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"This is Dr. Frasier Crane on this Thursday afternoon, wishing you good mental health and a Good Friday tomorrow." He chuckled at the joke he'd made, even though it was apparent that it had gone over Roz's head. Or perhaps her look of annoyance was due to something else entirely."Roz and I will be taking the day off tomorrow and in our place, we'll be airing the Best of Frasier Crane. Tomorrow will be a much needed day to rest and to remember the reason for the day. We owe it all to the Man who died for our sins. See you on Monday."Frasier pushed the On Air button to end the broadcast and turned to Roz. As he expected, she was staring at him with a look of disbelief. He had to admit he was a little surprised at his choice of topics as well. Surprised, but oh so proud, dare he think such a thing.Roz walked out of the booth and stood beside him. "Wow... That was… some show, Frasier."He smiled triumphantly. "Well, thank you Roz. I like to think that I touched my listeners in some way but if I touched you as well, then it was all worth it.""Um, right…" she replied carefully. "You're welcome."But Frasier could tell right away that it wasn't meant as a compliment. And his eyebrows rose. "Roz, what exactly is that supposed to mean?""Nothing. I just…."Now he was annoyed and he stood, placing his hands on his hips. "Come on Roz, out with it! What's with the weird mood?""All right. You want to know why I'm in a weird mood? Because it's not like you at all to do a show that is so... spiritual! I was going to say something during the broadcast but you were getting so into it that I decided to go with the flow.""Ah… I see. And what type of show would you prefer that I do?" The agitation was creeping into his voice, but he did his best to will it away. Unfortunately his best wasn't very good."Since when are you so religious?"He gasped in mock horror (although some of it was sincere) and stared at her. "How dare you! Are you implying that my faith is not devout?""I'm not implying anything! I'm just saying that in all the years I've known you, we've never done a show that involved any type of religion! And aren't you the same Dr. Frasier Crane who tactfully skirts the issue of religion whenever one of your callers brings it up?"Defeated, he realized that there was nothing he could say, for her words were the utmost truth. But in the past few days, his life had changed in dramatic ways. For the first time, his life had meaning, purpose…"Frasier!"He looked up to see Kenny standing in the doorway and he immediately plastered a grin on his face. "Hey, Kenny, what's up?"The casual phrase, what's up sounded foreign coming from his mouth, but it was the best that Frasier could do under the circumstances. He hated when Kenny barged into the booth without asking... even if Kenny was the station manager."That's what I'd like to know!"Frasier's eyes darted from Roz back to Kenny. "I don't know what you're talking about.""I'm talking about the stuff I just heard coming out of this booth! The man who died for our sins? Good Friday? What's that supposed to mean?""Well Kenny, if you've ever picked up the Bible-."Roz's mouth fell open in horror and Frasier realized that he was now in hot water. Kenny was liable to fire him on the spot and quite honestly it would be with good reason. But Frasier simply couldn't divulge the reason for his sudden interest in religion. Not yet, and perhaps not ever. So instead he covered as best as he could."I'm sorry Kenny. That was out of line.""You're damn right it was!" Kenny sneered. "You know, Frasier, if it wasn't Easter weekend, I'd-."Like a sign from the heavens above, Frasier felt his anxiety emerge from his body, almost like the Resurrection. He smiled at the similarities, if it could be considered as such. Although in truth, the Resurrection... Well there was simply no comparison. And for a second he felt a stab of guilt for even pondering the suggestion."Actually Kenny, that's exactly why I chose the topic of religion, because it is Easter weekend and what's more appropriate than to celebrate the start of spring and the reason for the holiday in the first place?"After a moment of almost unbearable silence, Kenny spoke again. "Frasier, I just have one thing to say about your religious Easter weekend broadcast!"Frasier froze, his eyes moving again from Roz to Kenny and then back again. This was it. The moment of truth. He would either lose his job and be forced to walk the unemployment line come Monday morning, or Kenny would buy his impromptu excuse… which wasn't really an excuse at all. He studied Kenny's face clearly for any sign of what the answer would be.And to his surprise, Kenny smiled and extended his hand. "Amen."
