A 12-year-old boy narrowly avoided death in an explosion at an Irish petrol station that killed ten people, including his dad.
James O'Flaherty's son Hamish sat in the car outside while his dad popped into the shop before the devastating blast on the outskirts of Creeslough, Donegal, mourners at the man's funeral were told.
Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to James, who was described as a "great father and partner", as well as Catherine O'Donnell and James Monaghan.
Gifts were presented to the altar at the beginning of the mass to reflect on James' life, the Irish Mirror reports.
A Roald Dahl book, "Going Solo", was presented as James and his son had been reading the book together before his untimely death.
A box of chocolates was also brought forward to reflect James' sweet tooth.
Mourners were told that Mr O'Flaherty, a Sydney native, was learning Irish and had been a lover of nature.
They also heard that Mr O'Flaherty lived with his wife, "the love of his life", and their "brave, talented and kind" son at the edge of the village of Dunfanaghy, with their house looking out over New Lake where the Atlantic Ocean could be seen in the distance.
The funeral service heard that Mr O'Flaherty was a man of faith, and that faith had been source of comfort and a "secure anchor" for Tracey and Hamish and the wider family.
They were given a glimpse into the life shared between Mr O'Flaherty, his wife and son, and how he showered them in kisses and hugs every day.
Hamish, flanked by his mother, then made his way to the altar, stood on a foot stool and looked down at the hundreds of mourners in front of him.
In his short but poignant speech, he told mourners that they should cherish life and family.
"I would also like to say something I have learnt in the past week or so," he added.
"We should be grateful. For your families, cherish them, be grateful for they won't be there forever.
"Use the time you have wisely. Also, be grateful for your life because that too will not last forever.
"Be grateful, for you will be able to rest after your hard work."
His words were met by a round of applause and standing ovation from the congregation.
President Michael D Higgins said it was a "privilege" to be with the community of Creeslough.
Mr Higgins visited Creeslough on Wednesday for the first time since the tragedy on Friday. He was out of the country when the incident occurred.
"It's a privilege to be able to share with communities who are going through so much," he said, adding that 25 years ago when he was minister for the Gaeltacht he "had the privilege of knowing these communities and how closely they are together".
"When something like this happens it isn't affecting just a family because everybody is so connected to everybody," the president said.
"Everybody knows everybody."
He added: "It was very important to be here."
