Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:42:14 -0500
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Lernier Family Chapter 27, GM Relationships

Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author,
Russ Nielsen (rnielsen47@gmail.com).  To read more of my stories, you can
find them at my story site - http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/

All the usual disclaimers apply. This is a work of pure fiction. Any
similarities to persons living or dead are coincidental. If it is illegal
to read this where you live, don't read it. If you are under legal age
where you live, don't read it.

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between adult
males. Passing through Nifty's main page to get here is your way of saying
it is legal for you to be reading it.

Please contribute to Nifty!

*** ***

Chapter Twenty Seven – Never Is A Long Time

We retrieved Kyle from the airport in Buffalo Saturday morning.  We waited
near the baggage carousel for Kyle.  I kept an eye on the twins who were
completely fascinated by the movement of the carousel.  "Don't go near the
carousel, boys," I warned.  I moved closer to them anticipating that they
wouldn't be able to contain their curiosity.  Despite my warning, they
continued to move closer.  I reached down and took each of them by the
hand, "Gentlemen, I believe that you two were asked to stay away from the
carousel."

JJ looked up at me, "But it's moving, Daddy."

"I know it's moving, son.  That is the very reason I want you stay away
from it.  I don't want you to get hurt," I explained.

I walked with them towards Rick.  Rick smiled and said, "Kyle is right
there."  He pointed down the hallway.

The twins looked where Rick was pointing and saw Kyle.  Josh asked, "May we
go to him?"

"Yes, you may," I responded and released the twins' hands from my grasp.

The two little boys ran towards Kyle who grinned and knelt down to grab
them both in his arms.  He picked them up and carried them over to us.  JJ
said, "We missed you, Kyle."  Each boy had wrapped his arms around Kyle's
neck as if he were a very prized possession they had just found.

"I missed you guys," Kyle said.  He kissed each boy on the cheek and then
set them down.  He hugged me and Rick.  "I'm glad to be with my family,
again."

David pointed toward the baggage carousel, "Is that your suitcase?"

"Yes, it is," Kyle responded.  He walked over and grabbed it off of the
carousel.

"If we're ready, let's go," Rick said.

Kyle smiled, "I'm ready."

We left the airport terminal and found our car in the parking terrace.  The
children talked excitedly among themselves.  It didn't take us long to
cover the 40 km. (25 miles) from Buffalo to St. Catharines.

We pulled into the driveway and piled out of the mini-van.  David carried
Kyle's suitcase upstairs to Kyle's room while the rest of us went into the
family room.  When David returned, Kyle said, "Thank you for taking my
suitcase up to my room."

David responded, "No problem."

I had taken a seat at the desk in the corner of the room to finish typing
up my notes for Justin's memorial service.  Kyle looked over my shoulder
and asked, "What are you writing, Daddy?"

"I'm writing a eulogy for Justin's memorial service," I said.

"May I see what you've written?" Kyle asked.

"Sure," I replied and exchanged places with Kyle.  Kyle read:

"I met Justin for the first time a during my sophomore year at the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.  I went to a concert put on by the
Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus.  After the performance, I went up to the
stage to speak to some of choir members and that is when Justin introduced
himself.  I remember that he made a pass at me but I told him I already had
a boyfriend.  At that time, I had no idea that we would meet him, again,
under very different circumstances.

A few weeks later, we saw Justin at a club.  He joined us and as we talked.
He told us his life story.  I remember how shocked I was when he handed us
a suicide note he had written.  From that moment on, Justin became a big
part of our lives.  Justin was totally overwhelmed when we told him we were
buying a house so that he could live with us.  We moved in together and we
watched over him and stayed with him.  I went to therapy sessions with
Justin so I could overcome my own demons while he struggled with his.

We stayed up late on many a night talking about everything under the sun
(or moon or stars).  Justin shared memories of his childhood.  He told me
of his parents taking him to visit family in Quebec and that they would
speak French when they didn't want the boys to know what they were saying.
He also said he knew he was in major trouble if his mother started speaking
to him in French.  He never really learned to speak French but did
understand enough to know what his parents said.

During the summers of his high school years, he rode with his Dad who was a
truck driver.  He drove a route from their hometown in Wisconsin to the
Quebec border and back every week.  He was amazed that everywhere his Dad
stopped to take a break from driving the people always gave his Dad food -
pastries, cookies, bread, etc.  He used to tease his Dad about eating too
much which just made his Dad laugh.  The people everywhere knew his Dad by
name and would greet him with a warm smile and a firm handshake.  His Dad
always introduced him as his driver-in-training.  Justin loved those
summers on the road with his Dad.

