Goobye to a good friend.

We went to an interesting but different funeral today.  A good friend, Michel Riocreux, was the man who had introduced us to the Bridge Club in Gourdon.  He was also the man we referred to as the 'Miracle Man' as he had survived 4 different cancers!  However no-one can keep dodging the bullet and he died last Saturday.  Here in France the funeral has to take place within 6 working days, so his ceremony took place this morning.

What made it special was that the religious ceremony was held outdoors in a hollow in a small wood. We understand that it was a quarry, possibly where the stones were cut out for building a monastery in 1235. It was developed about 2 years ago as a pilgrimage centre with links to Lourdes. 

As it is in an extremely 'back-of-beyond' place, Sue and I did a reccy to find it, and we were amazed when we did find it ... peaceful and spiritual with the sun shining through the trees and birds singing.

The photos don't do justice to this lovely, intimate and spiritual place ... but it was a nice way to say 'au revour' to Michel.