"Brooke was quite pleased that Laura had finally met Jim Thomasen. She had no way of knowing that Laura and Jim had met in what seemed like another lifetime. Brooke called Jim and Laura "bright spots" in an otherwise cloudy day. Laura was stunned to learn that the man who saved Brooke's life was the same mad who set her life on a crash course with emotional breakdown. She listened uncomfortably as Jim and Brooke talked like "old friends." Brooke explained that she and Jim felt like old friends after their ordeal at the crash site. Jim played the part of a stranger well. He took a few steps toward Laura and said that he heard that she was originally from New York. Perhaps, he suggested, they could get together and share some memories of life in the big city. Jim, Laura, and Brooke made their way to the chapel. Once there, Dimitri offered Jim a check for ten thousand dollars to express his thanks for all that Jim had done for his family. Jim refused the check. Finally Jim did accept the check, but indicated that he would donate the money to Brooke's shelter.
Kevin and Kelsey played with Sam. They discussed how hard it will be for Sam and Maddie to grow up without their mother. Edmund burst into the room and grabbed Kelsey by the elbow. Unmercifully, he yanked her by the arm and threw her out of the room. He accused her of trying to steal Sam. Reminding her that she signed away her parental rights, Edmund said that he would not tolerate any of Kelsey's games. Kevin stuck is head into the hallway and defended his friend. He told Edmund that it was his idea to drop by Wildwind. He felt that they could watch Sam and Maddie while everyone was at the memorial service. Edmund took a deep breath and lowered his head. He issued a very quick apology before entering the room to check on his son. Kelsey told Edmund that she does not blame him for questioning her. She added that she would never think of taking Sam away from Edmund, noting that Sam will need Edmund more than ever now that Maria is gone.
Kevin watched as Kelsey played with Sam. He noted that she exhibited natural maternal instincts and commented that she would make a great mother. Kelsey chuckled dryly. She said that she'd have to find a daddy before she can have any kids. Kelsey related her ideal date---a "fully loaded" man who would take her to the planetarium and then to Willow Lake to look at the stars. Kevin played along, and the two talked about the ancient mythology behind the constellation names. The two sat on the floor, leaning close together. They looked into each other's eyes and felt a shiver of awkwardness. Kevin jumped to his feet and remembered that he had to return to work.
At the hospital, Jake readied for his trip to Wildwind and Maria's memorial. Ruth struggled with the fact that she has been hiding Maria's death from Joe. Joe, who was wheeled out onto the sunporch, only heard part of the conversation. He was still able, however, to determine that a secret was being kept from him. Ruth turned and looked him in the eyes. She admitted that she was hiding something from him. She assured him that he was on the road to recovery and that her secret had nothing to do with his health. She painfully recounted the story of Edmund and Maria's plane trip. When Joe learned that his favorite doctor had perished in the crash, his heart broke. He felt somewhat guilty for being given a new lease on life while Maria's life has ended so prematurely. Joe urged Ruth to go to the memorial service and pass along his sympathies. Jake and Allie had a difficult discussion later. He thanked her for her continued help to the family and was thankful that Allie discovered his father's drug allergy. Allie claimed that often struggled with pill prescriptions and holistic healing.. There was a reason for her uneasiness. She told Jake that many years ago her younger sister became ill with a sudden fever. Nothing broke the fever and her sister was taken to the hospital. There, the doctors diagnosed the condition as a fever of "unknown source." Allie's mother wasn't keen on organized medicine. When the young girl was admitted to the hospital, Allie's mom checked off the box that prohibited the administering of any medicine to the child. Apparently, the mother felt that it would be best to rely on God. The hospital went to court to get permission to treat Allie's sister, but by the time a verdict was rendered, it was too late. Jake told Allie that she has every right to miss her sister and told her that she doesn't have to go through her grief alone.