Justin loved playing football and was a member of his high school football
team.  He was homecoming king his senior year.  Of course, he went to the
homecoming dance that year with the homecoming queen.  How little did she
know that Justin had a crush on her older brother!

After his first year at college, he was completely heartbroken when his
parents disowned him for being gay.  His father told him he was no son of
his if he was gay.  Justin returned to school determined to make it on his
own.  To make ends meet, he worked as a security guard at a local bank.  He
would go to the bank at closing time and help dump all the garbage and do
some general cleaning and they would lock him inside the bank for the
night.  He told me he didn't mind that job but it wasn't one he really
enjoyed.  Besides, he said they gave him a gun but no bullets!  He said the
best part of working there was that he was able to get his studying done
for college and get paid for it at the same time!

It was while he was working at the bank that Justin entered into a
relationship that would prove to be one of his biggest challenges.  He met
a man who used and abused him mentally, emotionally and physically.  That
man eventually tried to kill him and nearly succeeded.  Justin's wounds
from that ordeal went deep, so deep that none of us could even fathom it.
It was during his recovery from this relationship that we met Justin.

That night at the club, after he had told us about his past, he handed us a
suicide note he had written and asked us for our help.  We told him we had
decided to adopt him into our family.  At first, Justin didn't believe we
really thought of him as part of our family.  It took him a while for him
to realize that we were for real and that he was, indeed, part of our
family.  I like to think of us as a band of brothers – Mark, Brandon,
Zach, Todd, Robbie, Adam, Justin, Brian, Ben, Rick and myself.

We did everything we could to help Justin but nothing we did seemed to
bring him completely out of his depression.  However, it wasn't long before
our youngest brothers decided to take matters into their own hands when it
came to Justin.  Robbie and Adam double teamed Justin!  They drew a circle
of love around him that Justin couldn't escape.  Justin learned to love
them and to trust them.  As time went on, we all grew to love Justin as our
older brother.  I know I speak for all of us when I say that he took us
under his wing to guide and to teach us how to be successful at life:
school, relationships, jobs, business ventures, etc.  He would often tell
us that if we sounded like we knew what we were talking about that nobody
would challenge us.  He encouraged us to do our research and gather all the
information we could about whatever activity we were undertaking.  He
insisted that we present ourselves with confidence.  He counseled with us
and often chided us when we did something stupid.

As our band of brothers can attest, Justin would nail us with the sharpness
of his tongue when we didn't live up to his expectations.  He didn't do it
out of malice but always with the aim of making things better.  He set high
standards and expected everyone around him to do the same.

When he got frustrated, two of his favorite sayings were, "There are too
many people around here who think that work is a four letter word.  If it
begins with "w" and ends with "k," they don't want anything to do with it.
The same thing applies if it begins with "t" and ends with "k."  They don't
want to work or think."

Justin had many nicknames for the people he interacted with at home or at
work; some weren't very flattering but were very apropos.  Some of those
nick names were: Tall Girl, Cowboy, Soldier Boy, Bird Brain, Wonder Boy,
Captain Underpants, etc.  But more than anything, Justin was always there
for us.  All of us were beneficiaries of his friendship.  When we were
feeling down, he would always call.  Justin somehow knew that we needed to
talk.  It was almost uncanny how he knew things.  He worried about his
friends and their future.  He often gave counsel and provided a moment of
comic relief to help cheer us up.  He even offered to drive to Philadelphia
to give a friend the wheelchair he had in his garage.  Justin flew to New
York City to help a friend go through his parents' things when they passed
away.  He made a point of keeping in touch with his friends.  He often
would tell me of his conversations with each of us and kept me up to date.
Justin was the glue that held us together.

I am going to miss Justin because he wasn't afraid to tell me when I was
out of line.  I'm going to miss his friendly smile and his off color jokes.
But most of all, I'm going to miss being able to pick up the phone and hear
his voice.  I'm going to miss being able to tell him confidences and get
his counsel."

Kyle finished reading what I had written and asked, "May I add my thoughts
to what you have written?"

"Sure," I responded.

"I think you should let all of us add our memories of Justin along with our
thoughts and feelings to what you have already written, Glenn," Rick said.
"I'm glad that you volunteered to speak at Justin's memorial service
because I don't think any of the rest of us would have been able to do it."

I nodded my head, "I know that Robbie and Adam are in no shape to be able
to speak at Justin's memorial service."

Robbie nodded his head, "You're right, Glenn.  I'm an emotional wreck right
now."

Adam said, "There is no way we could've put together the memorial service.
Just the thought of it makes me shudder."

"I'm glad you and Robbie are willing to let me take care of the
arrangement.  I wanted Reverend Riegger to conduct the service but he is in
ill health.  His replacement, Reverend Sonnefeld, has impressed my Mom and
Dad," I said.

