Because You Loved Me- Part II

It's been awhile since I've written. Yes, I know. But we moved and I've been trapped under a mountain of boxes. Anway, I'm back.

I am in the process of writing a long entry about my husband and how we met but as I thought more about it, I needed to post THIS entry after my last entry, "Because You Loved Me."  It is short and sweet with an emphasis on sweet!


My husband makes my dreams come true...literally! About five years ago a few weeks before our 10th anniversary, John walked into our bathroom where I was relaxing in the tub.

"I know we said we weren't going to do anything for one another on our anniversary since we're going to Colorado in January, but I couldn't let our 10th roll by without doing special something for you. You're my queen and best friend. I love you more than anything in the entire world." And he handed me a white envelope.

Tucked inside was a reservation confirmation to the Bellagio for 3 nights and two front row tickets to see Celine Dion in concert at Caesar's Palace. We were going to Vegas!!!! It goes without saying I cried a bucket of tears...tears of happiness for this priceless gift and tears of gratitude for being able to share my life with this man who not only knew the desires of my heart but found a way to make those desires a reality.

He said, "I was going to surprise you, but I know how you love getting ready for a trip almost as much as you like going on the trip." He was right, but unlike other trips, I felt this trip was another connection to my mom. He knew better than anyone how strongly I felt about seeing Celine in concert and specifically hearing her sing "Because You Loved Me."  I could barely wait. Something in my heart just knew that when I heard Celine sing it, the stars would align and the broken part inside me would be filled with peace.

After a horrible plane ride where we were separated and a spine-tingling taxi trip through rush hour traffic, we rolled up to the Bellagio. Any stress we may have felt was instantly erased when we walked through the doors of the Bellagio and into our room. We called it the "Fifty Yard Line" room because we were dead center for the fountain show taking place outside. Our bellman turned on the tv so we could hear the same music playing for the fountain show but from the privacy of our suite. Everything in these luxurious rooms were controlled by a panel of buttons. Could I live here permanently in this five star paradise?

Wonderful meals, cocktails, gambling, shopping, Cirque du Soleil "O", and a visit to a drive-thru wedding chapel where we renewed our vows kept us busy until the big night. Before I knew it, we were walking through the door at Caesar's Palace and into the theater they built just for Celine. I had to keep pinching myself. Was this really happening? The kind usher escorted us to our seats. I was beyond excited about being in the front row, but I wasn't prepared for truly how close we really would be. The stage itself bumped against my knees when we sat down. To my right...and I mean literally sitting by my right side... sat some of her featured musicians... picture the flute player for "My Heart Will Go On" and backup singers. WHAT?

The lights dimmed and the show started. It was magical. It was amazing. I had goosebumps. It was beyond my wildest dreams. "Because You Loved Me" was the second song she sang. (The video I added from my previous post could have been when I was there. Where her backup singer is to the right is where we were.) She was so close I could see her eyelashes. Tears poured like rain from my eyes...just another song for Celine but a life-altering moment for me. My crumpled heart unfolded and filled until it felt like it would burst! In the semi-darkness I looked over at my soulmate. He also had tears streaming. I felt his hand holding mine and the strength of our love for each other. The words to the song took on another meaning in that second.

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was
Loved by you.

I am everything I am because John loves me.