Alani bent over, her head falling between her knees, as Nannie rubbed her back, gently. She had never understood the mystery of God. For days, she had stressed about how she would lay her family to rest, and out of nowhere things had worked out. She stood to her feet and hugged the pastor. He handed her the microphone. She was too emotional to speak. She stood up there, lip quivering, snot leaking, mascara running, as she lowered her head and just let herself cry.

“T…tha…thank you so much,” was all she could manage, before the mothers of the church came and wrapped their arms around her. It was only their support that kept her standing; not because she was naturally weak, but because life had gotten so hard that it had depleted her energy.

Nannie escorted her to the pastor’s office, where Mr. Masters presented her with the check. “Who would be this generous? I have to thank them,” she said, as she covered her mouth with one hand and held onto the check with the other. “Thank all of you.”

“I can’t give away the identity of the man who donated this, out of respect for his privacy. We can help you finish arrangements whenever you’re ready,” Mr. Masters said.

Alani stood to leave and hugged Nannie. “I’m ready now. My baby has been waiting for me too long. Let’s do it right now,” she said.

“You can meet me over at the funeral home,” Mr. Masters said.

Alani nodded, as she turned to Nannie. “I’ll see you at home. I love you, old lady.”

“I got your old lady,” Nannie responded, with a smile, as Alani made her exit.