"They attend his services every Sunday," Rick said.  "We go to church with
them when we're home."  I gave Rick an intense stare to make sure I heard
him correctly.  It was the first time I have ever heard Rick refer to
St. Catharines as home.  Rick returned my gaze and asked, "What?"

I decided not to make a big deal of it so I responded, "I was just thinking
how good it is to be home."

Rick nodded his head, "It sure is."  He reached over and took my hand,
"Yes, this is home, Glenn."  He leaned over and kissed me.

Adam laughed, "Robbie, I think we just witnessed a milestone in Rick and
Glenn's marriage!"

"We sure did," Robbie smiled.  "Welcome home, guys!"

I smiled and looked at my husband, "I love you."

"I know," Rick said.  "It's hard not to call this home since Mom and Dad
live here as well as Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary.  Uncle Carl and Aunt Hannah
live down the street."

Robbie said, "Not only that, all the guys are living in Toronto now except
the four of you."

"Even Greg and Cory have moved to Toronto.  We helped them move in a couple
of months ago.  They found a place in our neighborhood," Adam said.

I looked at Rick and said, "We will continue to spend our summers here for
the next few years until Rick is ready to make this our primary residence
instead of the house in Virginia."

Rick nodded his head and said, "I want to stay close enough to my sister
just in case she has a change of heart.  I haven't given up on her, yet."

"Well, she hasn't been exactly welcoming," I said trying not to show my
frustration with Rick's insistence on contacting her despite her lack of
interest in us or our family.

"No, she hasn't," Rick agreed.  "At least she still answers my phone
calls."

"Barely," I responded, trying not to sound sarcastic.  I walked over and
sat down next to Rick who put his arm around my shoulder.  I leaned against
him and relaxed.

Zach said, "Don't give up hope, Rick.  Julie may change her mind at some
point in the future."

"When I call her, she brings me up to date on what has been happening with
the rest of our family," Rick said.  "However, we only talk to each other
once or twice a year."

Our doorbell rang and Kyle went to answer the door.  He returned with Mom
and Dad.  I got up and hugged them both.  Mom said, "I am so glad to see
you, son.  I'm sorry that it has to be on such a sad occasion."

I didn't get a chance to reply because the twins had spotted them and came
running over.  JJ exclaimed excitedly, "Grandma and Grandpa!"

Dad leaned down and hugged them both.  Then Mom took the twins by the hand
and led them over to the couch where she sat down.  "Let me see how much
you have grown."

Josh and JJ stood tall in front of her.  Josh said, "We get bigger every
night while we are sleeping, Grandma."

Mom nodded her head in agreement, "You sure do, Josh."

JJ said, "Daddy says we will soon be as tall as Dad."

Mom smiled and said, "I'm sure you will grow up to be just as tall as your
Dad."

"We are going to be four soon," JJ announced.  "And our cousins will be
five."  JJ pointed to the triplets.

Mom said, "How are the triplets doing?"  She looked over at Robbie and
Adam.

Robbie said, "They are doing well.  It's me and Adam that aren't doing so
well at the moment."

"We're sorry for your loss," Dad said as he joined Mom on the sofa.

Adam acknowledged Dad's condolences and said, "We are doing okay now.  Our
parents came over to the hotel to be with us for a few hours after it
happened.  Mom and I went over to the house to get a few things before we
left to come here.  We are going over to my parents place for dinner before
the game tonight."

Zach said, "I have to leave in a little bit so I can get ready for the
game.  I managed to get tickets for everyone.  I thought it would help take
our minds off of what has happened."

Dad said, "That's a good idea, Zach.  I love watching you play hockey.  I
also enjoy being able to brag about you to all of my friends.

Mom laughed, "He's not exaggerating!  He brags about you to anyone who will
listen!"

"We told your Mom and Dad that since we adopted you into our family that
they had to share the bragging rights with us," Dad said with a smile.

Zach laughed, "Mom did tell me that we were very fortunate to have three
sets of parents instead of the usual two sets for a married couple."

"Actually, we have five sets of parents because there's Uncle Dave and Aunt
Mary and Uncle Carl and Aunt Hannah," Robbie said.

Mom said, "That is true, Robbie.  It has been really wonderful to have so
many of you living close to us."  Mom looked over at Ashley and David, "My,
you have both grown up so much since you were here.  How are you doing in
school?"

Ashley came over and hugged her and said, "I'm doing well.  I love my art
class.  I brought some of my sketches to show you and Grandpa."

Mom smiled, "Why don't you bring them to me?  I would love to see them."

