165 The party of a lifetime

They talk over dinner and decide when to hold Aunt Norma's memorial party. Her children and grandchildren have taken leave from work and want to be the ones to plan it. Since she did not want them to observe shiva they decide to do it on the seventh day after her death that way they can ensure it's done right. Not realizing it will fall on Valentine's Day. Marshal closes the bar so that they can have the party there. Salali is sad because she will either miss the party or her first Valentine's Day with Randy. Seeing her so sad Aisling arranges for Randy to come home for the memorial in fact she made arrangements for his band to play. Norma was one of their biggest supporters and fan. So when she called their manager he dropped everything they had scheduled using her passing as the reason. He told them that their sponsor passed and they were sending her off in style. The kids worked together with everyone to make sure everyone was included. Aisling told them she had planned to take their Dad to the Inn for dinner. So they researched the dishes he liked and explained to the chef at the inn about their mom. He knew her well since she brought her husband every month over the years.  The owner and her went to school together and asked if they could cater the party . He also asked if he could come and toast her. Dude and Eva went to the house they found all the boxes and trunks that she had separated and labeled for everyone. Eva wants everyone to be given them together. Audis jr and the others are in charge of decorations. They agreed that the way the funeral was decorated was perfect so they had the kids get with the cousins and mix Valentine's day with the plants and  photos . Everything is set to go there is only two people  missing. That is Steve and Yona though the children never met Yona their mother left him something so they asked Remi if she thought he would be willing to do a virtual visit. She agreed to ask. They already knew Steve was willing Eva called him herself to ask. 

everything was set to go . Salali called Randy to let him know she would not make it on Valentine's Day. He made a point of sounding sad to make sure she would be surprised. Astila and Moll got leave from the hospital since everyone knew that Norma was family several Doctors were more than willing to cover for them. 

"Norma was with my mom to pick me up. The town around the airport was in the middle of a riot protesting the war. She brought me clothes to change into at the airport because they were attacking solders outside. When he stepped off the plane a group started spitting on me They were pushing and swearing at me.  Since I could not do anything because I was in uniform Norma stands on a bench and starts telling the group of protesters they should be ashamed. That if was not for men like me willing to sacrifice my life . They would not be allowed to sit at home on their asses and protest. They would not be allowed to speak against the government. She gave them a history lesson right then and there. By the time I was changed they were gone. That woman was not scared of anything and she stood up for those she loved." He was wiping his eyes by the time he finished his speech. Most knew him to be as tough as nails but not tonight. Tonight was for telling the most special lady rest well and thank you. Yona looked at his phone screen seeing so many people and thought thank God I'm not in the middle of that. Though he grew to love that old hen in a very short time. 

"I do not have very many memories of Aunt Norma but the one that I have I will cherish forever. When Remi was laying in the hospital Crystal didn't want to leave my side. I did not know what to do . I didn't know if I was doing the right thing keeping her by my side. Especially since I did not even know her mom very well. She came to me and told me that loving  someone is never wrong. That she could see that I was growing to love Crystal and Remi. That if I was going to be apart of the family even if I fought it. That the family had already chosen to love me and accepted me. That it was just up to me now to open my heart. She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big mommy hug. She told me that I was one of her boys now and that was for life. I am very grateful to her for helping me to open my heart because if not I would not be Crystal's father now." He looks at crystal and Remi blowing them a kiss and then raised his glass to toast the woman of the hour. 

It was after midnight when the last person finished telling a story about Norma and Marshal was finally able to close the doors except for family. Dude and Sam brought out the boxes and trunks for everyone. Norma left everyone something along with a card describing their gift. They all were crying and hugging as each opened their gifts. Eva realized that her mom knew for awhile that she was going to die. She took such care to give everyone Momentos from their childhoods and special things that belonged to her. They all stood together and said a prayer for her telling her thank you for her love and care. That they are forever changed by having her in their lives. 

Ausling Maureen Moll Remi and Astila watched as she kissed each person on the cheek and said her goodbyes. She kissed Aisling and then she kissed her stomach to say sorry to the twins for not holding on. Hugging both Moll and Maureen she asks them to take care of their precious babes and to continue to look out for her girls. When she got to Remi, Remi fell to her knees tears streaming down her face. Norma wipes those tears and kisses her cheeks. Whispering to her." You are not alone child you have found your soulmate. You won't be alone anymore. " Norma turns and walks towards the light at the door waving goodbye for she has completed her task on earth. She is at peace. 

Audis and Norma's children and grandchildren start to head back to their homes and college's over the next few days. Audis Sr decides he is going to retire and spend his last years with his children. He sets up a plan to split his time between them. He looks at Aisling and asks her to help his home find a new owner. He suggested giving it to Remi ,Marshal or Salali as a wedding present. Since it will be a long time before any of his grand kids will be ready to marry. Most likely they will not want to live here anyway. Aisling told him that can wait till he goes to be with Aunt Norma. That she doesn't want to overstep with his children. He huffs at her

"Its my house and if I want to give it I can they don't get a say. Oh and don't tell Astila I put his name up for my job in a few years. So make sure he stays on track . " he hugs her bye before getting into Eva's car. 

Eva hugs Aisling and thanks her for everything. Aisling waves at her family as they drive away. Breathing a sigh of relief that things went smoother than expected. You never know how things will turn out when someone passes. Looking up she thanks aunt Norma for having everything in order before she passed. Also asking God to keep her family safe on their travels. Hoping that uncle Audis will not be too lonely and sad missing her Aunt. Though he knows that his home is here and they are here to take care of him anytime he needs them to.