My Grandfather's Funeral

After a few hours, the funeral owner arrives with my Grandfather's body. They arranged it and I ordered more flowers to ornament my Grandfather's funeral. The coffin of my Grandfather was a simple white with gold on it. I put the arranged flower at the bottom of his coffin and put a rosary on his hand. I kissed his forehead and closed the glass of the coffin. "Thank you for your preparation. It really means a lot to our family." I said to the owner of the funeral parlor. "You are welcome. Your Grandfather is a great man." she added and I smiled at her.

I called my secretary and prepared an obituary for my Grandfather. He said that he will send the draft of the obituary in my email. My Mother arrived from the market and bought enough food for the people who will pay respect to my Grandfather. While entertaining some of the visitors, I received an email from my secretary of the draft of the obituary. I opened my email using my phone and here's what was written.

ObituaryRodolfo Carmelo de Ricci joined our creator in his ancestral house on 17th of July this year. He will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, caring and spreading positive things around him. Respects can be paid during his funeral at De Ricci Ancestral House. For more details about the wake, please reach out to this number: 0777-845-2311 or 0777-833-1010.

I hit the replied button and thanked her. I instructed my secretary to publish it in the newspaper and everyone should see this in the morning. I filed a leave of absence at the hospital for me to arrange the things at the funeral at the same time to travel to where my Grandfather wants me to travel.

It has been almost a week and a lot of people paid respect to my Grandfather. A lot of people are telling me that my Grandfather is a good man and was able to help a lot of people too. Today is the last day of the wake and tomorrow we will send him to his final destination. My Mother told me that my Grandfather wants to have a traditional procession where his coffin will be in the carriage with white horses. As my Grandfather's wish, I instructed the owner of the funeral parlor if they can grant our family's wish. Without any doubt, they said yes to me. I immediately called my Mother and told her that they were able to grant our request.

Three days after my Grandfather was buried. A lawyer came to our house and said that he needs to read the last will and testament of my Grandfather. My Mother prepared a snack for all of us. "Good Afternoon, Atty. Garcia." I greeted him and shook his hand. "It has been a long time since the last time I saw you, you've grown up." I smiled at him. "Shall we begin?" Atty. Garcia told us. My Mother and I sitted on the table as Atty. Garcia opened his briefcase. He got a file folder and I saw my Grandfather's name.

"Here is the last will and testament of Don Rodolfo Carmelo De Ricci." Atty. Garcia told us.

I, Rodolfo Carmelo De Ricci, of legal age residing at De Ricci Ancestral House. On my third day after my final destination, this will be read to my grandson and my daughter-in-law. The De Ricci Ancestral house shall be rewarded to my daughter-in-law, Claridad. The 4,000 hectares of land in the next town, the toy company, electronics and mechanical company and five food franchises. To my only grandson, he will have one of the ancestral houses in Milan, Italy. The four hospitals in Manila and three clinics located here in the hometown. The trust funds from three banks. Two houses in Manila, one in Makati and Paranaque. The heirloom of the jewelry box and gold crucifixion that served as the key of the box. Before my death, I gave instructions to my grandson and also wrote my personal letter to him. In the event that he was not able to fulfill my last request. The inheritance will be forfeited and shall be auctioned and donated to the charity in Manila and in Milan.

Signed:

Don Rodolfo Carmelo de Ricci.

"That is the last will and testament of Don Rodolfo Carmelo de Ricci." Atty. Garcia said. "Here is also the letters that your Grandfather wants me to give you," he added. "Claridad, here are the papers that you need to sign so that I'll start processing the papers and introduce you to the board of directors." Atty. Garcia was able to assist us. Atty. Garcia is one of our family friends. He is not just a family lawyer but a best buddy of my Grandfather. I remember when I was a kid, we used to go to their place in another town and spend Christmas with them.

Familia Garcia liked to hold parties when I was a kid and that is when I met my best friend Mateo. We are inseparable. Mateo married one of our childhood friends, Amor. They now lived in a small town in France and have two beautiful fraternal twins. Though they both lived on the other side of the world, but we never lost our communication, especially me and Mateo.

"Claridad, I know this is difficult for you this time." Atty. Garcia said. "Yes, it is but I know Papa. He will always be here besides me. Guiding me always." My Mother explained. "I admire your courage, Claridad." Atty. Garcia said. "Well young lad, are you ready to take the challenge?" Atty. Garcia told me while putting his cup of tea on the table. "Grandfather always likes to give me puzzles to solve." I chuckled. "You know your Grandfather's motto, hard work pays off." Atty. Garcia said. "I need to go home now, it is getting late. I'll return back to Manila and process all the papers." Atty. Garcia said. "Thank you, Atty. Garcia." I said and shook his hand. Goodbye, my Uncle." Mother said.

One of the servants escorted Atty. Garcia to the gate and my Mother and I bid goodbye to him at the balcony. My Mother prepared our lunch and had coffee on our balcony. "I understand if you do not like to go." she told me. "Who said that I do not want to go?" I told my Mother with confusion. "This is the last challenge that Grandfather asked me to do. I will do it, Mother." I explained. "I just want you to take care of yourself while you are on this journey." My mother reminded me. "Always follow the instructions of your Grandfather through his letters." She reminded me again. "Mother, I have to take a rest." I said to her and headed to my room.

I went to my bed and thought of the next step that I will do. Should I go to where he wants me to go? Should I just go on with my life and be the doctor that I want to be? I am very confused. With my confusion, I fell asleep. I was in my deep slumber when I talked to my Grandfather in dreams.

"Grandfather, you are alive!" I exclaimed happily. "No my son." he answered. "I am talking to you in your dreams," he continued. I saw that we were walking in a park where flowers bloom so lovely. A gazebo full of lights, as if I am in a different world. "My son, you have a lot of questions inside your mind. Try to explore new things and soon you will find your answers. The answer is not where you are, it is on the other side of the world. The answer is no longer inside your pocket, but you already hold it. Have faith in yourself, just like I have faith in you."

I woke up suddenly and remembered my Grandfather's last message to me. I should have faith in myself. Without a doubt, I went outside my room and looked for my Mother. As I strolled in our garden, I saw her watering her orchids. "Mother," I called her. "I will go to the places where Grandfather wanted me to go." I told her. "Why suddenly there's a change of heart?" she asked me while putting away the orchid sprayer on the top of the table. "Well... Ahmmm.... I dreamt about Grandpa, he told me that he has faith in me, so I should have faith in myself." I explained to my mother. She smiled and said, "See, your Grandpa is very mysterious and I know the fact your journey will be as good as what you think." My Mother told me while she kissed me on my cheek. "I have to get prepared." I told her. "Okay, my Son." she told me and went back spraying fertilizers on her orchids.