DECEMBER 9

The memorial service for the people who died in the plane crash was held at an amphitheater on the edge of town. I purposely didn't arrive until the last minute. This was going to be bad enough without listening to hundreds of condolences.

The amphitheater was filled with thousands of people. It was a sea of black and the atmosphere was solemn, matched by the sullen dark clouds overhead.

I was led down to front row center. I felt eyes on me as I walked. My seat was between Jack Warner and Crystal Abbott. "Thanks," I sincerely told them. "I thought I might have to sit with people...