A/N: Sorry it took so long to post this. I had a lot of trouble writing this chapter. In the beginning I thought this would be the hardest chapter to write, but it ended up being the hardest. Thanks for sticking with me through the long period without an update!

Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this story except for the ones from my imagination, nor do I own any part of 7th heaven. If I did, 7th heaven would still be on TV.

The day of Reverend Eric Camden’s funeral had arrived. In their own way, each member of the family had been both looking forward to and dreading the funeral. They were looking forward to it because it would provide closure, and dreading it because it would mean that Eric was really dead and wasn’t coming back.

Many friends that they hadn’t seen for a very long time came to the funeral. Reverend Morgan Hamilton and his wife Patricia, along with their four kids, came. When Annie saw them, she rushed over. “I’m so glad that you came. It means so much to me.”

“Annie, we wouldn’t have dreamed of not coming once we heard the news. We just wish we could have been here sooner. How are you holding up?” said Patricia.

“Well, I’ve been better. It’s just so hard to believe that he’s really gone. WE all knew something like this could happen, but it is still a shock.”

“I am so sorry, Annie. Eric was one of the best friends that I ever had. I wish we hadn’t grown apart after my family and I moved.” Morgan said

“Eric still thought about you a lot. I want you to know that, Morgan.”

Annie and the Hamiltons talked for a while longer, and then Annie went and greeted some more guests.

Matt was standing off to the side talking to his grandparents when he saw a familiar face. “Excuse me,” he said to his grandparents, and turned and hurried to a beautiful lady that had just walked into the church. When he reached her, he gently touched her on the shoulder. “Heather, I’m so glad that you could come,” he signed.

“You helped me through a lot, Matt and I always liked your dad. When I found out about his death, I knew I had to come to the funeral.” Heather responded. “How are you doing?”

“It’s very hard. I keep thinking that he’s going to walk through these doors any minute now and go up to the pulpit. I just can’t believe he’s gone.”

Just then Sarah walked up. “There you are, Matt. I’ve been looking for you.”

“I’m sorry Sarah. Sarah, I’d like you to meet Heather. Heather, this is my wife, Sarah.”

“Heather, I’m so happy to finally meet you. Matt’s told me a lot about you.” Sarah said as Matt signed.

“I am very happy to meet you, Sarah. Matt is very lucky to have a wife like you to help him during this time.”

“Thank you, Heather.” Sarah turned to Matt. “I have to go feed the twins. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” Matt leaned down to give his wife a kiss.

After Sarah had left, Matt went to talk to other friends he hadn’t seen in a while. Pretty soon the pianist started playing and everyone mad their way into the auditorium and sat down. Chandler went up and stood behind the pulpit, and Rabbi Glass sat down on the platform

“We‘re here today,” started Chandler, “not to mourn the death of Reverend Eric Camden, but to celebrate it. Believe me, I know how easy it can be to become depressed and think only about his death during this time, but I want to challenge you to think about his life instead. That’s what Eric would have wanted, and if you’re here today then you know that. He would want us to think about what a fulfilled life he lived. I know how hard it is to not mourn. I know that because this man,” he motioned to where Eric lay in the coffin, “was a very good friend of mine. When I first heard that he was dying, I was angry. I couldn’t understand why God would want to take someone that so many people loved and respected, and let him die. He has a loving and devoted wife, and seven children, three of them not yet out of the house. He has two son-in-laws, and two daughter-in-laws who love him like he was their own father. He has six beautiful grandchildren, a congregation that adores him, and many, many friends that love him. After his death, I thought about it, and I think now I know why. Eric touched many lives throughout the years and I think God took him to touch even more lives. I’m sure that sounds strange to many of you, but look around. Go ahead; look at the person beside you, in front of you, behind you. This building is packed full of people that Eric touched. I think God wanted to challenge us to touch others as well. I just can’t think of any other reason why God would take him. Lucy Kinkirk has asked me if she could say a few words, so, Lucy, go ahead.”

