Thank you Montréal

A message of gratitude to My City, in all its beauty for its coming anniversary…

FEB 20, 2017

Thank you Montréal!

Thank you for being so open and welcoming! I look at you from the marvellous site of IGLOOFEST, and I am grateful to belong to a community so proud and so beautiful. Isn’t it simply magical to witness the harmony, the happiness and the beauty of the people joyfully taking part in all this festive life that makes you up!

Montréal, when I look you in the eyes, I feel in love. Like here for example, among the thousands of smiles bursting with happiness, the most colourful outfits and the laughter ringing out at all hours, the magic of this place comes from that feeling of being part of something greater than oneself.

Montréal, I have been watching you and living within you for a long time, but particularly this year, this weekend and tonight, a timeless moment if ever there was one, I want to kiss you, because more than ever in these times of relative insecurity around the world, you allow me to be me, all of me! You allow all of us to be ourselves without fear and without dread…

Indeed, thank you Montréal for your safety, thank you for allowing me to get up every morning with no worry for my life or my loved ones.

I am here in a crowd of 10,000 people, surrounded, wrapped and passed on all sides by all these people, who like your blood carry life all around…

Of course sometimes you get bumped a little…

But not for one instant did the slightest feeling of fear or worry enter my mind.

And I note it very humbly: it is this feeling of consideration for others and of safety in this environment that gives the present moment such a special magic, so unique to you, Montréal.

From here, in the heart of this crowd that embodies your Soul and vibrates to the electronic rhythms of international DJs, who link us to the rest of the world by bringing new sounds like an energizing breath of air, I vibrate to your pulse and wish I could share this love with the entire world…

From here, in the heart of this sea of joy and such beautiful moments, a friend pointed out to me your beauty and your light radiating from all these people, who, smiling despite the biting cold, seem just like me to be taken with good feelings.

So it seems obvious that if the participants are smiling so broadly, they must share, as I do, my love for you, for them, for us, for you all, for everyone and for The Great Whole…

Montréal, how beautiful you are in all your colours, your music, your beliefs and your scents. May the peace in your heart, which lets us laugh, eat, run, cry and love without harm, forever offer the humans who people you this jewel box for developing the best of their feelings, without fear or distrust of others, but rather in openness and in confidence for tomorrow.

Thank you to all those who make you up, and to all those who bring us together under the banners of the 375th or of IGLOOFEST to celebrate our oneness that sets us apart so much, this very Québécois joie de vivre, warm and caring under the summer sun or below zero, all bundled up.

I love you Montréal.