I look at the grave stones. Mothers, children, and war vets. Red flowers and purple ones all lined up. Music blasting from bag pipes. Kids sucking their thumbs. I’m ten. This is my sixth funeral…in two weeks. This one is different. I’ve missed ten days of school. I’ve missed ten days with friends. I’ve missed ten days of soccer. I’ve missed ten days with my dog, Henry. I’ve missed ten days with Layla, my girlfriend. I’ve missed ten days of homework. I’ve missed ten days of fun. I’ve missed ten days with my father. I look at the grave stones. Charles Carlin: 1958-2005.