TO OUR DEAR CHRISTIANE

6NOVEMBER 1997

Dearest Christiane, dearest friend of ours,

To day is time to say how dear you have been and are to us.

For a life's span, you have been the golden thread weaving in the cloth of our joys and sorrows, with the warmth of your caring and generous heart..

Christiane, you have been always near people, ready to help, to give, to share, to comfort, to forgive and to forget.

The twinkling , the light in your eyes , your charming smile, your smartness, make you a great lady.  Every body who comes to know you, leaves a friend.

At this time of the year, you use to prepare to go home on holiday, and we as your friends were earnestly waiting for you, as a blessing  of God, a Father Christmas, and the beginning of Eve's rejoicings.

On your last trip, you insist to bring a big  carrier  for little Douglas, although all the discomfort.  Your last gift  was a big kitchen box for Regine.

At home,you left lots of little things, like little kisses of your heart, to remind us of your loving presence.

Now Chris,  every year, when about to leave us,  you use to sing these words, with a particular light in your eyes,    together with a sweet and trembling smile:

(John Denver) " All my bags are packed, I'm  ready to go,

                           I'm standing outside the door

                           I hate to wake you up and say good bye

                           Kiss me and smile for me

                           Tell me that you 'll wait for me

                           Hold me like you never let me go "

There was no song this time.  You were stolen from us.

Christiane, we had to let you go.

These words are for to day:

                           "I'm leaving on a jet plane,

                            don't know when I will be back again,

                            O Babe, I hate to go,

                            Now time has come to leave you

                            One more time, let me kiss you,

                            Close your eyes, I'll be on my way. "

Dear Chris,

You left us as you lived, on tip toes, courageously , asking for nothing , ready to go, though we know,

you wished to live and be happy.

We all kiss you goodbye, one last time and thank you for every thing.  Life without you will never be the same, but we trust through faith in our God Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ that you are just in another room, with your dearest father, Pade, Raoul, and all our dears, waiting for us, smiling on us, and praying for us on the uncertain paths of life.

Be on your way, dearest Christiane, and be happy in the green pastures of our Lord, where there is no more sorrow.

You will live forever in our hearts and memories.

Arlette

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