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"Well, I'm off." Frasier announced as he gathered his briefcase and jacket. "Do have a good Easter Sunday, Roz. And -." He paused to kiss her cheek. "God bless you."As he walked out of the studio without another word, he caught a glimpse of his producer staring at him in surprise and he smiled in amusement. He knew that she was confused, but that was to be expected. He also knew that she had good reason for her reaction. It was only right to turn around and explain, but he was overly anxious to get home.He had some much anticipated reading to catch up on in the privacy of his bedroom. He hated the thought of being so secretive about his choice of reading material, but he knew without a doubt that his family (especially his father and Niles) would never understand. And he wasn't sure that he'd really be able to explain; not just yet.As he drove back to the Elliott Bay Towers, he quickly grew tired of his usual radio station; KING-FM, which showcased great classical and operatic music. He longed for something deeper. And he found it in the form of Spirit 105.3.He'd never listened to it before but he recognized the DJ's voice almost instantly. The station advertised on Public Television quite heavily, boasting that they specialized in both contemporary and classic spiritual and religious music. It was just the sort of thing he needed at the moment.Almost instantly the organ music filled his car speakers and suddenly he was surrounded by strands of "Onward Christian Soldiers". He sang along with the classic song, his voice bold and clear. He was, after all, singing for the Lord, so he did his best to make certain that he sounded perfect.When the song ended, the DJ began a prayer. For a split second, Frasier considered closing his eyes, but then he realized that doing so while driving was by all accounts impossible. Instead he laid his hand over his heart, hoping that the small gesture would suffice. The prayer ended shortly thereafter to which Frasier sighed contentedly and said "Amen."He hummed along to other songs that followed, wondering how he'd managed to overlook such a wonderful station. KACL notwithstanding, Spirit FM was quite simply, a breath of fresh spring air. How joyous that he had discovered it on Good Fridays of all days! He could only imagine the fanfare that Spirit FM would cause during the Christmas season. He made a mental note to tune in come November, but he had a very good feeling that he'd be listening to Spirit FM long before then. The music was amazingly uplifting and soothing. It was quite a nice change from opera and Mozart.When at last he reached his home, he looked toward the heavens and smiled. The grey, dreary day was beginning to disappear. The clouds had begun to part and a ray of sunshine was peeking through. Yes, it was shaping up to be a perfect Good Friday and he thanked God for creating it.
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He unlocked the door to his home and walked inside, feeling slightly guiltily that he was glad that his father was nowhere around. At least he would have the place to himself. For once in his life he had absolutely no desire to flip through his little black book to find an enchanting woman with whom to spend his Friday evening. There would be plenty of time for romance on Saturday. He supposed that Easter Saturday should be devoted to the holiday as well, but he was sur that God would understand. The thought made him chuckle. For how could God not understand love? God was love!He was still smiling as he removed his coat and hung it on the rack. He was definitely ready for an evening of relaxation. He poured a glass of sherry but instead of settling himself into his room as he'd planned, he sat down on his Cocoa Chanel sofa. He opened his leather bound bible and flipped through the thin, pristine pages that crinkled beneath his fingers.He began with the New Testament. He passed the Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and the others that followed until he came to the New Testament. It was there that he slowed his pace and skimmed through the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John until at last he found what he was looking for.He knew it by heart of course. In the years that he'd attended Easter Sunday church services with Niles, and his parents and occasionally with Lilith and Frederick, he'd become quite fond of the Easter Sunday sermon. Of course with Freddy's Jewish upbringing, the services were different, but the message was essentially the same.He'd heard the Easter Story told over and over by the minister and rabbi in their loud, booming voices and he'd also seen it unfold before his eyes in movies such as "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "Jesus of Nazareth." Both movies brought a tear to his eye every time, but nothing compared to reading it straight from the Bible.He smiled as he began the first paragraph. But he'd barely made it to the second passage of John when he heard the sound of the door unlocking. Quickly he scrambled to hide his Bible, but he wasn't fast enough."Hey, Fras, what are you doing?"Martin's question was met with a glare. "Well, if you must know, Dad, I'm trying to do some reading. I thought that you were going to be out all evening with Stuffy or whatever his name is!""Stinky." Martin corrected. "And I was, but apparently he had some family obligation that he forgot about, so I figured what the hell, I'll just come home.""The one time you didn't forget