A large crowd has gathered at a cemetery in the Tuscany Valley on a hot summer day for the graveside service of Pilar Ortega Cumson.  Seated on the front row of chairs in front of Pilar's flower draped casket are Lance, Eric, Gabby, Lance and Pilar's oldest daughter Lisa, Pilar's two brothers, Tommy and Gabriel Ortega.  Behind them stands Julia and Emma Channing, Richard, Michael, Angie, and Angela.  

 

"We have gathered here to praise God and to witness to our faith as we celebrate the life of Pilar Ortega Cumson,"  the Priest begins.  "Beloved wife of Lance. Beloved mother of Lisa, Eric, and Gabrielle.  We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss of one so loved.  May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort, in sorrow hope, in death resurrection."

 

 

As the numerous assembled family members and many friends look on, the minister continues with a prayer:  "O God, who gave us birth, you are ever more ready to hear than we are to pray.  You know our needs before we ask, and  our ignorance in asking.  Give to us now your grace, that as we shrink before the mystery of death, we may see the light of eternity.  Help us to live as those who are prepared to die.  And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that living or dying, our life may be in you. In the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.  AMEN."

And now would you all join in saying the Twenty-third Psalm."

 

As the minister begins reciting the verses, the entire assembly joins in:  "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul.  He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of  the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.  For thou art with me.  Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil.  My cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  Amen."

 

"May God go with each and every one of you, and give you peace and comfort," the Minister says.  "And this concludes our service."

 

A few minutes later, as Lance, Lisa, Eric, and Gabby stand with Pilar's two brothers, various mourners file past and offer their condolences to the grieving family. Richard, Michael, and Angie walk up to the Cumsons.

 

"Lance, my condolences," Richard says.

 

"Thank you, Richard,"  says Lance.

 

 

Michael walks up to Lance and gives his cousin a hug.  "Lance, I..... I can't tell you how sorry I am, man.  Pilar was a wonderful woman.  I still remember how  good she was to me and Kevin after our Mom died."

 

"Thank you, Michael, I appreciate that.  Pilar loved you boys."

 

Looking past Lance, Michael sees Jeremy Lord standing with Vicky, Cole, Joseph, and Alex a short distance away.  "Lance, I'll see you back at the house,"  Michael says, then walks over to Jeremy.  "You have an awful lot of nerve showing up here today after what you've done,"  Michael says.

 

"And, umm, just what is it that I'm supposed to have done?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"You were all set to toss Lance and his family out of their home and take Falcon Crest away from them,"  Michael says.  "Now that all this is over, I'm sure you can't wait to do just that."

 

"Michael, now isn't the time,"  says Vicky.

 

"You really do have me painted as a black hearted bastard, don't you, Michael?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"If the shoe fits."

 

 

 

 

 

"Contrary to what you might like to think, Michael, I am not a completely heartless ogre,"  Jeremy says.  "I have no intention of tossing the Cumsons out of Falcon Crest at this time.  After all, Lance is my nephew.  Family."

 

"Since when does family mean anything you after what you did to my Dad, your own half-brother?  And if I find out that explosion had anything to do with you, I swear I'll make you pay."

 

"Hey, look, dude, why don't you just leave my Dad alone?"  Alex asks.  "He's hurting, too.  His own son was almost killed."

 

"It's alright, Alexander,"  Jeremy says, placing a hand on his son's shoulder.  "Victoria, why don't you and Alex go on to the car?  I'll be there in a moment."

 

"Come on, Alex,"  Vicky says, ushering her son away.  

 

Jeremy looks at Michael.  "You're very much like your father.  And I do NOT mean that as a compliment."

 

"Well, since you think I'm like my father, then you must know........just like him, I can be a very formidable enemy."

 

Jeremy smiles.  "And so can I.  Must be in the Channing blood."  Jeremy turns and walks away.

 

"I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened,"  Gabby says.  "This just doesn't seem real yet.  I still keep expecting to see my Mom coming down the stairs, or arranging some flowers on the dining room table.  I just can't believe she's really gone."

"I understand,"  Dylan says.  "I really do.  I felt the same way after I lost my Mom.  And, if you ever need anyone to talk to, you can call or text me, or message me on Facebook anytime.  We can even Skype if you need to."

