The Show Must Go On

Today is another holiday in France. Ascension Day is the commemoration of when Jesus ascended into heaven. While most French people don't actually celebrate the ascended Jesus, having a national holiday is a reminder of France's Christian roots.

It's hard to get much done in France with all the holidays. We had May 1 (Labor Day) and May 8 (Armistice Day) off. We also will have May 28 off for Pentecost Monday. Of course, as parents of 3 young kids, these "days off" actually make more "work" for us than do normal school days.

Many stores are open today, so I went grocery shopping. While out at Auchan, I picked up the CD "Gregory LeMarchal Olympia 06." This was a live concert that he did at the Olympic music hall in Paris last year.

Greg, as he is most commonly called, won the 2004 Star Academy competition. Tragically, he died a couple of weeks ago at age 23 of cystric fibrosis, a condition that he was diagnosed with when he was only 18 months old. This condition affected his lungs and required a daily therapy work of getting the fluid out of his lungs. He was from a small village in la Savoie, a section of southeastern France in the Alps. Albertville, where I spent my first year in France, is also in la Savoie.

He had an amazing voice. Even more, he was an extraordinary person from all the reports of people close to him. Despite his serious condition, he didn't use it as an excuse. He won some national dance contest in his junior high years. He seemed to have a zeal for life and a good sense of humor.

Two weeks ago we watched a tribute to him done by the Star Academy people. One remarkable duet that he did was with French star Patrick Bruel of the Queen song "The Show Must Go On." Here are its lyrics.

Empty spaces - what are we living for
Abandoned places - I guess we know the score
On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for...
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore
The show must go on,
The show must go on
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on.

Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess I'm learning, I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning, round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
The show must go on
The show must go on
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly - my friends
The show must go on
The show must go on
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in
On - with the show -
I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the -
On with the show -
The show must go on...

It's tragic to see a artist like Gregory LeMarchal die at such a young age. Hopefully he knew Jesus before he died. One reason we are in Paris is to help artists and creative people get in relationship with the Master Artist, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and Source of all creativity.