about your family." Frasier muttered."What was that?""Um, nothing. I-.""Never mind." Martin snapped. "I heard what you said!""Dad-.""I'm not going to be around forever, you know!"Frasier flinched at his father's words and the eerie truth in them. But before he could apologize, Martin went on."That's right, wise-guy! One day I'm going to be gone and you'll be sorry! I-.""What's going on here?""Niles, for God's sake, can't you knock?""Well, we did, but I guess you couldn't hear us with all of your yelling." Daphne remarked with a grin.Frasier rolled his eyes at his sister-in-law, but he knew that he was to blame for the fight with his father. He was batting zero for a hundred (whatever that meant; something his father often said) and he knew that he was going to have to do some heavy duty praying to make up for how he'd treated those he loved. And on Easter Saturday, no less!"What's going on?" Niles asked."Aw, geez, all I did was ask him what he was doing and he acts like he wants me out of his sight!"Niles frowned. "Frasier?"Frasier hated it when Niles took the role of big brother and made him feel inferior. But he supposed in this cake it was justified. Still, he wouldn't quit without a fight."Look, I don't need the third degree, all right? I was just trying to get some reading done!"Daphne grinned. "Wow, it must be some book to cause all of this chaos!"Now Frasier smiled genuinely. "Actually it's quite extraordinary.""Really?" Niles asked. "Well, if you don't mind, I'd love to read it when you're finished. What's it called?""The Bible." Frasier mumbled.Six pairs of eyes turned in his direction and their mouths spoke at once."What?""Huh?""I'm sorry?""The Bible, all right?" He yelled, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "I was reading the Bible."Niles suppressed a grin. "I'm sorry. I thought you said The Bible.""I did.""Martin, Niles and Daphne looked at each other and burst out t laughing. But Frasier merely sighed. They'd never undemand. And he wasn't sure if he wanted to explain.
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They were still laughing as Frasier picked up his Bible and his empty glass and silently walked out of the living room."Hey, Frasier, what gives?" His father asked, poking his head into the kitchen. "We didn't mean anything by it.""We were just having a little fun." Niles added. "I'm sorry Frasier. I didn't mean to laugh so much but the thought of you of all people reading the Bible is just-.""I know. I suppose it is rather… unconventional. But lately-.""What were you reading anyway? That is if you don't mind my asking."Frasier smiled at the sight of his sister in law. At least she seemed to have taken an interest in what he was doing, even if she had laughed along with his father and Niles. "Thank you, Daphne. I don't mind telling you at all, actually. I was reading the Easter Story in the Book of-."Martin's eyes lit up. "Hey! Speaking of Easter, that's Sunday, right?"Frasier scoffed. How his father could be so out of touch with the real world was baffling. "Yes, Dad. Easter is this coming Sunday, which means-.""The casino up north is having an Easter Buffet brunch. All you can eat! Should be a hell of a spread!"Frasier flinched at the way his father used a curse word (a mild one but a curse word nonetheless) in association with Easter Sunday, but he chose to ignore it."Sounds lovely." Daphne said. "At least then I won't have to spend all day cooking.""Well that's a blessing in itself. Thank God for small miracles." Martin grumbled."Listen old man. If you think your exercises are tough now…" She moved toward him, but Niles put his hand on her shoulder to keep her in place."Brunch sounds great, Dad." Niles said. "Daphne and I will meet you there. Say, nine o'clock?""Perfect! Frasier and I will be there.""Actually, I won't be there."All eyes turned to Frasier."Why not?" Martin asked."Because I have some… plans for Easter Sunday." Frasier admitted."Oh geez, can't you for once get up in the middle of the night and go home instead of spending the night at your date's place?"Frasier was appalled at his father's assumption. "I don't have a date, Dad! Not with a woman anyway."The room fell silent and his family exchanged glances. And after a few seconds, Frasier gasped."Oh for Pete's sake that is not at all what I meant! I was talking about God, all right? I have a date with the Lord!""Excuse me?" Daphne said."You know, church? The place where people usually go on Easter Sunday?" Frasier clarified. "Well, I'm going and that's all there is to it! The three of you can just… go off to your silly brunch and I'll just-.""Since when do you go to church?""Since now, Dad! Have you forgotten when we used to go to Easter Sunday services with Mom?""Oh yeah, I guess we did go a few times, didn't we? I barely remember it though. What about you, Niles?""Now that you mention it-.""Well that's just great! Going to church on Easter Sunday happens to be one of my fondest memories but I guess it doesn't mean as much to you, now does it?" He yelled."Frasier, come on-.""I've never seen you go to church before.""Well, Daphne you've never seen me go to one of my wine club meetings either but that doesn't mean-oh, never mind! If you'll excuse me, I have some reading to do in my room.""Frasier!"His heart felt heavy with shame at the way he'd treated his family as he walked out of the kitchen and headed down the hallway to his room. His Easter weekend was not going at all like he'd planned.Dismayed, he sat down on his bed and prayed for guidance.