 

"Thanks, Dylan, I really appreciate that,"  Gabby says, fighting back her tears.

 

"Hey, no problem.  What are favorite cousins for, anyway?  I love you, kid."

 

"I love you, too,"  Gabby says, hugging her cousin as Nick walks up to them.  

 

"Hey, Gabby,"  Nick says.

 

"Oh, Nick.  Nick, this is my cousin, Dylan Ortega, my Uncle Tommy's son."

 

"Hi, Dylan,"  Nick says.

 

"Hey, man, what's up?"  Dylan asks, shaking hands with Nick.

 

"Not much, man, just, this is all kinda hard to believe."

 

"Yeah, it sure is,"  says Dylan.  "Gabby, I'm gonna go and speak to Eric.  He really looks lost today.  I'll see you in a little while, before we take off."

 

"Okay,"  Gabby says.  Dylan kisses her on the cheek and walks away.  

 

"How ya doin'?"  Nick asks, gently rubbing Gabby's arm.  "You holding up okay?"

 

"I feel like I'm just gonna wake up from a horrible dream, crying, and my Mom's gonna come into my room, put her arms around me, and tell me it's okay.  That it was just a nightmare."

 

"I know.  God, I'd give anything if I could take your pain away."

 

Gabby nods as she begins crying.  Nick puts his arms around her and embraces her.  

 

"Come on," he says.  "Let's take a walk in the vineyards?"

 

"You sure you feel up to it?"  Gabby asks.

 

"Yeah, I'm fine," Nick replies.

 

Meanwhile, in the living room, Pilar's two brothers, Tommy and Gabriel Ortega, are talking.

 

"God, I can't believe our sister is really gone,"  says Tommy.

 

"Yeah, neither can I,"  says Gabriel.  "I keep expecting to turn around and see her right next to me.  Man, this is unreal.  Y'know what? I keep thinking back to when I was a kid, and Pilar first came home after being gone all those years.  I was so happy to have her back.  But Papa.....he wasn't so happy."

"No, but, he soon came around,"  Tommy says.  "I'll tell you what I've been thinking about."

 

"What's that?"  Gabriel asks.

 

"The day that Papa and Mama brought you home from the hospital after you were born.  You know, other than our parents, Pilar was the first one to hold you."

 

"Yeah, she use to tell me that."

 

Tommy looks through the crowd and across the room at Eric, who is talking to Tommy's son Dylan and another young man who appears to be in his late teens.  A slight smile comes to his face.  "Look at them, would you?"

 

Gabriel turns and looks in the direction his brother has indicated.

 

"Our children.  My son, your son, and Pilar's son.  Three very handsome young men.  Papa and Mama would have been proud of their grandchildren.  All of them."

 

"Yeah, they would have,"  Gabriel agrees.  "Dylan has grown up to see a pretty awesome young man.  You must be really proud of him."

 

Tommy looks at Gabriel.  "I am, little brother.  I really am.  After his mother died, Dylan is all that kept me going.  So I really know how Lance feels right now."

"You will,"  Lisa says.  "Because you're strong."

 

"I use to think I was,"  Lance says.  "But......Pilar was my strength.  I was just, uh.........just looking out the window, and watching my beautiful grandchildren. Especially Kaitlyn.  My God, I can't believe she's turned into a young lady."

 

"Your granddaughter's 16 now.  Hard as that is to believe."

 

"Pilar always joked that we were too young to have a granddaughter as old as Kaitlyn."

 

"Well, you guys were, what, about 16 yourselves when I was born?"  Lisa asks.

 

 

"Yeah,"  Lance says.  "Pilar always regretted having to give you up to her Aunt Mercedes to raise.  But at the same time she always realized that was the best thing for you at the time."

 

"I had a wonderful childhood with my parents.  My ADOPTIVE parents.  But I'm very glad that I was eventually told the truth.......that you and Pilar were my biological parents.  I know I took it hard at first, but, I was only 15 when I found out.  But, I was able to develop a wonderful relationship with Pilar.  Closer than the one I already had.  And with you."

 

"I am SO proud of you,"  Lance says.  "Proud of the woman you've become, Lisa.  You're not only beautiful......the spitting image of Pilar........but, you're a successful lawyer in L.A.  Married, with two beautiful kids of your own."

