Nearly 200 people gathered this Saturday morning at the Saint-Lambert church in Berloz to pay a final tribute to little Ethan, found dead last Sunday. A ceremony marked by emotion, dignity and moving testimonies.
The emotion was there this Saturday morning at the Saint-Lambert church in Berloz. Nearly 200 people, relatives, friends, but also residents affected by the tragedy, gathered to say goodbye to Ethan, 4 years old. The little boy was found lifeless in his room last Sunday, suffocated. His mother was charged with murder.
At 11 a.m., the small white coffin was placed in the center aisle, accompanied by the song Over the Rainbow. A photo of Ethan, flowers and a big teddy bear symbolized the love and tenderness of those around him.
During the ceremony, the priest painted the portrait of a child overflowing with life and curiosity, enrolled in baby swimmers, judo and football by parents concerned about his development. “A kid full of life, energy, who ran all the time and was kind”he described, before evoking the pain of the tragedy.
“Stupefaction”
The priest mentioned “a drama, tragedy, incomprehensible”. Before continuing: “We would like to understand, to put into words… In the word understand, there is the word take, take with, but there are things that we cannot take with… There will be a judicial time to understand, but what brings us together today is Ethan. There are lots of emotions, feelings within us, astonishment, amazement, perhaps disgust and the inability to accept what is happening. has passed, anger, fear, love no doubt also, the taste of life, I ask you to let them take root in you….”
A broken father
For his part, Ethan’s father shared a heartbreaking text, read by the priest. His words shocked the assembly. “Ethan, my little boy, my treasure, you helped me move forward so much. (…) You were the most magnificent of all the little boys. (…) A part of me is leaving with you, but I promise you that I will get back up, for you (…) I love you more than anything, my son.
Members of both families also spoke with emotion, without hatred. The mother’s sister read one last story, recounting Ethan’s life and his parents’ love. She also spoke of the strength of the feelings that united Ethan to his mother.
The principal of her school, on behalf of her classmates and teachers, recited the words of Nos Absents de Grand Corps Malade.
The ceremony ended on a brighter note with the song Magic in the Air, dear to this little football fan.
