Chapter 16
ST. LUKE'S
A few days later, the majority of people in Salem had gathered at St. Luke's. They were sitting in the pews. Father Louis walked up to the front of the church.
LOUIS: Good morning. We are gathered together to say farewell to our dear brother in Christ, Roman Augustus Brady, father to Caroline Anna Reed, Eric Roman Brady, Samantha Gene Brady, Rex Brady, and Cassie Brady.
They began with a hymn, “The Lord is My Shepherd”. Click
here to listen. Father Louis walked to the center of the altar.
LOUIS: Please rise for a reading of the Holy Gospel.
The congregation rose.
LOUIS: The Holy Gospel According to St. John, the 12th chapter, beginning at the 23rd verse. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” This is the Gospel of our Lord.
CONGREGATION: Praise to you, oh Christ.
After another hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (click
here to listen), Father Louis motioned for everyone to be seated.
LOUIS: At this time, if any of Roman's friends or family wish to say any words, they are welcome to at this time.
Many people came forward to speak about their relationships with Roman, including all of his brothers and sisters, as well as his children. Below are just a few snippets of things that were said.
CARRIE: He was always there whenever I needed anything. He would do anything for his children.
CAROLINE: I wasn't always sure about him being a police officer. But, seeing him doing what he loved, it gave me great comfort. Roman was my first child. He was a wonderful man.
ERIC: He always encouraged me to follow my heart. When I joined the church, he was my biggest supporter. And, on the day that I was forced to leave, he was there to help with my transition. He gave everything he could to us.
MARLENA: Roman gave me some of the best memories I have. He also gave me two beautiful children. Though, over the years, we've had our differences and situations have changed, I knew. I knew that Roman and I could always count on each other. We would always be there for each other, no matter what.
JOHN: Of all the people here, I think he and I had one of the strangest relationships possible. We didn't always get along. But, we knew each other on a different level. And eventually, Roman became one of my very best friends.
SAMI: My dad...we didn't always along. I swear, I drove him crazy a few dozen times. But, no matter what insane stunt I pulled, he was always there for me. He always loved me unconditionally. He was the best father...the best man I have ever known.
Sami was tearing up. She looked at a picture of Roman.
SAMI: I love you, dad...I love you so much...
After everyone was done speaking, the congregation rose.
CAROLINE (singing): Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.
DOUG (singing): 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
J.J. (singing): The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
CLAIRE (singing): Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
ALL (singing): When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
After the hymn ended, the casket was walked out of the church and into the cemetary. The large gathering of people follwed, each was given a flower. One by one, they took their turn in line, each laying a flower on the casket. John and Marlena went up.
MARLENA (whispering): Goodbye, Roman.
Carrie was next.
CARRIE: I love you, dad.
Sami, Lucas, Will, Johnny, Allie and Sydney all went up together.
SYDNEY: Goodbye, grandpa.
WILL: We love you.
SAMI: And we know you'll look out for us. All the days of our lives.
Last to go up were Eric and Caroline. They went up together, placed their flowers, made the sign of the cross, and said a silent prayer.
CAROLINE (whispering): Look out for them, Shawn. Take care of our boys.
Father Louis said a prayer as the service came to a close.