Ashley left the room to retrieve her sketchbook.  David said, "I'm doing
alright.  Dad is a mentor for the robotics team and is taking me with him
so I can see what they are doing.  I can't participate officially until
next year though."

Dad said, "That sounds really interesting.  What do you like the most about
it?"

"I like using the computer programs to make three-dimensional drawings,"
David said.  "I want to take a Java programming class so I can learn to
program the robots the robotics team is building."

Ashley reappeared with her drawings.  JJ asked, "May we see them, too?"

"Yes, if you will let me sit next to Grandma.  You and Josh can see them,
too."  JJ moved over and Ashley sat in between him and Mom.  She opened the
sketchbook.  She held it so that the twins could see what she had drawn.

Josh exclaimed, "That's me and that's JJ!"  He pointed to the two drawings
on the page.

"Yes, I drew you in the back of the car yesterday," Ashley said.

"Why does JJ have his eyes closed?" Josh asked.

"Because he was asleep," she responded.

"These are very well done, Ashley," Mom commented.

"My best drawings are of dragons and unicorns," Ashley said, turning the
page.

"They are very well done," Mom said with approval.

Rick asked, "Do we get to see them as well?"

Ashley laughed, "Yes, Dad, you get to see them.  You have been so busy I
haven't had a chance to show them to you."

Rick laughed and looked at me, "Remind me never to get into an argument
with Ashley."

"Well, it's true, Dad," she said.

Mom patted her on the shoulder, "You tell him, Ashley.  I'm glad to see
that you know how to stand up for yourself."

"I have to with all of these boys around," Ashley said smiling.

Mom nodded, "I know the feeling."

Ashley said, "I have drawn a couple of landscapes and a still life.  We
have to show that we know how to shade different shapes to give our
drawings dimension.  My favorite is this one."  She showed Mom a drawing of
a dragon sitting on top of a hill.  She then showed Mom a number of
additional drawings.  The last one was a drawing of a parrot that was
partially colored in with colored pencil.

Mom said, "This looks like Uncle Justin's parrot."

"It is, Grandma," Ashley said.  "Since the parrot can't be at the memorial
service, I decided to draw him and put his picture with the other pictures
we are putting together.  I am making a poster with photos of Uncle Justin
for display at the church."

"But we have photographs of the parrot you can use," Robbie said.

"Yes, but I wanted to draw something for Uncle Justin.  I plan to sketch in
Uncle Justin's face in the parrot's feathers.  See I have already started,"
she pointed out Justin's face.

Mom said, "Show your uncles what you are doing, Ashley."

Ashley stood up and showed her work to us and to her uncles.  Robbie's eyes
were bright with unshed tears as he said, "Thank you, Ashley.  I know that
Uncle Justin would've loved to have it framed and hung in his bedroom."

"Dad, Can we get it framed before the memorial service?" Ashley asked.

"Yes, if we get the frame today," Rick responded.  "Will you have it
finished soon?"

"I am almost done now.  I think I can finish it in about an hour or so,"
Ashley said.

JJ asked, "May we help you?"

Ashley smiled, "You may help me draw more pictures while I finish this one.
Is that okay with you?"

JJ clapped his hands in excitement, "Yes!"

Ashley asked, "Josh, do you want to make some drawings as well?"

Josh shook his head, "No, I want to color."

Ashley replied, "Okay, you can color while JJ makes the drawings."

Josh smiled, "Okay."

Ashley, "Let's go, boys.  We have work to do."

The twins jumped down from the couch and followed Ashley into the kitchen
where she gave each boy some drawing paper.  She gave crayons to Josh and a
pencil to JJ.  Each boy was happily engaged in their task as Ashley sat
next to them to complete her sketch.

Meanwhile, Kyle had finished adding his memories of Justin to my document.
He got up and walked over to Mom and Dad and gave them a hug.  "Do you want
to add something to Daddy's memory paper?"

Mom looked at me in puzzlement so I explained what we were doing.  She
said, "I'm not very good at computers, Kyle, but if you will type it in, I
will tell you my memories of Justin."

Kyle responded with a smile, "Sure, Grandma.  Grandpa, do you want me to do
the same for you?"

Dad smiled, "Sure, Kyle."  He brought the laptop over and sat down next to
Mom as she dictated to him.

*** ***

After lunch, we took Ashley to get her drawing framed.  We also stopped in
to see Uncle Carl and Aunt Hannah.  We called the guys and invited everyone
over for a family reunion at our house with Uncle Dave, Aunt Mary, Ben and
Janice joining Uncle Carl and Aunt Hannah, the Andersons, the Ingrams,
Mark, Brandon, Greg, and Cory.

The smaller children were watching a DVD in the recreation room while the
adults were in the family room relaxing and talking.  Kyle walked into the
family room with David and Ashley.  He walked over to us and asked, "May we
join the adults in here?"

Rick smiled and replied, "Sure; however, I would like one of you to stay
with the little ones just to make sure nothing happens.  You can rotate
between the three of you."

Kyle nodded, "Okay, who wants to take the first rotation?"

Ashley volunteered, "I'll go first.  Set the timer for 20 minutes then we
can switch.  David will be next and then you, Kyle."

Kyle nodded his head, "Okay.  David, are you alright with that?"

"Yeah," David said and collapsed into a beanbag chair next to the couch.
Kyle took a seat next to Rick.

Ben asked, "Is the rest of our gang coming for the memorial service?"

"Do you mean Jimmy, Donica, Patty and Irene?" I asked.

"Yes," Ben said.  "Patty and Irene will want to be here for sure."

"I have called them all," I said.  "Most will make it but Patty wasn't sure
she could be here."

"Has anyone contacted Justin's family?" Janice asked.

"I don't think so," I responded.  "I know that I haven't and I'm pretty
sure that Robbie and Adam haven't."

"Shouldn't we let them know," Janice asked.

"Why?" I asked with more than a little bitterness.  "They didn't care about
him while he was living; why would they care about him now that he's dead?"

Janice said, "I know how you feel about them, Glenn, but I would certainly
want to know if one of my children died even if we weren't on speaking
terms."

Rick could see that I was getting upset and spoke up before I could
respond, "Let's call them after the memorial service is over and Justin has
been laid to rest."

I looked at Rick and nodded, "Okay, we can call them on Tuesday."

Janice smiled, "Thank you, Glenn.  I know how Justin felt about his family
and believe me I wouldn't try to contact them if Justin were still living.
However, since he has passed on, maybe it's time that his family begin to
face the fact that their opportunity to reconcile themselves with their son
is gone forever."

"It won't matter to them," I said.

"How do you know?" Janice countered.  "Have you talked to them?  Did Justin
try to reach out to them?"

"No and no," I said.

"Then give them a chance," Janice pleaded with me.

"I suppose you think we should call Brian as well?" I asked sarcastically.

"Yes, I do," Janice replied, ignoring my sarcasm.  "Everyone who ever loved
Justin should have a chance to say their "good byes" even if they can't be
at the memorial service.  When someone dies, their loved ones need to be
able to grieve for them – even those who believe they have disowned
Justin.  They are still connected to him because at one point in their
lives he was as beloved to them as you are to Rick.  You need to learn to
open your heart and let the love you have for Rick flow into the lives of
those around you Glenn, including those who have hurt you or have hurt
those you love.  I know that it's difficult and that you don't want to do
it.  I understand that part but the kindness you show others will come back
to you a hundredfold if you let it."

Rick nodded his head, "That is why I keep reaching out to my sister, Glenn.
As long as I keep the communication channels open, I can keep my hope alive
that someday my family will accept me and my family."

I looked from Janice to Rick and back to Janice, "It's not fair!"

"What's not fair?" Janice asked in surprise.

"It's not fair when you two gang up on me!" I protested.

Janice laughed, "Oh, Glenn, we aren't ganging up on you.  We are just
trying to help you become the best that you can be."

"Now you sound like my mother," I retorted.

"Janice is right, son," Mom said.

"Mom...not you, too," I whined.

Dad looked at me and chimed in, "Just admit they're right, Glenn.  It's
easier that way.  I promise."

"Oh, alright, I'll call Brian," I said with a heavy sigh of resignation.
Rick squeezed my hand to let me know it was okay.

I looked across the room at Robbie and asked, "Do you have Brian's phone
number?"

Robbie said, "I have it.  Justin gave it to me a couple of months ago.  Now
that I think about it, Justin must have been planning this for a long time.
I remember thinking that some of his behaviors were kind of odd but I never
connected it to his suicide plan until now."

Adam agreed, "In retrospect, there were many things that pointed to what he
had in mind.  I guess that is what bothers us the most is that we
completely missed the boat.  You would think that we would have been clued
into what to look for after all the counseling sessions we had with Justin
and his therapist.  We even did some volunteer work for the local suicide
hotline so we would know what to do if Justin ever contemplated suicide."

"I think we saw what he wanted us to see, Adam," Robbie said.  "We wanted
Justin to be getting better.  We wanted him to become a fully functioning
member of our relationship.  Justin knew this and put on a happy face to
keep us thinking he was okay.  I just can't believe we didn't see through
his façade to discover what was really happening to him."

Mom said, "Adam and Robbie, I want you both to stop this line of thinking
right now!  It's leading to a place that is not healthy for you or your
family!"

