Page 59 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 43

After the longest, saddest, most somber night of their lives on top of their happiest day, Fernando’s family expressed their love and support and flew back to Italy. After tearful goodbyes, Ken drove Suzy’s parents to the airport for their return to Canada. Except for happy moments with the baby, everyone’s mood was morose, and that was a good day.

Since hearing the tragic news, Suzy had insisted Vanessa sleep in Izzy’s room and sent Izzy to stay with a friend for a few days. Jon and Fernando slept on the living room floor atop a pallet of blankets. The newlyweds postponed their honeymoon indefinitely and focused on taking care of the baby and getting Vanessa to eat.

Alternating shifts every few hours, no one slept well, but it didn’t matter. They were together.

Alex and Hope sent pizza, salad, and a chocolate cake to the house but gave the family a wide berth to deal with their grief. Coconuts was out of the question. No one was in the mood for joy. Their elation and celebrations had turned into the gloomiest days, seemingly overnight.

Normally a coordinator of happy events, Suzy knew she had to plan the heart-wrenching funeral. At Vanessa’s request, she assured the young mom she’d take care of everything. All Vanessa had to do was take care of herself and Violet Grace. And by taking care, Suzy insisted Vanessa only handle the minimum—eat, bathe, and sleep. She tried to make Vanessa laugh by telling her bathing could go by the wayside if she preferred.

In a zombie-like state, Suzy watched as Vanessa nursed Violet Grace, changed her diaper, if Jon and Fernando hadn’t beaten her to it, and picked at her food. Barely sleeping, the young mom had dark circles under her eyes and cried constantly.

Numb herself, Suzy couldn’t wait until they got past this shroud of misery. Throwing herself into planning mode, she contacted Rev. Nelson’s church members, a funeral home, and the cemetery. She knew an attorney would be in order and added a reminder to schedule a meeting.

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Two days later, a simple graveside burial was held on a surreal—virtually cosmic—rainy day. The weather coincidence was almost too much. As if they weren’t depressed enough, the reminder of the slick streets, which had caused the death of Vanessa’s parents, was nearly too much to endure.

Sitting under a morbid black tent, Jon and Fernando flanked Vanessa who clutched her sleeping baby. Sniffling, both men held her—one draped his arm across her shoulders and the other held her hand. It didn’t matter which. At this point, the young parents were in total solidarity. Suzy, Ken, and Izzy sat behind them. Alex and Hope stood underneath Show-Me Bank umbrellas as rain pelted unforgivingly.

“Damn rain,” Alex said.

“Shhh.” Hope narrowed her eyes. “You shouldn’t swear at a funeral.”

“Sorry, but it’s depressing.”

Throngs of friends and churchgoers filled the chairs or stood underneath umbrellas as the muddy cemetery soon filled to capacity. Several people sobbed; others were stony faced. Someone said, “Tears from heaven” while it poured.

After many heartfelt songs, prayers, and several profound memories of Rev. and Mrs. Nelson, church members paid their condolences to Vanessa, revered the baby, and made their way toward the casket. An exceedingly long line, all dressed in black, formed to pay their respects.

After the preacher concluded the memorial, Vanessa struggled to rise, switched Violet to her other arm, and laid a handful of pink and blue roses on the casket. Standing silent for several minutes, she wiped tears off her face with her free hand.

“Goodbye, Mom and Dad. I love you. Thank you for sending the flowers—and for everything. I want you to meet your precious granddaughter, Violet Grace.” Sniffling, she added, “I’ll miss you and will make sure Violet knows who you are.” Leaning over, she kissed the top of their casket.

There wasn’t a dry eye on the grounds.

After the last person paid their respects, funeral goers stepped across mud puddles to their cars.

Even Alex wiped away a tear. “I can’t take this rollercoaster of emotions.”

“Me neither.” Hope shook the rain off her umbrella. “I know what you mean. I’m ready for normalcy.” Hope hugged her friend. “I’ll be glad when we can take Suzy to Coconuts.”

Nodding, Alex said, “She needs it more than we do.”

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