 

Lisa fights back tears.  "Perfect American dream, huh?  Except......not so perfect."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Nothing,"  Lisa replies sadly.  Then she changes her tone.  "Hey, you know what I was thinking about?"

 

"No, what's that?"

 

"It's summer.  The kids are out of school.  I was thinking about staying for a while.  Having a nice, long visit.  So the kids could get to know their family, and get to know Falcon Crest.  And, I could be here for you, and for Eric and Gabby."

 

Lance smiles.  "I would REALLY like that.  But, what about your job?"

 

"I could take a leave of absence.  My partner can handle any cases that come in, and if the caseload gets to be too much, there's no shortage of attorneys in Los Angeles.  I've been away too long, and with Pilar gone, I really feel like I need to be here for you and my brother and sister."

 

Lance embraces his daughter.  "I would like nothing better.  In fact, you're being here is perfect timing.  I may need your help on something."

 

"Well, I'm here,"  Lisa says, hugging her father tightly.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean you're gonna lose it,"  Kevin says.  "Emma, you have to think positive."

 

"Positive?  Like that's ever gotten me anywhere."

 

"Hey, come on.  I won't let you talk like this."

 

 

At that moment, Emma's doctor, a woman in her thirties, walks in.  "Good afternoon, Emma," the doctor says.  "How do you feel today?"

 

"I feel okay.  I'm still a little sore."

 

"Well, that's to be expected.  Let's have a listen to your heart."  The doctor walks over and places her stethoscope on Emma's chest.  "Take some deep breaths,"  the doctor says.  Emma does as she is told and takes several deep breaths in, then exhales.  "Your heart and lungs sound good," the doctor says.  "Now, just relax and let me listen to the baby's heart."  The doctor places the stethoscope on Emma's stomach and listens for a moment.  Both Emma and Kevin watch her intensely as she listens, and as what appears to be a look of concern on her face.  She removes the stethoscope.

 

"Well?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Is my baby alright?"  Emma asks, anxiously.  

 

"The baby is fine,"  the doctor replies.  "The heartbeat is still a little weak, but that's to be expected after the trauma the baby has been through."

 

"So, there's nothing to worry about?"  Emma asks.

 

"I didn't say that.  Emma, right now, your baby is holding its own.  You were both VERY lucky to have come out of that explosion alive.  And honestly, I would say that the fact that you didn't miscarry is nothing short of a miracle. The baby isn't completely out of danger, but, I'd say the fact that he or she has made it this far is a very good sign.  The thing we have to do now is keep your calm and quiet, Emma.  I don't want to alarm you, but, given what's happen, this rest of this pregnancy could be a difficult one.  And, you're going to have to spend much of it on bed rest."

 

"Bed rest.  Not sure I can do that."

 

"You can, Emma.  And believe me, it'll be worth it in the end for you to have a healthy and happy baby.  I'm going to order another ultra sound for later this afternoon to check on the baby's progress.  In the meantime, if you need anything, just have the nurse page me."

 

"Thank you, Dr. Moore,"  Kevin says.

 

"Yes, thank you,"  says Emma.

 

Dr. Moore smiles.  "You're welcome.  I'll see you both later," she says, then walks out.

 

After she's gone, Kevin again takes Emma by the hand.  "You see?  I told you.  The baby's made it this far, and he'll make it all the way."

 

Emma looks at him and manages a weak smile, but privately, she is scared to death that some complication will come up to take her baby's life, or that the baby will become sick as a result of the Neurofibromatosis she carries in her genes.

Elena turns to him, then takes a seat on the bed.  "Michael, I am SO sorry."

 

"Hey, sorry for what?"

 

"About the baby.  I know how much you wanted us to have a child of our own."

 

"Elena, this wasn't you fault,"  Michael says.  

 

"And I'm so sorry I didn't tell you."

 

"Elena, I was wondering about that,"  Michael says.  "Honey, why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"

 

"I had just taken the pregnancy test on Saturday, the day before the wedding,"  Elena replies.  "I wanted to tell you then, but, everyone was so busy with the wedding, and you were preoccupied with something.  I was planning to tell you Sunday night, after the chaos of Emma and Kevin's wedding was over.  But I never got the chance."