Aunt Mary said, "You are right about that, Eva.  Boys, you need to stop
blaming yourselves for what happened to Justin.  If you don't stop, you
will end up in the same spot as he did.  You can't afford to do that with
the three little boys who are dependent on you."

"But how do we deal with the pain, Aunt Mary?  How do we get past the sense
of loss?  How do we learn to move past this?" Robbie said, trying hard to
maintain control of his emotions but just barely.

"I don't have all the answers, Robbie, but going where you were headed is
not it.  It's going to take a lot of love and compassion by those around
you, Robbie.  You and Adam have a very extensive support network to help
you through this difficult time.  Think about it.  You have your parents
and Adam's who live close to you.  You also have all of us in this room
plus all of the families and friends of what Glenn has christened your
"Band of Brothers."  I think you have a whole host of family and friends
who love you and want the best for you," Aunt Mary said.

Adam spoke the thought that was in my mind when he said, "But it wasn't
enough to save Justin."

Aunt Mary agreed, "You are right that it wasn't enough to save Justin;
however, neither of you went through the brutal physical attack and near
death experience Justin did.  Remember how badly he was beaten by his first
boyfriend?"

She paused before she continued, "The two of you have had a loving
supportive family who has stood by you from the moment you came out.  You
both have older brothers who have taken you under their wing to guide and
protect you since you were both in high school not to mention the rest of
your band of brothers who love you and have surrounded you all of these
years.  Brothers like Mark, Brandon, Glenn, Rick, Ben, Jimmy, Greg, and
Cory."

"Don't forget the girls!" Janice interjected.  "There's me, Donica, Patty
and Irene.  We have been there for you two since the day we met you guys."

Robbie's tears had ceased as he listened to Aunt Mary and Janice enumerate
all of people who loved him and Adam.  He looked around the room at his
parents, Adam's parents and the rest of us.  Then he looked at his husband
and said, "Adam, they have a point."

"I guess we need to remember to count our blessings instead of dwelling on
things we can't change," Adam said.

Mark smiled and said, "I think you are starting to get the picture."

Greg spoke up, "A big part of how Cory and I recovered from what happened
to us was getting away from the place where we were attacked by my Dad.
Cory and I talked it over last night and we want you to move in with us.
We have a big enough house for you and the children.  That way you could
build a new house or buy a different one."

Robbie looked at Adam, "I hadn't even thought about having to go back home
to the room where Justin killed himself.  I don't think I could handle
being there anymore."

Adam looked at Greg and said, "We will talk it over and let you know."

We continued to talk and catch up on all the happenings between all of the
different families.  Dinner was an all-out banquet with lots of great food.
Aunt Hannah brought her pecan pies, Mark made his signature lasagna, Janice
brought her broccoli salad, and I made fresh bread and rolls.  Everyone
commented on how good the food tasted.  After dinner, we headed over to
Toronto to see Zach play.  We had a great time and forgot about the reason
that had brought us together.  We earned scowls of disapproval and outright
hostility when we cheered for Zach when he scored a goal against the Maple
Leafs.  After the game, we caravanned back to St. Catharines.

Ben and Janice stayed with his parents.  The Andersons and Ingrams stayed
with Uncle Carl and Aunt Hannah, leaving Mark and Brandon to stay with us.
We pulled into the driveway followed by Zach and Todd and Mark and Brandon.
Before we got out of the car, I turned around and asked, "Kyle, will you
help set up the air mattresses and sleeping bags in the recreation room."

Kyle replied, "Sure, Daddy.  David, come and help me."

Ashley said, "I'll help you guys get things set up."

The three teens made their way to the recreation room while Rick and I
brought in the sleeping twins.  We sat them on the couch where they
continued to sleep.  I walked into the recreation room to see what else
needed to be done.

Kyle said "We have the air mattresses inflated, Daddy.  David and I will
sleep down here with the little kids.  That way if they wake up and need to
go to the bathroom, we can help them find their way.  I put up the new
night lights you got yesterday so no one will fall over the furniture."

"Thanks, Kyle," I said.  "I appreciate your help.  Ashley, will you bring
the twins' pajamas so we can get them ready for bed?"

"Yes, Daddy," she replied and disappeared upstairs.

Kyle went with me to retrieve the twins and we brought them back to the
recreation room.  Ashley brought their pajamas.  We got them into their
pajamas and tucked them into bed.  Mark carried his 6 year-old daughter,
Giselle, inside and tucked her into a sleeping bag.  Mark said, "I'm glad
we had Giselle change into her pajamas before we left Toronto."

Brandon agreed, "Giselle was so excited to see Zach play she wore herself
out cheering for him."

