| Song is “Dante’s Prayer” by Loreena McKennitt. I get no profit from using it, just like the tune and lyrics. The dates at the end are approximate, judging from things I’ve read on various sites. Epitaph (2/2) The Funeral California Everyone had flown out to California for Sam’s burial. It wasn’t actually a burial. Sam had stated he would prefer to be cremated, his ashes thrown into the warm waters of the Pacific. He had loved to sail off the coast. A plaque with his epitaph (which Toby and Josh had chosen) would be placed in John Marshall Park. Sam’s mother cried as she read it, his father looked away and gave a sharp nod of his head. No one else would see it until it was unveiled. After the Secret Service gave them the go ahead, the President and his entourage silently filed onto the boat which would take them to Sam’s final resting place. All walked onto the front deck. Zoey kept a tight grip on Charlie’s hand. Leo held Mallory against his shoulder as she wept. CJ and Toby stood beside each other, eyes fixed upon the glistening water. Josh seemed as if he were in a trance, while Donna stood behind him, rubbing his shoulders. The First Lady was comforting Cathy as Ainsley stood nearby. The President, for once, was quiet as he stood with Sam’s bereaved parents. No one knew what to say, or how to act. The past few days had been rough on everyone. The press had been all over the story and some followed the motorcade out to the docks before being chased of by Secret Service. Everyone was glad: Sam deserved a quiet ceremony. After half and hour the boat stopped. Sam’s mother cleared her throat. “I want to thank you all for being here during this difficult time. My husband and I appreciate your support. Sam was proud to work with all of you. Thank you.” Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at the urn in her hands, then she willingly accepted her husband’s embrace. The loss of their son took precedence over any marital problems they suffered from. Toby saw Mr. Seaborn nod his head, then began to address the mourners. “Josh Lyman and I have been racking our brains this week to figure out what we could possibly say about Sam Seaborn. We argued, and we fought. What do we want to remember about Sam? It’s different for every one of us. Maybe it was the way he smiled.” Toby gave a quick glance toward Mallory. “Maybe it was his youthful energy.” He gave a slight nod towards Charlie and Zoey. “The way he joked around with you” He gave Donna a quick smile, “the way he made you angry,” he grinned at Leo, “the way he made you feel welcome,” he gestured at Ainsley. “Maybe it was how he was willing to help you out,” Toby fixated his gaze on CJ, “ or how he would do something little to let you know you were appreciated.” His eyes turned to Cathy. “Sam was the best friend,” Toby continued as he nodded at Josh, “best son,” as he motioned at Sam’s parents, “and best deputy.” He pulled a small rubber ball from his pocket, and squeezed it in his hand before continuing. “Most of all, Sam was always willing to serve at the pleasure of the President. He loved writing, and he loved to speak vicariously through the most powerful man in America.” Toby gave a pointed look at the President. “Sam didn’t regret a single thing he had done. Don’t regret not doing something or not saying something now. It’s pointless. Just don’t forget Sam Seaborn. Thank you.” Toby surveyed the people around him, and noticed most were crying. A small tear seemed to be trickling down his face. A finger gently wiped it away, and he found CJ beside him, giving his hand a squeeze. Sam’s mother walked back into the ship and returned with a portable CD player, which she set on the deck. Cathy pushed the play button. When the dark wood fell before me Mrs. Seaborn made her way to the front of the ship. And all the paths were overgrown She clutched the urn tightly against her chest, unwilling to let him go just yet. When the priests of pride say there is no other way Her husband gently touched her shoulder to let her know it was all right. I tilled the sorrows of stone And then gave her a hug to let her know she was not alone. I did not believe because I could not see Together the held the urn out over the water. Though you came to me in the night And whispered a prayer under their breath for their son. When the dawn seemed forever lost Slowly they tilted the urn sideways. You showed me your love in the light of the stars And watched as he reached his final resting place. Cast your eyes on the ocean Mrs. Seaborn thought about Sam when he was a child. Cast your soul to the sea Mr. Seaborn thought about all the e-mails he would never receive. When the dark night seems endless Then both of them began to sob Please remember me As the final realization hit: Sam would never come back. Then the mountain rose before me The President embraced his wife By the deep well of desire As she recited a prayer. From the fountain of forgiveness Ainsley silently asked for forgiveness for all the times she angered him Beyond the ice and fire While Cathy stood beside her in shock. Cast your eyes on the ocean Donna thought about the joke she never got to tell him. Cast your soul to the sea Charlie nodded his head in deep admiration. When the dark night seems endless Zoey clutched his hand and prayed. Please remember me Mallory recalled his smile and his voice as tears ran down her cheeks. Though we share this humble path, alone CJ clutched her necklace. How fragile is the heart Leo thought about all the inane trivia Sam knew that reminded him of the President. Oh give these clay feet wings to fly Josh thought about the conversations they had To touch the face of the stars Toby gave the rubber ball one final squeeze before he let it roll into the ocean. Breathe life into this feeble heart The boat began to move again Lift this mortal veil of fear Everyone silently looked at each other Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears And grasped hands. We’ll rise above these earthly cares Mrs. Seaborn said amen, and they let go. Cast your eyes on the ocean Everyone looked at the ocean Cast your soul to the sea As the boat docked. When the dark night seems endless They gathered their things Please remember me As they exited the boat. Please remember me And they thought about Sam. Two weeks later, they were the first people to see the plaque. Samuel Norman Seaborn 1968-2001 White House Deputy Communications Director 1998-2001 “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known.” -Charles Dickens The epitaph is from “A Tale of Two Cities” |