At Maria's memorial, Hayley and Mateo lit candles in remembrance of Maria. Gloria and Dimitri offered their support to the family, saying that they will do anything to help the family. Dimitri worried that the latest heartbreak might be too much for Maria's family to take. Gloria reminded Dimitri that Maria was a part of his family, too. Dimitri took her hand and told her that he would not have made it through the loss if she had not been by his side. Tad entered the chapel, causing Dimitri to show off. Isabella asked Belinda if she had heard any word from Noah and Julia. Belinda shook her and said that she is sure that Julia and Noah will be at the service in spirit. Anita, however, had returned to town for the service. Mateo escorted Edmund into the chapel and the service began.
Father Claude told the assembled crowd that he had experienced the joy of Maria's life by helping the family celebrate the christening of her children. Now he said that he feels the sorrow of her death. Mateo rose from the pews and stood in the front of the church. He struggled to find the right words that would describe the pain he felt. He remembered the last summer Maria spent at home before heading off to college. He said that he pretended to be asleep the morning of her departure, hoping that she would not leave. But when he got out of bed he found that Maria had left anyway. He felt hurt that his sister could leave him and his family. But in a note, Maria explained why she left. Mateo broke down in tears as he pulled that letter from his pocket. Hayley raced to her husband's side to offer him the strength to continue. "Don't be sad," the letter said. "You'll catch up." Mateo said that he finally knew what his sister meant in her letter. Now, he pointed out that his sister's departure was only temporary and that one day he would once again catch up with her.
Opal and Palmer were the next to offer their memories of Maria. Opal said that Maria was a caring doctor and mother. She told of Maria's dealings with the sick children at the hospital. She then presented the family with a sympathy card created and signed by all of the children in the pediatrics ward. Palmer told Edmund that he believes in him and his parenting skills, but asked that he not be afraid to ask for their help if he needs them.
Ruth called Maria a "respected" and "professional" doctor who was loved by the entire staff at Pine Valley Hospital. She fought back tears as she said that she was loved because Maria was the only doctor with legible handwriting.
Rosa recalled a game that she and Maria used to play. Rosa said that she used to hide in Maria's closet while Maria was applying her make-up. And on rare occasions when her parents were not around, Maria allowed Rosa to wear some lipstick.
Father Claude asked if anyone else had anything to say, but no one said anything. All eyes focused on Edmund, but he remained transfixed on Maria's photo. Brooke rose to her feet and said that she needed to say something. Brooke said that she always thought of herself as a good mother, but added that she learned a lot from Maria. She assured Maria's family that she had done everything to save Maria. But when Maria knew that there was only enough time for one rescue, she begged Brooke to rescue Maddie. Maria made the "biggest sacrifice," Brooke sniffled. Edmund slammed his hands against the pew and stormed out of the chapel. Brooke chased after him.
Jim asked Laura if Brooke would be okay. Laura nodded and praised Brooke's strength. Jim smiled and said that Brooke has a lot in common with Laura. Jim twisted Laura's arm (figuratively) to get her to introduce him to her boyfriend. Laura complied, but after making the introduction she took off for the ladies' room.
Tad sat in the row of pews behind Gloria and placed his hand on her shoulder. He told her that he was on his way back to the station to put some final touches on a tribute to Maria. The two talked for several minutes, but when Dimitri spotted the two chatting it up, Tad split.
Inside the main house, Brooke caught up to Edmund and issued an apology. She claimed that she did not mean to upset Edmund. Edmund turned and gave her a look of contempt. His face turned beet red as he accused Brooke of being the reason that Maria died.
Laura wandered into the Marick family crypt. She stared at Maria's marker for several minutes. The door to the crypt slammed shut. Laura turned around and saw Jim blocking the doorway. Finally, Jim sneered, they could have some time alone.
The memorial was just about to break up when Jack asked the Santos family to stick around for a few minutes. The Santos family hugged each other and did their best to console each other. They didn't notice two burly men enter the chapel. Then came a familiar voice issuing just two words: Hello, Mama. Everyone turned to see Julia standing a few feet away. Julia raced into the arms of her family, bringing an ironical bit of happiness to a horrible occasion."
- Soap Central