Mark stood up and gave Brandon a hug, "She is just like her father."

Brandon smiled, "Yes, she is."

Rick joined us and said, "Let's go into the family room and relax for a
bit.  I am still wound up from the hockey game."

We walked into the family and collapsed on the couches.  A few minutes
later the rest of the guys arrived.  Robbie poked his head into the family
room and asked, "Is everything ready for the children to sleep in the
recreation room?"

"Yes, everything is all set up.  You can take the triplets in and put them
directly to bed," I replied.

Robbie said, "Thanks, Glenn."

We heard the guys take their sleeping children into the recreation room.

Brandon stretched out on the couch with his head in Mark's lap and said,
"I'm glad you have made arrangements for everyone to have a place to sleep
tonight.  I was a little worried that I would have to sleep on the couch
tonight when you told me who all was coming over tonight."

I laughed, "It's a good thing that Aunt Hannah has really hit it off with
the Andersons and Ingrams.  They often take turns hosting the others for
games nights and they have stayed overnight at each other's homes quite
often from what Aunt Hannah tells me."

Mark confirmed that it was so, "They have tried to get us to join them for
their game nights but I would rather go out to the night clubs.  I like
going dancing with my handsome husband.

He grinned and said, "We still have the magic touch.  When we go out on the
floor, they always clear a space for us and watch with envy at such
well-endowed guys dancing together."

Mark nodded his head, "We do cut a fine image when we go out."

"It's too bad we have to get back to Virginia so soon," I lamented.  "I
would love to go out dancing before we go home."  I looked hopefully at my
husband.

Rick laughed, "No, Glenn, we can't stay longer!  We have to get back.  The
kids have school and I have a job that requires me to be in the office once
in a while!  I pretended to pout until Rick said, "You look so cute when
you stick out your lip like that!  Now I know where the kids get it!"  He
kissed me and then started to tickle me!

He had me laughing so hard my sides hurt, "Rick!  Stop!"

"Only if you promise not keep mooning about staying here longer," Rick said
grinning.

"I wasn't mooning about it but I could," I said with an evil grin.

Mark laughed, "Don't encourage him, Rick.  You know he'll do it!"

Rick grinned, "I know he will; however, I will save you all from getting an
eye full by requesting a private audience."

I laughed, "I require advanced notice and payment in full at the time of
service."

Brandon said, "It's good to know you haven't changed one bit, Glenn.  You
were always such a tease!"

The rest of the guys joined us as I looked over at Brandon and said, "Now
don't get us started about who was the biggest tease in college, Brandon.
I think you had me beat by a long shot!"

 Zach said, "He has you there, Brandon.  I remember how you tried seducing
Glenn."

Brandon laughed, "I very nearly succeeded but for Glenn's faithfulness to
Rick; however, Glenn pointed me in Mark's direction and I was lost from the
moment Mark and I became lovers."

Mark smiled, "That's right, Brandon, because you were meant to be my
husband."

Zach said, "I'm all tuckered out so I am going to bed.  Good night!"

Zach took Todd by the hand and led him out of the room.  The rest of the
guys agreed that it was late and we parted company for the evening.

*** ***

Instead of going to sleep, Robbie and Adam stayed up talking.  Robbie said,
"I found Justin's IPOD in the car tonight.  Adam looked over at Robbie
bracing himself for an emotional outburst.  Seeing Adam's look, Robbie
said, "I'm okay, Adam, really I am."

Adam said, "Okay.  You had me worried there for a moment."

Robbie said, "I was trolling though Justin's playlists on the way back from
the game tonight and found a song that really fits how I feel right now.  I
want you to listen to it with me Adam."

Robbie plugged in his earphones and sat down on the bed.  Adam joined him
and took one of the ear pieces and placed it in his ear.  The song, "Never
Is A Long Time," started to play and soon tears were rolling down both of
their cheeks.  Adam put his arm around Robbie's waist and said, "That's
exactly how I feel, Robbie.  I remember Justin played that song along with
many others from that band."

*** ***

The next day they attended church services and spent the day getting ready
for the memorial service the following day.  Monday dawned with a bright
blue sky.  After a good breakfast, the guys and their children drove over
to the church for the memorial service.  Reverend Sonnefeld welcomed them
at the door and escorted them to seats near the front of the sanctuary.
They sang a hymn and then a prayer was said.  Then Reverend Sonnefeld got
up to address the gathering.

He began, "We are all gathered here together to honor the memory of Justin
Cardin.  We will first hear from one of Justin's good friends, Glenn
Lernier.  Following him we will hear a special musical number."