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He had to admit that he hadn't been to church in years, but he was looking foreword to reacquainting himself with the Sunday ritual. And what better way to start anew then on Easter Sunday? He'd even picked out the perfect place; the Unity Church in Seattle. It was located in Seattle's downtown core, only a few blocks from Cafe Nervosa. It was, by all accounts, a rather odd place to put a church, but it had been there for over a century while the city of Seattle was built up around it. So really, it wasn't all that odd, he supposed. Still, it seemed out of place, nestled between the high rise buildings and bustling retail establishments. He'd never set foot inside but his online research told him that it seemed to be a promising place. And he hoped that he would be rewarded for his attendance in a spiritual sort of way.He spent most of Easter Saturday planning his wardrobe with the utmost care. It took hours and it was a daunting task at best, even more difficult than choosing the perfect wine. He had hundreds of suits in a vast array of colors and his tie collection was even more elaborate. How could he possibly choose? Finally after agonizing over his choices, he finally decided on a cream colored Burberry suit and a pale lavender tie. It was a bit unconventional perhaps, since he mostly wore dark suits, but it was Easter after all, and what better way to celebrate the season of renewal than by wearing spring colors?Despite protests from his Dad, Daphne and Frasier, Frasier announced that he was returning for the evening much earlier than normal."Aw come on Frasier! Stay up a while!" his dad pleaded. "The buffet isn't until-."Frasier held up his hand to keep his farther from speaking any more. "Dad, I told you before, I am not going. I am going to church!"His father shook his head, a sure sign of annoyance. "Suit yourself. But you'll be missing one hell of movie!""What movie is that, Dad? Godzilla meets Superman?""No, wise guy!" His father snapped. "We're watching The Ten Commandments! Boy that Charlton Helston sure did one hell of a job parting the Red Sea!""Oh Dad for G-." Frasier stopped himself from taking the Lord's name in vein. He'd done it often, taken the Lord's name in vein, but he knew deep down it was wrong on so many levels; especially on Easter Saturday.Without another word, he turned on his heels and went to his room. He shut the door, grateful to be alone. He showered and got ready for bed. It was a ritual that he did nightly, of course, but that night it felt different. Sunday was a big day.Clean from head to toe, he dried himself off thoroughly and moisturized his skin before slipping into his pajamas and robe. When he was ready, he removed his robe and placed it carefully on the edge of his bed and then climbed under the covers.But he couldn't sleep. Frustrated he reached for his Bible and turned to the pages that contained the Easter story. He'd read it many times before-or tried to read it anyway-but now in the comfort and quiet of his room, he was able to get the full effect of God's message. No matter how many times he read the story of the Resurrection, it always left warmth in his heart.He thought about his family. He loved them so and felt a stab of guilt that he hadn't told them enough. Life was much too short and people needed to know that they were loved. He'd learned that the hard way years ago when his mom passed away.Tears filled his eyes and he brushed them away. Even now, so many years later it was hard not to think about his mother without shedding a tear or two. He loved her so much. And he prayed that she was happy and safe in heaven with God and the angels.With a full heart, he knelled beside his bed and said a prayer to God, asking for guidance, forgiveness and saying a word of thanks for all that he had. He had more than he deserved and he was okay with that. His life was complete and absolutely wonderful.
