258: THROWBACK: MORE BROKEN LUKE’S POV FLASHBACK I never thought I would have to attend my parents‘ funeral at the age of seven. It all happened so suddenly, and I was left with my grandfather as my only family now. As we entered the church, d could feel the weight of the situation on my small shoulders. My grandfather held my hand tightly we made our way to the front of the church, where my parents‘ caskets were placed. I could hear people whispering and sniffling as we passed by them. Some of them gave me. sympathetic looks, but I couldn’t bring myself to look back. I just kept my head down and followed my grandfather. Reaching the front, I saw two bodies covered there, and this left me more broken. Tears filled my eyes, and I could feel my throat tightening. My grandfather squeezed my hand, and I knew he was trying to give me strength. “Grandpa, why did they have to go?” I finally spoke, my voice trembling. “I know, Luke. I don’t have the answers, but I promise to take care of you from now on,” my grandfather replied, his voice filled with sadness. We sat down in the front row, and the priest began the service. I tried to listen, but the words seemed to be a blur. I couldn’t believe that my parents were gone and I would never see them again. My eyes kept wandering to their caskets, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness inside me. After the service, people started to come and pay their respects. My grandfather held my hand as we stood in line, and people kept coming to us, offering condolences. I could see tears in their eyes, making me realize how much my parents meant to them. A woman approached me, and I recognized her as my mother’s great friend. She hugged me tightly and whispered, “Your parents were amazing, Luke. They loved you so much.” ‘I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore, and I buried my face on my grandfather’s shoulder. He rubbed my back soothingly and whispered words of comfort. After the funeral, my grandfather and I made our way to the cemetery for the burial. As I watched my parents being lowered into the ground, I felt a sense of finality. They were truly gone, and I was left alone. “Luke, would you like to say a few words?” My grandfather asked, breaking the silence. I nodded and stepped forward, looking at the caskets. “Mom, Dad, I miss you both so much. I wish you were still here with me. But I know you will always be watching over me from above. I love you,” I said, my voice shaking with emotion. My grandfather hugged me, and we stayed there for a while, just standing in silence. As we returned to the car, my grandfather held my hand tightly, and I knew he would always be there for me. 250, THROWANY MORE BROKEN 2/3 “Are you okay, Lake?” he asked, looking down at me with concern. “I will be, Grandpa. I have you,” I replied, giving him a small smile. We drove home, and my grandfather tucked me into bed, just like my parents used to do. As I closed my eyes, I could still feel their presence, and I knew they would always be with me in spirit. “Goodnight, Laike,” my grandfather whispered, kissing my forehead. “Goodnight, Grandpa,” I replied, feeling comforted to know that I still had family by my side. As I approached the familiar gravestone, I couldn’t help but feel a lump in my throat. I took a deep breath and tried to hold back my tears. My grandpa put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it gently, giving me a reassuring smile. “Are you ready, Luke?” he asked. I nodded, not trusting my voice to speak. We stood in front of the grave, and I gently placed a bouquet of flowers on the grass. I traced my fingers over my parents‘ names engraved on the stone, feeling the coldness of the letters against my skin. It has been three years since they left me. Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “It’s me, Luke. I turned ten today.” My grandpa stood a few steps behind me, giving me some privacy to talk to my parents. But I knew he was listening, just like he always did. Knowing that I wasn’t alone comforted me. “I miss you both so much,” I continued, my voice trembling. “I wish you were here to celebrate with me, I wish you could see how much I’ve grown physically and emotionally. I wish you could be here to guide me and give me advice. But I know you’re watching over me, which strengthens me.” I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears. I could feel my grandpa’s presence behind me and knew he was smiling proudly. I turned to him and gave him a small smile before turning back to my parents‘ grave. “I want you to know that I will always remember you, Mom and Dad,” I said, my voice stronger this time. “You will forever be in my heart, and nothing can ever change that. I will make you proud, I promise.” I felt my grandpa’s hand on my shoulder again, and I knew it was time to go. I said my final goodbye to my parents and turned to leave, but not before giving the gravestone one last touch. “I love you, Mom and Dad,” I whispered before walking away with my grandpa. We both walked back to the car, and I felt a sense of peace and closure. I knew my parents were gone physically, but their love and memories will always be with me. I will continue to visit their grave every year to remind them that they will always hold a special place in my heart. Getting inside the car, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. The emotions from visiting my parents‘ grave overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t help but cry. 25A THROWBACK MORE BROKEN My grandpa noticed and immediately reached over to wipe away my tears. “Don’t cry, Luke,” he said softly. “Your parents wouldn’t want to see you sad on your birthday.” “But I miss them so much,” 1 sobbed. “I wish they were here.” “I know, kiddo,” my grandpa replied, his voice filled with understanding. “But they will always be with us in our hearts and memories. And they would want you to be happy today, on your special day.” I sniffled and tried to compose myself. My grandpa was right. My parents wouldn’t want me to be sad. They always wanted me to be happy and enjoy life. “I’m sorry, Grandpa,” I said, wiping my tears away. “I just wish they were here to celebrate with us. “I know, Luke,” my grandpa said, starting the car. “But they are here in spirit. And we will always carry them with us, no matter where we go.” We drove in silence for a few minutes, the only sound in the car being the soft hum of the radio. I could feel my grandpa’s presence next to me, and it gave me a sense of comfort. “Thank you, Grandpa,” I said, breaking the silence. “For always being here for me.” “It’s my pleasure, Luke,” he replied with a smile. “Your parents were my children, and you are my grandchild. And I will always be here for you, no matter what.” I smiled back at him and leaned my head against the window, watching the scenery pass by. I knew my parents were watching over me, and I promised to make them proud