 

Michael embraces his wife.  "Honey, I'm so sorry.  I know how much this hurts.  But we're gonna get through it.  Together.  And, when the time is right, we're gonna have lots of babies.  Right now, the most important thing to me is that you're okay.  Elena, I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost you in that explosion.  And I can promise you one thing.  I WILL find out who or what was responsible for that explosion and the death of our baby.  And if it's the last thing I do, I'm gonna make them pay."

 

"Michael, let's........let's just get out of here now.  I'm sick of this hospital.  I know the Omni Hotel isn't like home, but, at least it'll be more comfortable."

 

"Okay.  You wait right here, and I'll go tell the nurse you're ready to go, and she can wheel you down."  Michael kisses her, then walks out of the room.  

 

After Michael has left, Elena begins to cry as she thinks about the baby she lost.

 

 

 

Lance is watching television in the living room at Falcon Crest that afternoon with Lisa and her 12-year-old son Caleb, when Eric comes down the stairs.  Lance gets up from his seat and walks into the foyer to meet his son.  

 

"Eric, I'm glad you came down,"  Lance says.  "You've been in your room since the day of your Mom's funeral.  Why don't you come in the living room and watch some TV with us?  You haven't spent any time with your sister since she's been here."

 

"Thanks but no, I don't want to,"  the young man says, anger in his voice.

 

"Eric, don't you think we should talk?  You haven't said a word since this happened.  Talk to me, son."

 

"And say WHAT, Dad?"  Eric asks loudly, Lisa and Caleb looking into the foyer to see what the argument was about.  "Mom's Dead, so we should TALK about it?  What is there to talk about?  She's gone, and she's not coming back, and talking isn't gonna change that."

 

"No, but it might help you to spend some time with your family,"  Lance says.  "Instead of up in your room alone all the time."

 

"Look, Dad, I'm not a kid anymore.  I wanna be by myself.  So just leave me alone."

 

"Eric, we're all hurting here.  And I know your mother's death hits you especially hard.  But it's not gonna help you to isolate yourself from everyone who loves you.  Son, if you can't talk to me, then talk to Lisa.  Your sister's here and she wants to help."

 

"Help, how, Dad?  By trying to BE Mom?  It's not gonna work.  Besides, I don't need a substitute mother.  In fact, I don't need anyone, so just get the hell off my back."  Without saying another word, the young man storms out of the house.

 

"Eric!"  Lance yells after his son as Eric slams the door behind him.  Lisa and Caleb walk into the foyer as Lance sighs in frustration.  Lance turns to his oldest daughter.  "I'm sorry."

 

"It's alright,"  Lisa says.   "He seems so angry."

 

"Yeah.  That's exactly how he was before.  But the last few months he had changed.  I'm just afraid that, now, he's gonna revert back to being the same angry kid he was before."  Lance walks back into the living room.  Lisa follows him.  

 

After his mother and grandfather walk into the living room, Caleb goes to the front door, opens it, and steps onto the front porch.  He sees Eric walking away from the house in the direction of the pond down the hill.  The boy closes the door, then follows his uncle.

 

 

 

Caleb comes down the hill and sees Eric sitting alone on the bank by the pond.  The boy watches his uncle for a minute, as Eric is just staring out at the water.  Eric picks up a pebble and tosses it into the water, and watches the ripples as they extend out.

As Caleb watches from a distance, Eric begins to cry.  Eric had known loss before, but never the kind of loss he feels now over the death of his mother.  "Mom," he says.  "Mom, I'm so sorry.  I'm sorry for everything.  Sorry for not being a better son.  For not being a better person."  Eric hears the sound of rustling of leaves behind him.  He looks around and sees his 12-year-old nephew.  "Caleb," he says, quickly wiping his tears.  "What are you doing here?  I didn't know you were there."

"Sorry, Eric,"  Caleb says.  "I didn't mean to bother you."  The boy walks over to his uncle.  "I'm really sorry about Grandma Pilar."

 

"Yeah, so am I,"  Eric says, again wiping a tear.  

 

"There any fish in this pond?"  Caleb asks.

 

"Yeah, there is.  You like to fish?"

