A few years ago, for her birthday, I took my Gramma to see Rita McNeil in Winnipeg. She was in awe of her voice - had all her videos and television shows recorded to watch and enjoy over and over. Her dream was to meet her in person, but I figured seeing her live on stage would be the next best thing.
The excitement leading up to the show was incredible!
As Rita hit the stage, I watched as the entire audience lit up. I knew some of the songs, but never have I been to a concert where everyone is singing. I was in awe.
After the show, my 'Nan' was in tears, touched by Rita's beautiful voice and harmonies. She raved about Rita McNeil as if she knew her, and I listened as she excitedly explained every show, every song and how they made her feel. It was amazing......
For one last surprise, I wanted to buy Nan some of Rita's souvenirs. We filled a bag with Rita's famous teas, books, a video and some other small items. My Nan was over the moon!
As she was looking over the tables of items, I turned around and caught sight of Rita McNeil herself! I reached over and took my Nan's hand, turned her around and started moving her toward Rita. As Nan saw her too, I could hear her breath catch in her throat. She walked up with confidence and had Rita sign a few of her items. They talked like old friends, and Nan looked like a child meeting her idol.
I was in awe of it all.
As we walked out with the show in our memories, a bagful of souvenirs and a chance meeting with Rita McNeil herself, I asked Nan if it had been a happy birthday. She turned to me and said, 'Kid, after all of that - ask - you can have whatever you want.'
I took her by the hand as we left the venue and said, 'Let's go home - I have everything I want.'
Thanks, Rita. ♥
The excitement leading up to the show was incredible!
As Rita hit the stage, I watched as the entire audience lit up. I knew some of the songs, but never have I been to a concert where everyone is singing. I was in awe.
After the show, my 'Nan' was in tears, touched by Rita's beautiful voice and harmonies. She raved about Rita McNeil as if she knew her, and I listened as she excitedly explained every show, every song and how they made her feel. It was amazing......
For one last surprise, I wanted to buy Nan some of Rita's souvenirs. We filled a bag with Rita's famous teas, books, a video and some other small items. My Nan was over the moon!
As she was looking over the tables of items, I turned around and caught sight of Rita McNeil herself! I reached over and took my Nan's hand, turned her around and started moving her toward Rita. As Nan saw her too, I could hear her breath catch in her throat. She walked up with confidence and had Rita sign a few of her items. They talked like old friends, and Nan looked like a child meeting her idol.
I was in awe of it all.
As we walked out with the show in our memories, a bagful of souvenirs and a chance meeting with Rita McNeil herself, I asked Nan if it had been a happy birthday. She turned to me and said, 'Kid, after all of that - ask - you can have whatever you want.'
I took her by the hand as we left the venue and said, 'Let's go home - I have everything I want.'
Thanks, Rita. ♥
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