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"Whoa! Look at you!""Happy Easter, Dad!"Frasier smiled proudly at the expression on his father's face as he entered the living room. Feeling quite satisfied with himself, He turned around giving his father the full effect of his ensemble."So Dad, does this mean that you approve?""Yes, absolutely! Boy Frasier, you look great!""Well, thank you, Dad. That means a lot."The doorbell rang and he smiled. "I'll get that." With the utmost confidence he headed for the door and pulled it open. Before him stood Niles and Daphne, their mouths open in surprise. Frasier took it as a compliment."Happy Easter, Niles! Daphne!"He smiled as his brother and sister in law entered the condo. Niles looked wonderful in a navy blue jacket and khaki pants and Daphne was a vision in a flowing pink dress. He embraced Niles and kissed Daphne's cheek. "You both look absolutely wonderful! Don't they look wonderful, Dad?""Yeah, I can see them from here, Frasier!" His father snapped. But Frasier ignored the rudeness and turned his attention to Niles and Daphne. "So…""Wow, Frasier…""What is it? What's wrong?""Nothing, you just…""What?""Daphne, really! What's the problem?""No problem at all. You look wonderful, Frasier. Very handsome.""Oh, well thank you, Daphne. And may I say you look breathtaking.""Yes, you may, although Niles has already told me a hundred times on the way over.""He has excellent taste!"Niles scrunched up his face in disbelief. "You never thought so before!""What? Niles, I never-.""Look, never mind. Let's just go, all right? I'm so ready for this buffet.""Wow, Frasier, you're a little overdressed, aren't you? It's just brunch."Frasier glared at his brother. "I told you last night, Niles. I'm not going!""So you're really going through with it? You're really going to church?""What do you mean going through with it? You act like I'm walking the plank! Yes, I'm going to church Niles and none of you can stop me!""Frasier, we weren't trying to stop you!""Oh really? Then what's the big idea with all the wise cracks? Can't a man go to church ON EASTER SUNDAY?"Niles recoiled at Frasier's outburst and Frasier knew he should feel guilty for yelling at his little brother, but he simply couldn't bring himself to do so. If Niles had any kind of compassion whatsoever, he wouldn't question Frasier's decision to attend church. But he suspected that was too much to ask. Even Daphne seemed to be holding back obvious laughter. At least she had the decency not to show it… at least not in front of him."Niles, you didn't answer my question. Why is it so hard to believe that I'm going to church on Easter Sunday?""Well, it's just that you…."Frasier put his hands on his hips. "Yes?""He means that you don't seem the type." Daphne finished.Frasier was appalled and he was compelled to snap back at Daphne for her ridiculous comment. But he didn't dare. Not on Easter Sunday. Instead he ignored her and grabbed his car keys."Happy Easter, Niles. Dad. Daphne. And may the Lord have mercy on your souls!"He ignored their protests and walked out of his home, finding that he had enough energy to walk down nineteen flights of stairs to the garage. And by the time he got to his car, he felt completely renewed.