Lucy walked up to the platform and Chandler gave her a hug before she stepped into the pulpit. “Chandler, thank you so much for everything that you just said. As many of you know, when I first found out about my dad’s heart, I was angry. I felt that God was taking away everything I loved. First he took my twins, now he was going to take my dad. I couldn’t understand why. Then I realized, ‘Who am I to question God?’ I mean, he knows so much better than I do. I realized that rather than be angry, I should think of what I could do to help people remember Dad. As I thought about it, I realized just how many people he’d touched, and I decided that he’d want to be remembered as the person that always helped. If I help half as many people as my dad did, I would be more than happy. I challenge you to remember him that way as well.”

After Lucy finished, Rabbi Glass stepped up to the pulpit. “Wow,” he said. “I don’t know what I can say after hearing both Chandler and Lucy. I’m afraid that anything I say can’t even come close to how well they verbalized what Eric would want, so I’ll just leave you with this today. Next time something comes your way, and you want to ask God ‘why?’, ask Him ‘what are you trying to teach me?’ instead. You’ll get a lot more satisfaction and a lot less sorrow that way.”

When the Rabbi was done, Chandler stepped back up to the pulpit. “ I would like to give all of you a chance to share how Eric touched your life or a special memory that you have about him.”

Morgan Hamilton was the first to stand up and say something. “Several years ago, my church here in Glen Oak was burnt down. When Eric heard about it, he offered me and my family a place to stay, and welcomed my congregation into his own. I was hesitant at first. I didn’t want the same thing that happened to my church to happen to his just because he helped us. I told him this, and he said that he didn’t care what others would say or do. All he cared about was making sure that we were taken care of. He donated money to help rebuild, and he and his family were at the service we held on the site where the church had stood. He helped Patricia and me when we were having problems, and his house was always open to my family. In the last few years, we grew apart, but Eric was the best friend a person could ask for, and I’m going to miss him very much. Annie, you and your family are in mine and my family’s thoughts and prayers.”

After Morgan sat down, Robbie stood up. “Reverend Camden took me in as a complete stranger. The only thing he knew about me was that I was homeless, and I was dating his daughter. He didn’t care that he didn’t know me, he welcomed me into his house anyway. He and his family became like my own family. I really looked up to Reverend Camden. He was there any time that I needed to talk to him, and he was a great role model.”

The next person to stand up was a stranger to most people in the room. “I know that most of you probably have no idea who I am, or why I’m here. My name is Joseph Morgan. My son’s name was Sgt. Joe Morgan. He was a pen pal of Ruthie’s before he died. He was over in Iraq when his helicopter crashed, and he was killed. Reverend Camden and his family held a memorial service for him here at the church. It meant so much to me that they would do that for someone that they knew only through reading the letters he wrote to Ruthie. I was torn up over my son’s death, so Reverend Camden talked to me and helped me come to terms with it. My marriage was about ready to fall apart because of Joe’s death, but because of talking with Reverend Camden, my wife and I are still happily marries. Ruthie, I’m praying for you and your family. I hope that rather than thinking about your loss, you’ll think about all the good times you had together. That’s what really helped us.”

Ben was next. “The first time I met Reverend Camden, he was coming down the stairs late at night with a baseball bat, and he wasn’t going to play ball. Everyone laughed. When the laughter subsided, Ben continued. “Reverend Camden was a man who would do anything to protect his family. He became a good friend of mine, and IK always enjoyed spending time with him. I’m going to miss him very much.”

The next person was Lou Dalton, Eric’s former deacon. “Eric was the best pastor a person could ask for. He cared very much about everyone in his church. He loved his job, and everyone in this church. Eric was a man of great patience. I was in shock when Annie first called me with news of his death. I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t want to believe it. Eric was a very good friend to me, and this world has lost a great man.”

After Lou, Gladys Bink stood up. “Reverend Camden was a very good Reverend. He always made sure that I was taken care of, even though I didn’t want it. He tricked me into letting Chandler live with me so that he could help me around the house. After they told me I had cancer, he just butted into my business even more. Even though, I’ve always been stubborn and acted like I didn’t want his help, I really did like it. I’m going to miss telling him to stay out of my business.” Everyone smiled at the typical Mrs. Bink speech.

