Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don't disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms -- December 2018

Graham McCullum wrote:I held her tightly.  "I know, Quinn, I know," I said to her softly, not even trying to find words to comfort her.  There were none.  "We all miss them... I don't even know how to help you... I was so young when my dad passed.  I don't even remember how I got through it."  I was not sure if my words would help her, but I was hoping that my strength would help a little bit.

I forgot that if anyone knew what it was like to lose a parent at a young age, it was Graham.  How could I forget that?  I held onto him tightly for support and warmth.  "Graham... I just need help to get through this... it's too... hard," I said throught ears.

I kissed her forehead and held her close.  "I know... you have all of us, Quinn," I assured her.  "You don't have to do any of this alone."  That was the best that I could tell her right now.

I looked at everyone.  "When is the memorial going to start?" I asked no one in particular.

I started slightly when Ben's voice was louder than the whispers around me.  "Oh, well, once everyone gets here and is settled in," I said, trying to sound a little stronger than I felt.

I looked over at Nan.  "Should I go get Quinn and Graham?" I asked, figuring that others would be coming in soon.

I took a deep breath and nodded.  "I guess you're right," I said, though I was not entirely sure who I would lean on.

I shook my head to Serenity's question.  "No... let them have their moment," I said to my niece.

I sighed, looking out the window to make sure Quinn was still at least here.  "I'm just so worried about her," I said, turning to look at everyone in the room.

I rubbed Quinn's back.  "Are you ready to face everyone?" I asked her, thinking that she really did need to get into the house.  But I was not going to rush her, either.

I looked over at Lucy and nodded sadly.  "We all are," I assured her, walking over and rubbing her arm lightly.  "All of this will just take time..."

Maggie O'Donoghue wrote:I held onto Jake's hand as we arrived at the Burrow.  This was so hard on everyone; when could they stop losing people?  I wanted to help them.  I wanted to do more than just be there.

I walked in with Maggie as I wanted to walk around. I couldn't believe that Uncle Charlie and Aunt Desi were gone. I looked around as the family was solemn. Life was just torn apart, I didn't like seeing my family be torn apart. Nan was trying to help everyone Gramps was just sitting in Uncle Charlie's room. Not saying anything, it was strange.

I stood up adn started to pace slightly, just for something to do.  I looked at everyone and left the room without saying anything.  I wanted to go check on Dad.  Everyone seemed to be focusing on Mum... but what about him?  He lost a son.  I found him in the room where Charlie and Bill shared for years.  I knocked slightly.  "Dad...?  I - erm - came to see how you were doing," I said, not necessarily the best at this touchy-feely stuff.

I sighed, looking at Graham.  "Yeah, let's go in.  I need to speak with everyone... thank them for being here..." I said, feeling disconnected from the entire situation right now.

I had been looking down at the mug in my hands, not really realizing that someone had given me tea, when the door opened and the chill filled the room.  I looked up and saw Quinn walking in.  She really looked horrible.  I stood up and motioned for her to take my seat since there really were not any left.  This really felt like the worst day of my life; we lost Charlie and Des.  How would I be able to make it without the pain of an older brother?

I walked with Quinn, slightly behind her with my hand on her back for support.  I was pleased to see that she actually went to the seat her uncle offered for her.  It was worth it.  She looked exhausted.  I went over to Serenity and Phoebe, taking my daughter off of Serenity's hands.  I knew she could be a handful.