He sat down and I made my way to the pulpit.  I said, "Good morning,
everyone.  Before I get started, I want to thank everyone who is here
today.  It is a testament to me of the huge impact Justin had on all of our
lives that you would take time out of your busy lives to honor him today."

I ran through the many thoughts and memories that Kyle had collected over
the last few days.  Together, Kyle and I rewrote them into a cohesive
discourse.  As I narrated Justin's life story, we laughed and we cried
together as we remembered our dearest friend.  When I finished, there
wasn't a single dry eye in the church.

Then our band of brothers came up to the front of the sanctuary and we
sang, "Amazing Grace," accompanied by Kyle and David on their violin and
viola.  The song had been one of Justin's favorites and one that he sang
often.

To close out the service, Reverend Sonnefeld delivered a few words.  "Today
we have paid tribute to a wonderful man.  One who knew many sorrows, yet,
knew how to bring joy to those around him.  We have heard how he influenced
so many of you for good.  I am here today to tell you that Justin has been
gathered into the arms of his God where his sorrows have been lifted from
his soul.  The things that tormented him are now gone and he is left only
with the good things that happened to him.  Justin has returned to his
Maker and now waits for us to join him when it is time for us to depart
this earth."

"Through Justin, God showed His love for His children, who you are.  Justin
was indeed a son of God and has returned to that happy place where he came
from to be with us on earth.  We, who have been left behind, will carry our
memories of Justin with us.  We must learn to enrich the lives of those
around us and to always live up to the high standard Justin set for us in
giving of his time and talents to those around him.  Rather than
remembering his suffering, for he did indeed suffer great pain, you should
remember the joy and the happiness he brought to your lives."

"While we miss our brother, Justin, we must move forward to build up our
families and ourselves; to honor his memory by bringing joy into our lives.
Let us rededicate ourselves to living up to our potential as children of
God.  Let us love one another and treat each other with kindness and
respect.  Let us show our love by being tolerant of each other's weaknesses
and reaching out a helping hand to our neighbor.  Honor Justin's memory by
doing good and bringing joy into this world that needs it so badly.  Let us
praise God!"

Reverend Sonnefeld finished his sermon and then led us in a hymn and a
prayer.  We gathered in the church foyer to speak with Reverend Sonnefeld
before we returned home.  We had everyone over for lunch and spent the
entire afternoon with family and friends.  When everyone had left for their
homes, Zach, Todd, Rick and I sat down around the kitchen table with Robbie
and Adam.

"What are your plans, guys?" Zach asked.

Robbie said, "We have decided to stay here until we can build us a new
home.  I can't move back into our house after what has happened."

"Thank you for offering us the use of your home," Adam said to me and Rick.

Rick replied, "I'm glad you accepted our offer, Adam.  It just made more
sense to have you take care of our home instead of moving in with Greg and
Cory.  I'm sure you would have had a great time but I think you need some
time to heal without dealing with another couple."

Robbie nodded his head, "I need to get my head on straight before I can
live with someone else.  Adam and I have scheduled some therapy sessions to
help us through the grieving process.  Aunt Hannah has agreed to watch the
triplets so we can spend the necessary time to work on us."

Adam said, "Aunt Hannah practically demanded that we leave the triplets
with her every Friday night so we can go on date nights!"

"That sounds like Aunt Hannah," I said laughing.

"Our parents have also made it clear that they intend to exercise their
rights as grandparents and claim a weekend or two of the triplets' time,"
Robbie said smiling.

"It sounds like you have plenty of love and support," Todd said.

"Yes, we do," Robbie said.  "I'm still sad about what happened and I really
miss Justin but I think we are going to make it."  He looked over at Adam
who smiled and took Robbie's hand in his own.

We talked for a while about our plans for the future before we were
reminded that the children were hungry, again!  We spent the next a couple
of days helping Adam and Robbie move their stuff into storage and getting
their home ready to sell.  We headed back to Virginia on Wednesday.  Kyle
was getting anxious about missing his football game!  We got in late and
immediately sent everyone to bed.  We climbed into our own bed totally
exhausted.  Rick wrapped his arms around me and kissed me.  "I love you,
Glenn."

"I love you, too," I replied and rested my head on his chest.  "Thank you
for being such a rock for me this week, Rick."

"It's what we do for our loved ones," Rick responded.  "I know how close
you were to Justin and I am glad we were there for Robbie and Adam as
well."

I hugged my man as he smoothed my hair and gently rubbed my back.  His
touch was so full of love.  I snuggle closer to him so that my body was
molded around his.  It wasn't long before we both drifted into a deep
slumber.

*** ***

Author's Note:

Roxette: Never Is a Long Time - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPblBARyRyw

Lyrics - http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/roxette/neverisalongtime.html