She wasn’t ready to let him go yet. Their son Alexander Kennard-Porter whom she’d given birth to was only four years old. He was so attached to his grandfather as was Angie that she couldn’t imagine her children’s life without him. But it wasn’t in her control. She had to accept God’s plan and be thankful for the blessings.

“I love you both.”

“We love you too Daddy.”

Melvin went back to his dream state. In his mind he saw himself sitting in front of Angie’s or was it Bette’s kindergarten class? It didn’t matter. He was in a happy place reading to them.

***

The Sunday that Melvin passed away was one of the happiest of his life. He was surrounded by Peggy, Kit, Angus, Adam, Bette, Tina, Angie, Alex, David and Danny. He was strong enough to get out of bed and take a bath.

He dressed in casual pants and a sweater. David cut his hair and shaved him while he caught up with all the goings on with his beloved family. Tina announced she was pregnant with their fourth child, counting the one she’d miscarried. They had been trying for a few months, and finally the insemination worked.

Everyone including Melvin were ecstatic at the news with Angie voicing her opinion that she wanted a baby sister. With her brother and all her cousins being boys, she thought it was only fair that her parents should have a girl. Tina told her that she would put in the order, but there was no guarantee.

The family had dinner together in the main dining room. When they got back to the room Shelly helped Melvin to get into favorite pajamas. The family stuck around for a bit but Melvin said he was tired, and wanted to go to sleep. They left after hugs and kisses and promises to return the next day.

Kit was the one to get the call in the middle of the night. Melvin had gone peaceably in his sleep.

***

The day before the funeral, Angie heard Kit and Bette arguing about which excerpt from one of Melvin’s favorite books would he prefer to be read at his send off. Bette wanted this one: