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It always rains

I have been to three funerals in France and one thing they have had in common was the weather.  Rain and numbing cold.  This is made worse by the fact that everyone turns up to the church but no-one is allowed in until the coffin arrives, is taken into the church and the immediate family have some sort of religious ceremony.  This means that we are standing in the rain and freezing weather for at least half an hour.  When we finally went into the church, bearing in mind I had five layers on, I could not stop shivering.  The church was packed and we were all crying, it was so sad.

When we came out the same thing happens but in reverse order.  We all leave the church and stand around in the freezing rain for another half an hour until the coffin and family leave. 

Therese and I headed back to her car where she produced 2 blankets and a hot water bottle from inside a cool bag.  I smiled with delight and appreciation.  What a thoughtful gesture.  'I knew you would be freezing', she said.

Unlike the other two funerals I have been to, almost everyone came in jeans and casual jackets, even the family.  There were only a few of us who weren't in jeans.  Caroline loved to dress up, slap on her make up and look glam.  Would she have been disappointed ?  We will never know and neither will she.

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