The medical examiner was there waiting for us. They must have called ahead. He approached me and put his hand on my shoulder. I always wondered why people did that, it provided no real comfort. He spoke, "Now are you sure you want to do this?" I merely nodded. He put his hand on the small of my back as he led me through some doors. "We'll give you two some privacy." He left the two of us though he didn't go far.

I had my mothers hand in a vice grip but she didn't complain. We walked further into the cold room and saw him lying on a steel...