Byebye Butterfly

Today I got to say goodbye from a very special woman. A sister from my grandma, tante Wiesje Rutten. She had been ill for quite a while now, but she passed away less than a week ago.

On this day I went to the church in Alphen first for the holy ceremonies; an orchestra and choir made it a very special moment. During some of the speeches it was hard not to cry. The coffin was fully decorated with brightly colored paper butterflies. One of her selfmade pieces of art was placed behind it with above it a suspended glass/metal butterfly.

The butterfly was a metaphor to describe her as being much alive and active. After the mess in Alphen we all drove to the crematorium in Turnhout. There we had to wait for a while before we could take part in the official but intimate farewell ceremony. With many personal texts by grandchildren, children, sisters, cousins and friends it was very special. My dad got to be the emcee and talk the songs and pieces of text into one fluent whole; he did great.

After this ceremony I cried when saying a final goodbye at her coffin. Next off to the coffee and great Belgian sandwiches. Wished the family strength, noticed a butterfly outside the building in the garden and then went off to her farm.

This is the farm where we annually have our volleyball tournament and barbecue. We will have to miss that from now on, it feels so unreal... What was even more strange was how the urn with her ashes was put on the table just after the cremation. It was still a bit warm; very special! She got a glass of red wine (just like she always liked it) and we toasted on her life.

After this heavy day, a differently heavy night would follow. I played the piano accompaniment for Bad Girls the musical in a complete run of the show. All music was new to me, but I think it went well. I am looking forward to the shows!

And now I say: good night everyone, sweet dreams.