My Heart Will Go On

In spite of the mere fact that I own every Celine Dion album ever produced, I can’t profess that I was an ardent fan of hers until I heard her live at the Air Canada Centre on August 28th/08. I will, however, confess that my husband has caught me many times over the years with my head phones on singing along with her at the top of my lungs. When he catches me, he always says “Can you please sing solo?” In our house that means “Can you sing ‘so low’, that we don’t hear you?” That’s usually when I pull the head phones and turn the stereo off.

We ‘drove all night just to get to her’. My husband was driving; we drive to downtown Toronto all the time. On our journey that evening I was preoccupied with my new Blackberry and when I looked up; I realized that we were past the airport. My husband was on auto-pilot. Apparently, I’m supposed to be the talking GPS head and was to be providing him with audible directions such as “exit right on Renforth Drive in 500 metres”...We ended up in Rexdale. Needless to say I took the wheel at a gas station there and we headed downtown. Parking was an issue so our butts hit our seats in the Air Canada Centre at 8:35 p.m., just in time for Celine’s appearance at 8:45 p.m.

Out she came. I couldn’t immediately understand why tears were spontaneously streaming down my cheeks. It was visceral. It didn’t take long for the epiphany. I knew every song and some at critical junctures in my life have been my anthems.

I discovered Celine with ‘Beauty and the Beast’. My niece Belle and I went to see that movie together. She loved it. She was ever just the same and ever a surprise. Leukemia robbed her of meeting her Beast. She will always be my ‘Belle 'of the ball. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Cvq416zuQ&feature=user

My father was my inspiration and best friend. When he died I felt like I was all by myself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVKv6PdBR-I&NR=1 .

My daughter is the place I call home. I will always be there for her, whatever it takes. Every beat of my heart, every day without end. I will risk everything and lay down my life for her. After all a promise is a promise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxECw1wulzE&feature=related

Then there are the people that make me feel alive. My mom, my brothers and all my nieces and nephews who make my spirits high. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pw4Nn99vlU

Steve and I dared to break away from the familiar and so far we have succeeded. He and I are meant to fly... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMXT3sg3Mc&feature=related

I happen to think that Leonardo Dicaprio is the sexist man alive! I imagine lounging on the chaise and him appearing with a sketch pad and charcoal... (Sigh, my heart would stop not go on). That was the most erotic scene I've ever seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO_vFuzPJvc&feature=relatedv=uO_vFuzPJvc&feature=related

I love opportunities. Friends have come back into my life. My best friend Kim is front and centre. In addition I have formed new friendships. What do you say about taking chances with me? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vghj4bqDQIw

I dedicate this prayer to my cherished Jonathan & Antoinette (James & Adam), Stephen, my Mom, and, my Steve and Hilary. We’ve been together forever. May God guide us with His grace to a place where we’ll all be safe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db1-IlnW2YY

Finally I thank Celine for the milestone melodies. I know now why your gift is so visceral.

All for one and one for all!