At 73, Marijn Devalck is in good health, but he’s acutely aware that time is fleeting. last month, he faced a heart-wrenching moment when he bid farewell to his closest friend, Yvon Michielsen, who passed away at the age of 87.
The loss hit Marijn hard. the funeral was an emotional rollercoaster,and the family entrusted him with a special role—addressing the attendees. as the coffin was carried into the church, Marijn honored his dear friend by playing the trumpet. It was a task that required immense courage. “It had to be done. I had promised Yvon that I would play at his funeral,” he shared in an interview. “I did it with my eyes closed.”
During the service, Marijn performed Gilbert Bécaud’s classic, “L’critically important c’est la rose.” Yet, overwhelmed by emotions, he chose to skip a verse. “To many emotions came to the surface,” he explained. “I wear Yvon now in my heart.”
This deeply personal moment reflects the enduring bond between the two friends. Marijn’s tribute was not just a performance—it was a heartfelt goodbye to a cherished companion.
What song or musical tribute would you choose to honour Yvon Michielsen?
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An Emotional Tribute: Marijn Devalck Reflects on Friendship and Loss
Q: Marijn, you recently experienced teh heartbreaking loss of your closest friend, Yvon Michielsen. What made your bond with Yvon so unique?
A: Yvon wasn’t just a friend; he was like family. We shared decades of memories, laughter, and even challenges. He was someone I could always count on, no matter what. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself.
Q: You played the trumpet at his funeral, a task that required immense courage. What went through your mind as you prepared for that moment?
A: It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had promised Yvon I would play at his funeral, and I was steadfast to honor that promise. As I stood there, I reminded myself that this wasn’t just about me—it was about celebrating his life and saying goodbye in the most meaningful way I knew how. I did it with my eyes closed,focusing on the music and the memories we shared.
A Musical Farewell
Q: You chose to perform gilbert Bécaud’s “L’crucial c’est la rose.” What drew you to that particular song?
A: That song has always resonated with me.Its message about finding beauty and meaning in life, even in the face of loss, felt fitting for the occasion. It was a way to express everything I couldn’t put into words.
Q: You mentioned skipping a verse during the performance. Was that due to the overwhelming emotions of the moment?
A: Exactly. The weight of the moment hit me harder than I expected. I had to pause as the emotions were just too much. But in that moment,I felt Yvon’s presence with me. It wasn’t about the notes I played—it was about the love and memories we shared.
Honoring a Lifelong Friendship
Q: How has this experience shaped your viewpoint on friendship and loss?
A: It’s made me realize how precious time is. We frequently enough take our relationships for granted, but moments like these remind us to cherish every second we have with the people we love. Yvon might potentially be gone, but he’ll always be with me in my heart.
Q: What advice would you give to others who are navigating the loss of a loved one?
A: Grief is deeply personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to go through it.Allow yourself to feel the emotions, and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support. And most importantly, honor their memory in a way that feels authentic to you.
Thoughts from Our Readers
Q: For those who have experienced a similar loss, what song or tribute would you choose to honor your loved one?
A: I’d love to hear from others about this. Music has such a powerful way of connecting us to our emotions and memories. Sharing those stories can be a beautiful way to keep their spirit alive.