By now almost everyone had tear in their eyes or already crying. Chandler started to get up to end the time of sharing memories, but Annie caught his eye and gave him a shake of her head. He realized as he sat back down, that although it was hard, it was helpful to everyone to share their memories of Eric and hear others.

Sergeant Michaels stood up next. “When I got the call to respond to the scene of an accident just a few days ago, I never would have dreamed that when I arrived at the scene I would find Reverend Camden. When I had to go and tell Annie that Eric was being taken to the hospital and was in critical condition, it was the first time that I actually hated my job. As I waited for the door to be answered, I thought about all the other times I had done this. It was so much harder this time, not only because it was someone I knew, but because Eric would occasionally accompany me on these calls. I realized how much it helped to have him there with me at those times. In the hours immediately after telling the Camdens, I struggled with whether or not I wanted to be a policeman any more. I have seen friend injured and killed in the line of duty. I especially hated having to notify family member that their loved one had been taken to the hospital, or that they were dead. Then I realized how many people I’ve helped over the years by being a police officer. Eric loved to help people, so I decided that the best way I could honor his memory was by helping others.”

To everyone’s surprise, the next person to stand up was Annie. “I want to thank you all for coming. Eric loved all of you very much. I know that each of you have special memories of him, and I hope that you’ll cherish them. I have so many special memories that I couldn’t even begin to pick one to share with you. Thank you for being such good friends.” The last few sentences were said through tears. After Annie sat back down, Sam, who was sitting on one side of Annie, and David, who was sitting on the other side, leaned over and gave her a hug and the rest of the family smiled at her through their tears, gave her a pet, or showed their encouragement in some other way.

Jane stood up next. “Reverend Camden took me in when I was a complete stranger. T-Bone, Margaret, and I were living in my car, and Reverend Camden invited us to stay with him. I have to admit, at first I was a little wary. It’s not every day that someone invites a complete stranger, much less a homeless one, into their house to stay. When Reverend Camden found out why I had been living in my car, he helped me work things out with my husband. He never made me feel like the outsider that I was, and he became like a father to me. I’m going to miss him very much.”

After Jane sat down, Chandler waited a bit longer, and then, when no one else stood up, he stepped back up to the pulpit. “Thank you all for the memories that you shared. I knew that Reverend Camden helped a lot of people, but I guess I never realized just how many until I looked around the auditorium and saw that it was overflowing with people. While you were all sharing your memories, I got to hear exactly how Reverend Camden touched some of you that I have just met, and others that I have known for a while.”

The funeral service ended, and people slowly trickled out of the auditorium to drive to the cemetery for the graveside service. After the graveside service was over, many people came up to the Camdens and offered their condolences.

“Simon?” Simon turned around at the sound of a quiet voice from behind him.

“Cecilia? Thank you so much for coming.”

“Simon, I wouldn’t have been able to stay away. Your dad meant a lot to me.”

“He meant a lot to everyone. I just can’t believe he’s gone. I mean, one day he’s talking to me on the phone, the next he’s laying in a hospital be telling me goodbye, and just a few days later he’s dead. I don’t think that it’s totally hit me yet. I just keep thinking that he’s going to walk through the door into our house again.” Simon was too choked up with tears to go on.

Cecilia laid a hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry, Simon. I can’t even imagine what it feels like to lose your dad.” Just then Rose walked up, causing Cecilia to quickly drop her hand back down.

Simon made the introductions. “Rose, I’d like you to meet Cecilia. Cecilia, this is Rose, my fiancée.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Cecilia.” said Rose. After noticing that Cecilia looked embarrassed, Rose quickly said, “Don’t worry. It was nothing bad. All of the Camdens adored, especially Sam and David. I think they miss you the most.”

“They were always such sweet little kids. I loved them like they were my own brothers, and still do. I see them around town with Mrs. Camden every once in a while.”

Simon looked pleased that Cecilia and Rose had hit it off so well. “Well, if you ladies will excuse me, I need to go check on Mom and see how she’s holding up.” Both Cecilia and Rose gave a slight nod of their head and continued talking as Simon walked away.