 

"I love to fish.  My Dad use to take me all the time.  Sometimes we'd fish off the pier at the beach, but, we usually went to this really cool cabin by a lake.  Kinda reminds me of this place.  Don't guess I'll get to go fishing with my Dad as much now."

 

"Why not?"  Eric asks.

 

"Don't tell my Mom, because I'm not supposed to know.  But, Mom and Dad are getting divorced.  I don't even think Kaitlyn knows."

 

"Divorced?"

 

"Yeah.  I heard them talking one day, when Dad moved out.  Then I heard my Mom talking to her friend about it."

 

"Caleb, I'm really sorry,"  Eric says.

 

"It's okay.  It was bound to happen, I guess.  Most of my friends parents are divorced."

 

"Hey, tell ya what,"  Eric says.  "We can fish right here, if you want."

 

"Sure,"  the boy says with mild excitement.

 

"I got a couple fishin rods.  Come on, we'll go get 'em and see if we can't catch us this big cat fish that's been swimming around in this pond since I was about your age."  Eric stands to his feet.

 

"You ever come close to catching it?"  Caleb asks.

 

"A time or two," Eric replies as he and Caleb make their way back up the hill.  "But he's always gotten away.  I promised myself I was gonna catch that sucker one day, though.  Maybe you can have better luck."

 

"Could it have been a bomb?"  Katherine asks.

 

"Yes, it could have been,"  replies Richard.

 

"Do YOU think it was a bomb?"

 

Richard looks at her for a second.  "I'm almost certain of it."

 

"But who?  Why?"

 

"Well, my dear, almost everyone present at that wedding has enough combined enemies to populate a small town, and that include me and YOU."

 

"I want to know who did it, Richard,"  Katherine says.  "I wanna know who almost killed my son, and I want them to pay."

 

"Katherine, you can assured that whoever was responsible for bombing our home is going to pay for that, and pay very dearly.  Now, let's you and I go back to the hotel and get some rest."

 

Katherine nods.  Then she walks into Austin's room again, kisses her sleeping son, grabs her purse, and walks out with Richard.

Michael sighs as he takes a seat on the arm of a chair near the window.  "Yeah, I am.  Y'know, when Kevin and I were little kids, when our Mom, Maggie, died, Pilar and Lance took care of us at Falcon Crest.  Dad was in prison at the time."

 

"That must've been a horrible time for you."

 

"It was,"  Michael continues.  "But Pilar, she was great.  I was very young, but I can still remember how good she was to me and Kevin.  It's just not right, Elena, that Pilar had to die like that.  And our baby.  When I think about that, I......." Michael stops talking as he begins to cry.

 

Elena puts her arms around her husband and embraces him.  "I know.  There are times when, all I can do is cry. We never even got to find out the sex of our baby.  I feel so bad for Emma, and I never thought I'd say that.  I just pray she and Kevin don't have to face the same heartache as we're facing now."

 

"Elena, I promise you........the person responsible for this tragedy, will pay for the life of our child if it's the last thing I ever do.  I won't rest until I make the son of a bitch pay."

 

Elena pulls out of the embrace and looks at him. "Michael, you sounds if you have some idea who was behind this."

 

"I have an idea."

 

"Who?"  Elena asks.

 

"Elena, I'd rather not say right now.  Not until I'm sure."

 

"Michael, please tell me you're not thinking of taking the law into your own hands with this.  You have to let the police handle this."

 

"Let the police handle it?"  Michael asks.  "Elena the police are about as useless as a hole in the wall in this.  My Dad has his own P.I. working on it."

 

"Michael, I'd like to know who you think did this,"  says Elena.

 

Michael stands to his feet and faces her.  "I'm sorry, honey.  But I can't tell you just yet.  Not until I have proof.  Look, why don't you go back to bed and get some more sleep.  I'm gonna take a shower and head to the office."  Michael kisses her, then walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

 

Elena lets out a deep sigh as she fights back her tears, afraid of what Michael could do when he finds out who caused the explosion that took the life or their unborn baby.

 

 

 

 

 

"What?"  Angela asks.

 

"Well, if good ol' Uncle Jeremy is just gonna take Falcon Crest away from this family, then why bother to even keep the place running?"  Eric asks bitterly.

