I have to stay strong,'' I thought to myself, ‘‘for my brother and sister.''
We arrived at the church and slowly stepped out of the car. We were greeted with hugs from family and friends before walking through the front doors.
The church was already half full and, as we entered, everybody who was outside streamed in behind us.
A coffin sat at the front of the church with a photo of her on the lid, flowers surrounding her.
We sat down and the ceremony began.
The priest talked for a while before allowing my dad to say a few words.
Dad told stories of them meeting and their wedding day. He talked about my brother, sister and me being born. The stories went on.
Then once everything was over, my family stood up and walked to the coffin. We picked it up and carried it outside, placing it in the hearse.
Tears started rolling down my face and I knew things would be different from now on.
-By Joshua Hyde - Year 10, King's High School