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He knew that the United Church of Seattle was beautiful-he'd seen plenty of pictures on the Internet. But nothing, absolutely nothing could have prepared him for the sight that greeted him on that Easter Sunday morning. He walked up the steps smiling at the crowd of beautifully dressed church goers dressed to the nines in pastel colored hats, dresses and suits. It was truly a sight to behold. The people along with the abundance of Easter Lilies and other colorful flowers made his heart swell. He held the heavy wooden door for a few men, women and children and then walked inside. He hadn't expected for his breath to be taken away, but the Lord had done just that.He stood, while people filed into the church around him, staring at the sight. It was as though he'd entered a magical place. And in reality, it was.Gorgeous music floated gloriously through the enormous sanctuary from a huge pipe organ that was situated in the loft above the altar. In front sat a choir of children and adults who wore choir robes of blue and red respectively; gold stoles around their shoulders. They stood at attention, holding red hymnals in their hand, waiting for their signal to begin singing. Frasier walked down the aisle, feeling at home among the rows of Easter Lilies that lined the floor, with space in-between each one to allow people to enter the wooden pews. Above him were rows of stained glass windows that allowed the light to shine through, reflecting the beautiful colors onto the sanctuary. It was quite possibly the most beautiful sight imaginable.He thanked the usher for his church program and held the white folded paper carefully in his hands while he went to find a seat. He chose one near the front, for he wanted to hear every word that the minister had to say. When the organ music swelled and came to an end, the minster motioned for everyone to stand.The choir director led the congregation in singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". It was a song that Frasier knew well, and he wasn't afraid to sing his heart out. When the song ended, the minister instructed everyone to sit. He greeted them and thanked everyone for coming on this "Joyous Easter morning". After a prayer and a few words, he began his sermon. Frasier listened intently, hoping to find yet another message from the wonderful story of the Resurrection. He found himself shedding a tear at the thought of Jesus dying on the cross only two days before, but he understood now why it was known as Good Friday.The sermon, although long, was fulfilling and Frasier made a point of making notes on some of his points. He could certainly use them in his daily life in order to help others. When the sermon ended, Frasier found that he had enough notes to help ten people ten times over.Finally the sermon came to a close and Frasier resisted the urge to stand and yell "Bravo!" the way he and Niles did at the opera or the symphony. The church was not a place for such antics, although he made a note to let the minister know how much he enjoyed the sermon after the service was over. He'd read the same story the night before but hearing it in this, a beautiful church, nothing could compare.The children's choir stood and sang "The Old Rugged Cross" in perfect harmony. Frasier felt tears come to his eyes, thinking of Frederick and how much he missed him. He made another note to call his son more often and to make more frequent visits to Boston. He certainly hoped that Lilith would approve. He found that he missed her as well.A wooden plate was passed down each row of pews in the hopes of gathering donations. Frasier was only too happy to oblige. He removed his checkbook and wrote a check for a thousand dollars. He hoped that it would be enough to help such a wonderful church. It was the very least he could do.When the service was over, everyone stood and faced the minister who raised his arms and smiled."I wish you peace, love and happiness on this, Easter Sunday and every day. Amen.""Amen." The congregation echoed.Feeling a sense of pride, he made his way through the crowd in the hopes of catching the minster to praise his sermon. But then he heard his name."Frasier! Over here!"He turned around, unable to believe what he was seeing. It wasn't possible and he was sure that he was dreaming. But it was real.There they were, standing in front of him; Niles, Daphne… and his father.
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He was so stunned he could barely speak. "Oh my… Niles? Dad? Daphne? What are you doing here? I thought-.""Yeah, I know. We were going to go to the brunch at the casino, but then I thought what the heck? We realized that this church business meant a lot to you and well, you're right. It is Easter Sunday.""I-I just…""It was a lovely service." Daphne said. "I've never seen a church look so beautiful. And those children singing…" She blinked back tears, receiving a smile and a kiss on the cheek from Niles."It was wonderful, wasn't it?" Frasier agreed. "You know, when those children were singing, I couldn't help but think of Frederick and how much I miss him.""I miss him too, Frasier. A lot.""So do we." Niles said, putting his arm around Daphne who was wiping her eyes with his handkerchief."I just… I can't believe you all are here and-.""And