Ruthie was watching all of this with the barest shadow of a smile on her face when someone tapped her on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Ruthie?”

Ruthie turned around at the sound of the familiar voice. It was Caitlyn’s mom and dad. Caitlyn was a girl she had met while riding horses. She’d had cystic fibrosis, and had died just three years ago. She hadn’t seen Caitlyn’s parents since the funeral.

“Thank you for coming. It really means a lot to me.”

“You were one of the best friends our daughter ever had, and you were at her funeral. Besides that, your dad helped us get through a rough spot after her death, so the least we could do is show our support for your family by coming to the funeral.” replied Caitlyn’s mom.

“How are you doing? I know the third anniversary of her death just passed?”

“We’re holding up okay, but we should be the ones asking you that question, not vice versa.” Caitlyn’s dad reprimanded.

“I still can’t believe he’s gone. I keep thinking that he’s just away on a trip, and pretty soon he’ll come home and everything will be okay again. I just can’t believe that my dad is dead.” Ruthie stated all of this as if she were a total stranger to Eric, not breaking down into tears or showing any display of emotion. Rather, she spoke in almost a monotone. Caitlyn’s parents looked at each other, concerned.

“Are you okay, Ruthie?” Caitlyn’s mom asked gently.

“I’m fine. I’ve got to get back to my family now, but it was nice to see you again.”

Mary was standing by Annie and Carlos, but had been keeping a close watch on Ruthie. She was concerned because Ruthie hadn’t cried at all since they left the hospital after Eric’s death. Just when she was about to go talk to Ruthie, she heard someone call her name.

“Wilson? I didn’t know you were going to be here. I didn’t even know that anyone had told you about my dad’s death.” Mary said, surprised.

‘”Lucy called me. She thought that I’d want to know, seeing as how we dated for so long.”

“I’m glad you were able to come. Is Billy here?”

“No, unfortunately he had to stay in New York, with school being in session and all. I got remarried almost four years ago now. Her name is Amy, and Billy gets along great with her. At first, he wasn’t too sure of her and he wanted you to come and babysit him again, but he grew to like her pretty quickly.”

“I’m happy for you, Wilson, I really am. As a matter of fact, I married too. Carlos,” Mary said, turning to her husband, “this is Wilson West. I think I’ve told you about him before. He and I dated for quite a few years.”

“Yes, I do recall you talking about him. I’m pleased to meet you, Wilson. I just wish it could be under better circumstances.” Carlos said, shaking Wilson’s hand.

“So do I. Do you two have any children?”

“Yes, we have one son, Charlie, and twin daughters, Rose and Hannah.” responded Mary.

Mary, Carlos, and Wilson continued talking until Wilson said that it was time for him to leave. After Wilson had left, Mary turned to Carlos. “I’m going to see if I can find Ruthie. I’m kind of worried about her.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, that’s okay. I think she’ll open up more if it’s just me.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ll be around if you need me.” Carlos leaned over and gave Mary a peck on the cheek.

Mary looked around for Ruthie and finally spotted her with Kevin. She started to walk over to them, but stopped when she saw that they were arguing about something.

“Ruthie, you need to just let it out. It’s not going to help you if you keep your emotions all bottled up inside.” Kevin said patiently.

“Well it’s not going to help to let them all out, either. I did that at the hospital and look what happened. Nothing! Absolutely nothing! It didn’t bring Dad back, and it didn’t let me take back everything I said that I wish I hadn’t; all it did was make me miss him even more. Before now, he’s always been there for me when I was sad or upset about something. Now he’s not here.” Ruthie was almost yelling at this point. “All I want is to have my dad back. Crying can’t make that happen, so why would I want to do that? I miss him so much.” With that Ruthie finally broke down and started crying.

Kevin pulled her into a hug. “Ruthie, you may not have your dad anymore physically, but you know that as long as he’s on your mind he’s still with you in spirit. You have Peter now, too. I know for a fact that he cares deeply for you and that he loves you and wants more than anything to be there for you right now. Do you have any idea how hard it is for him to watch you keep all your emotions bottled you inside of you? He wants to help you, but he can’t if you won’t let him.”

