Laughter and Tears

We sent the word out in the announcement that we put in the paper that there weren't to be any flowers and by word of mouth told people that Christian would have prefered that they buy their favourite tipple and raise a glass to his memory. On his coffin we had this portrait and a fun certificate that Christophe had sent to the "meilleur papa du monde " for  last year's Father's Day and had been on our fridge ever since.
Christian arrived at the crematorium about 40 minutes before we were due to start so that anyone who hadn't could sign the book of condolences and so that those who wanted to could see him and say a last goodbye. He was looking at peace and very smart wearing his glasses, his latest waistcoat as seen on the post of 26th April and with his hair as soft and smooth as an otter's fur (hence Françoise's nickname of "ma loutre").

                                                                     Order of Ceremony 
(during which time there was a continous slide show covering all aspects of Christian's time on this earth bringing out his love of life and people. It was met with laughter and tears and it's not for nothing one of his other nicknames was "Mr Quatre Bises/Mr Four Kisses" 

Entry to Edith Piaf singing "Non, Je ne regrette rien"   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoiEGfd-328

Acrostiches in French (translation to follow) and English read by Christophe and Rowena
Cheerful
Honest
Intelligent
Sympathetic and sociable
Trustworthy
Irresistable
Adorable
Naughty ( but Nice!)

Christian's Story with many funny anecdotes (Frank, Christophe and Valérie)

Eulogy (Mr Le Maire)

Christian (Lyrics and Music by Jean and Laurent) Translation to follow

The whole Family around the Coffin (The Lonesome Boatman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmDMyTs9Gyk and The Old Man, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCSaBYY-wQk The Fureys) followed by the cremation.

Thank yous (Michel)

Departure and as is traditional, the family lined up outside to acknowledge those present.

There must have been well over 200 people there and I think that I must have been kissed by all of them! Christian would have loved to be present.
Wakes are not usual here but we suggested that for anyone who wanted to continue talking and toast Christian, we intended to go to the village bar. The terrace soon filled up with friends, family and colleagues from the Mairie (it was closed for the morning).
A buffet lunch for over 40 people miraculously appeared in the cave; Jean and Laurent provided the music.
After us all scattering in different directions in

the afternoon, we found ourselves back in the bar for an apéritif. The northen French discovered a "girafe" (a cylander of several litres of beer) or rather a herd of them before we went home for something to eat; once again buffet style.
So ended a full on day filled with so much affection and solidarity. Doesn't make up of course for Christian no longer being with me but it left me feeling that I was well supported and able to face up to the future.