Areli was not in condition to go to the cemetery. Once again, we were separated. It was about a half-hour drive back to Chichicastenango near where we lived. When we arrived at the cemetery, we set up the computer so we could broadcast to our audience with at least one new member: Areli. We were able to set up a computer so Areli could watch the burial from afar.

Sally and Erv helped me to get back to my hospital bed. After everyone left, the truth is that I didn't mind being alone because I wanted everyone to go with Sherwood to the burial even though I couldn't. When the women and their family members on the ward saw the computer they kept staring at me. That isn't what I wanted just then—all of them watching me cry as I looked at a computer screen. I wanted to be in private but that wasn't an option. But it was good to be able to watch the burial and be part of it. The Lord gave me a lot of strength at that time and I only had to wipe a few tears from my cheeks. Afterwards, I just kept reading my Bible not only because it helped me a lot and gave me peace, but also it kept my eyes off of the people who were staring at me.

Esther's body was carried to the gravesite. Pastor Eliceo gave another brief message. I spoke about the many tears that had been shed and the many more that would come. This was evidently true as I could barely get the words out through the tears. Areli had asked me to give Esther one more kiss. I did. I kissed her casket and passed her to those who lowered her down into the hole. As is customary, I shoveled the first dirt onto her casket. And I had completed my duty as father for now. Esther's body was buried, the flowers were placed, and it was finished.