 

"Surely after everything that's happened, Jeremy Lord won't follow through his plan to take Falcon Crest and the Globe,"  Emma says.

 

"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Aunt Emma,"  Eric says. "Your new brother doesn't seem like the kind of man who cares about anyone but himself.  Maybe that's just something that runs in the Channing blood.  What difference does it make, anyway?  Mom's gone.  We may as well let Falcon Crest go, too."  Eric gets up from the table and walks out of the room. 

 

"Eric,"  Lisa calls after her brother as he walks out of the house.

 

 

"Let him go, Lisa,"  Lance says.  "Maybe he's right about Falcon Crest. Maybe it is time to just let Falcon Crest go.  It's never caused anything but trouble for this family anyway, and I'm sick of all the fighting, so if Jeremy wants it, he can have it."  Lance gets up from his seat and leaves the room.  Seconds later, the group hears the front door of the house open and close as Lance exits.

 

"Well, Lance and Eric may be ready to just let Falcon Crest die, but I'm sure as hell not,"  Angela says, standing from her seat.  "I'm going to work.  Excuse me."  She also leaves the room.

 

 

 

 

 

"Kaitlyn, let's go for that walk,"  Gabby says.  "I have to get OUT of this depressing house."

 

 

"Definitely,"  Kaitlyn replies.  

 

"You girls be careful, and don't be gone long,"  Lisa says.

 

"We won't, Mom,"  Kaitlyn says as she and Gabby both get up from the table.  The two girls leave.

 

"Caleb, honey, if you're finished, why don't you go up to your room, or go out and play."

 

"Okay.  Think I'll go fishing down at the pond again.  Eric said I could use one of his rods anytime."  Caleb gets up and starts to leave the room.

 

"Just be careful."

 

"Sure," the boy says.

 

"Benjamin Caleb Agretti,"  Lisa says.  Caleb stops in the doorway.  "I said BE careful.  And don't get too close to the edge of that pond."

 

 

"Mom, I know, and I'll be careful,"  Caleb says.  "Maybe Eric's down at the pond."  Caleb quickly runs out of the dining room and up the stairs.

 

Julia smiles as she watches her great-grandson leave.  "Lisa, they're beautiful children.  You and Ben must be so proud of both of them."

 

"We are,"  Lisa says, sadly.

 

Emma sighs deeply.  "I'm really worried about Lance.  It's like he's just given up."

 

"I know, Emma.  So am I,"  says Julia.  "Lance is hurting very deeply right now."

 

"Excuse me,"  Lisa says, near tears as she gets up from the table and rushes from the room.  Emma and Julia exchange looks, both of them worried about the state of their family now that Pilar is gone and the family is in danger of losing Falcon Crest.

 

Upstairs, Lisa walks into the guest bedroom where she's staying and closes the door behind her.  After a brief pause, she walks over to the mantle and looks at a framed photo sitting atop.  It's a photo of herself and Pilar

and Lisa when Lisa was a little girl.  A tear trickles down Lisa's face as she takes the photo down and looks at it.  

 

Continuing to look at the photo, Lisa begins to cry.  She replaces the photo on the mantle.  "Pilar," she says.  "I miss you, and I could really use your advice right now."

 

 

 

 

Lance brings his car to a stop at the cemetery.  He sits in the car and hesitates for a moment as he looks out at the cemetery.  

 

 

 

 

Finally, Lance gets out of his car at the cemetery and walks over to Pilar's grave, which is covered by flowers and cards.  As he stands in front of his wife's grave, his mind is flooded by memories.  

 

"Pilar," he says.  "I.........I don't think I can do this.  Every morning, honey, I.....I wake up expecting you to be laying in bed beside me.  And when you're not, I think that you're gonna come in out of the bathroom or something.  I keep thinking this is all a horrible dream and I'm gonna wake up.  But then, I realize it's not a dream.  You're gone.  You're REALLY gone.  But I really don't think I can do this without you.  All these years you've been my rock.  I never knew anything could hurt as bad as losing you.  I feel so lost, I don't even know how to help our kids through this.  I need you, Pilar.  I need you to help me get through this."  

 

Lance kneels at his wife's grave, lowers his head, and begins to cry.