“I’ve treated him pretty badly these last few days, haven’t I?”

“That doesn’t matter, Ruthie. He still loves you.”

“Why would he after the way I treated him? Anyways, how do you know that?”

“Because he’s standing right over there watching you looking like all he wants to do right now is give you a hug and tell you everything’s going to be okay, but he doesn’t want you to push him away again.”

Ruthie looked in the direction Kevin was pointing and saw the same thing he did. “Kevin, do you mind if I go talk to him now?”

Kevin smiled. “What are you waiting for?”

Ruthie started over towards Peter, then paused and turned back towards Kevin.

“Kevin?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, I have a feeling if you don’t go over there he’s going to come over here and get you.”

Ruthie smiled and started walking towards Peter again. Once they has started talking, Mary went over to Kevin.

“I never would have been able to get Ruthie to open up to me like that, and I don’t think anyone else would have been able to get her to open up like that, except Peter and maybe Simon or Matt.” Mary exclaimed.

“Well, maybe it’s just an older brother thing. She’s come to me with problems before, so I knew that she’d trust me. I’m just glad she opened up to someone.”

“I am too. It was hard to see her hold all of her emotions and pain inside of her.”

While Kevin and Mary talked, Ruthie went over to where Peter stood. “Peter, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Peter looked concerned. “Sure. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just need to talk.”

Peter and Ruthie walked a short ways away. “Peter, I’m sorry about how I’ve been treating you. I’ve kind of pushed you away during the last few days. I didn’t mean to, it was just so hard…”

“I know, honey, I know. It’s okay. I’m just glad that you’re not mad at me. For a while there I thought maybe I’d done something to make you mad.”

“No. It was just me being stupid.”

“Ruthie, you had just lost your dad. I didn’t expect you to act normal after what you had just gone through. You were right there when Sergeant Michaels told your mom, and you’re the one that had to make all the phone calls to tell everyone, as well as tell the twins. You have to stay strong for the twins so that they don’t get scared. Then, you’re at the hospital for less than twenty-four hours, and he dies. No one should have to go through that, Ruthie. You’ve gone through more in the last few days than most people go through in a lifetime.”

“Thank you for understanding, Peter. I was so afraid you’d be mad at me.”

“I couldn’t be mad at you for acting as normal as can be expected after what you went though.” Peter put his arm around Ruthie, and they walked over to where her family was standing and talking. Everyone who wasn’t family had left by this time.

When Annie noticed Peter and Ruthie walking towards them, she quietly slipped away and went to meet them. “Is everything okay?”

Peter looked to Ruthie for the answer.

“Yeah, Mom, everything’s okay.” Ruthie answered.

Annie didn’t look convinced.

“Everything really is okay, Mom. I promise.” Ruthie said. The she added, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, Ruthie, I think I’ll be okay. It’s just hard.”

“I know, Mom. But just remember that Dad wouldn’t want us moping around. He’d want us to get on with our lives.”

“You’re right. What caused this sudden change in attitude?”

“A certain nosey brother-in-law of mine got involved.”

“Kevin?” guessed Annie.

Ruthie nodded. “He gave me a good talking to and made me come to my senses and let it all out.”

“I’m glad. I didn’t want to get involved because I figured you had every right to act the way you were, but I guess Kevin had the right idea.”

“Yeah, I guess he did. Come on, Mom, let’s go home.”

Ruthie turned to where Peter had been standing, but to her surprise he was no longer there. He had slipped away at the beginning of Annie and Ruthie’s conversation, sensing the need for privacy between mother and daughter. Ruthie looked around, finally spotting him standing with her family. Annie and Ruthie walked over.

“Are you all ready to go home?” asked Annie.

Everyone said that they were, so they all headed to their vehicles, got in, and drove back to the Camden‘s house.

A/N: This is the last chapter dealing with the period immediately after Eric's death. My next chapters will focus on Mat and Sarah's move, Mary and Carlos' move, Simon and Rose's wedding, Ruthie and Peter's engagement, etc. As of right now I plan to make at least one chapter for each kid as well as one for Annie.