The content of this post is an adaptation of an original text written by Guy Laliberté.
On June 11, we landed late in Montreal, but my fatigue was soon replaced by joy when I saw my children and my love. . . and then got to sleep in my own bed! I dozed off while mentally preparing for the crazy week ahead.
The next morning was a whirlwind of meetings: a presentation on production concepts; a meeting with Claude Péloquin, the poet who is helping me write the poem for my mission; a project follow-up with my whole team; and so on. It was like an obstacle course where I had to run from one meeting to another, not to mention personal appointments (dentist, osteopath, etc.)!
The highlight of my day was the surprise the staff at CDS (Cirque du Soleil) headquarters had prepared for me to mark our 25th anniversary. Forming a guard of honour, they escorted me as I revisited my cirque and its history. I was deeply moved and so happy to see everyone’s support. This was followed by a party, where everyone celebrated heartily (like true Cirquesters)!
On the weekend, it was a whole other kind of celebration with some adorable little monsters: my children! My family and I went to see OVO and then on to the fireworks; I dropped my oldest daughter off at her prom and went to see my other daughter’s dance show—things that feel good and leave me filled with love and pride.
Another highlight this week was my trip to Gaspé. The Quebec spirit was instantly palpable: I felt right at home. I’ve always said that there should be more clown noses in life. . . and now, some 1,500 of them were all around me! It was heart-warming. I got goose bumps. They were really great.
That same day (June 16, the official birthday of Cirque du Soleil), I hopped onto a plane to get back to CDS headquarters, strap on my stilts and join my group for the Guinness World Record attempt at the most people walking 100 metres on stilts. As the old saying goes, the more the merrier!
On Wednesday, it was my love’s birthday. We took the kids downtown to watch her model at the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival. Man, she is so beautiful (and so many other things, too). I love her so much! Then we went to the No Doubt concert and took full advantage of our night out together. I was so happy to be there on this special day.
On Thursday, it was my night out with the boys for a poker game! I don’t know if this will be the last one before my blast-off, but either way, I enjoyed every minute of it! It’s not just about the game itself; it’s the whole feeling of camaraderie that I like.
On Friday, I watched old Super 8 movies with my parents and my oldest daughter. It’s so special to see yourself as a little boy and hear your parents’ stories about your childhood. It was a magical moment that made me realize just how lucky I am to have them. During the week, I spoke to my friend Julie Payette just one hour after her take-off was cancelled. She’s such a great gal. She is so generous with her time and advice. I really value her support. She told me about her feelings and how happy she was to be able to see and kiss her children again. I invited her over for a family dinner.
On Saturday, I was sad to have to leave my cocoon, but happy to be getting back to work on my mission. Claudia and I had some friends over for a formal birthday celebration for her and our baby as well as for Father’s Day. The kids loved it, and it gave me the opportunity to see my friends again before taking off.
Before leaving, I wanted to send a message to my people—the people of Quebec—to tell them how much I love them and thank them for all the support and encouragement they have given me in my life and especially this week. So I wrote them a little letter.
Sniff, sniff. . . A few hours later, it was time to head back to Moscow: time flies when you’re having fun!
Now I’m back in my little room in Star City with framed pictures, carefully wrapped and packed in my luggage, of my sweetheart and my children.