what?"He threw his arms around his dad. "It's wonderful, Dad. Thank you so much. Thank you for sharing this with me."He turned to Niles and hugged him and then hugged Daphne. "Thank you both so much.""You're welcome, Frasier, but…""Yes?""Well… I…. We…""What? Niles? What is it?""I-We're just wondering why this sudden interest in church. I mean we haven't been since Mom-."Frasier knew that the church was no place for oppositions, but on the other hand it was the perfect place. He looked around, pleased to see that most of the congregation had filed out, leaving the sanctuary more than half empty."All right, you want to know why I wanted to go to church so badly?""Yeah, I'd like to know that as well." His dad said."Fine, I'll tell you! But I don't expect you to understand.""Try us." Niles said."All right, Niles. Well, when you began having those heart problems and things were…. Uncertain…"""Frasier-.""Just let me say this or I won't be able to, all right?"Niles bowed his head. "I'm sorry. Go on, Frasier."Frasier swallowed hard. "When you began having those heart problems and had to go into the hospital, I… Well, I made a promise to God. I promised him that if…." He felt tears filling his eyes but he made no effort to brush them away. "I promised God that if he let you live… if he allowed you to get well again, I would go to church on Sunday. I… I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. I just…"He glanced at Daphne who was crying on Martin's shoulder. And then he looked at Niles, who had tears in his eyes."Oh…. Frasier…""Look, I know it's ridiculous because… well, you're fine. And I knew that you'd be fine anyway. But… It was important to keep my promise. I love you so much and I don't tell you nearly enough and the thought of losing you scared me more than you'll ever know."Niles nodded, the tears spilling onto his cheeks. "I think I do know. I love you too, Frasier. I love you so much. I hope you know that."Before Fraser could respond, Niles embraced him in bear hug and they cried together."I'm so sorry, Frasier. I'm so sorry." Niles cried."It's not your fault, I promise. And I'm sorry I was so hurtful to you all this weekend. I was just-.""We understand. Or we should have." His father said. "Frasier I know this sounds silly but I feel like your mother is here with us and she's proud of you, just like I am."
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Frasier briefly let go of Niles to accept his father's embrace. And then he turned to Daphne."Oh, Sweetheart, don't cry."But she cried harder and threw her arms around him. "Oh Frasier I love you."He kissed her damp cheek. "I love you too, Daphne. I love you Dad.""I love you too, Frasier. Same goes for you too, Niles, Daphne."Frasier watched with pride as he watched his father embrace Niles and Daphne."Well…" He said."Come on, let's go home." His dad said."Actually Dad, can you wait a minute? There's something I need to do.""All right. We'll just sit here. Take your time."Frasier walked to the front of the church, grateful that the minister was still there. He greeted the man and introduced himself, pleased when he learned that the minister was a fan of his show."Well thank you so much. And I'm a fan of yours.""A fan?""Yes, your sermon was absolutely wonderful.""Oh, well thank you. Are you a member here?""No, but I hope to be as soon as I can.""I think that can be arranged.""Would you like to meet my family?""Perhaps some other time if you don't mind. My family is waiting.""Oh yes of course. Well, you have a joyous Easter Sunday!""You do the same. And I hope to see you again.""I look forward to it."The men shook hands and Frasier walked back to the pew where his dad still sat with Niles and Daphne."So, is that brunch still happening at the casino? I'm starved!"'Three mouths fell open. "You mean-.""Sure, Niles. Why not? It sounds wonderful! What better way to celebrate Easter Sunday than with an elaborate brunch at a casino?""Well, okay. I'm sure we can still get in." His dad said."If we can't, we'll find a place.""Or I can make us something at home." Daphne offered. "Perhaps an omelet or-.""That won't be necessary, Daphne.""Oh, that's right. I forgot you aren't fond of my cooking.""No, it's not that. It's just that it's Easter Sunday and it should be spent celebrating, not cooking.""Well, hopefully we can still get in at the casino.""If not, we can go next Sunday. Nothing wrong with that, is here?""Next Sunday is perfect." Niles said. "But after church."Frasier couldn't believe what he was hearing. "A-after…""Is the service at the same time?" Daphne asked."Really?""I can hardly wait." Daphne said, smiling at Niles and his father."Oh Daphne…" Frasier embraced her once again and kissed her cheek."Well come on, let's get out of here and get to that brunch!" his dad said.They walked out of the church and Frasier paused at the door and picked up a few of the Easter Lilies handing them to his family."These are for you, Dad, Niles, and Daphne."They all thanked him at once."Thank you, Frasier.""Gee thanks, Fras.""Frasier, these are beautiful.""I'm glad you like them."They walked down the stairs of the church but Frasier took a moment to walk back into the church. He looked up at the cross that hung in the center of the sanctuary."Thank you God. I'll see you next Sunday… and every Sunday after that."THE END