I’m Claire, and I’d want to talk about a moving chapter of my life that started with intense self-loathing but turned into an unforeseen path of empowerment and fresh possibilities. This metamorphosis took place both during and after a business function at my husband Tim’s boss’s opulent home. It was supposed to be a fun-filled evening, but my husband’s careless remark turned it into a significant turning point in my life.
My nerves were aroused as soon as we arrived at the lavish location by the setting’s grandeur and the guests’ exquisite clothes. I had given birth three months earlier and felt incredibly self-conscious about my postpartum physique, even though I was wearing my nicest outfit. Tim seemed especially keen to show me around his coworkers and their spouses—possibly in an attempt to win over his employer.
Inside, the energy was electric, with people having animated discussions over good wine and delicious fare. I could feel others examining me while I made an effort to socialize, which made me feel even more insecure. I was starting to get nervous that the evening would not go as planned.
In the middle of the throng, Tim and I had a quiet moment until he leaned down and said something that completely broke my calm: “Oh, God, look at their wives.” They certainly don’t tip the scales as much as you do, huh? Three months ago, you delivered birth. Why are you unable to simply resemble them?
His remarks sliced deep, and I was left reeling from the unanticipated brutality. Tears welling up in my eyes, I excused myself and ran to the safety of the restroom. I let myself cry behind the barred door, too ashamed and betrayed to stop myself.
I felt wounded and angry at the same time when I thought back on his remarks. What made him say that? Feeling completely deceived by the person who was meant to be my biggest ally, I asked questions.
Mr. Harrison, Tim’s supervisor, abruptly approached me after I had somewhat regained control. He questioned softly, “Claire, may I speak with you for a moment?” while wearing a worried expression. He spoke in a gentle tone, and I nodded, feeling shaken by the experience.
Еltоn Jоhn thаnks his fаns fоr ’52 yеаrs оf рurе jоy’ аs hе соnсludеs his tоuring саrееr
After more than 50 years on the road, Elton John has officially retired from touring.
The renowned artist performed his final tour act at Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena on Saturday, the final stop on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.
“I’ve had the most incredible career, beyond words. How fortunate am I to be able to play music for 52 years?” John, 76, told the audience as he finished his concert with “Your Song” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
“But, you know, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you. You bought the singles, albums, CDs, and cassettes, but more importantly, you bought the concert tickets, and you know how much I enjoy performing live.”
After the show, the five-time Grammy winner thanked his fans for their unending support spanning more than five decades.
“My fans have been there for me every step of the way.” They’ve remained with me, they’ve supported me, they’ve been patient, and they’ve been coming to every single event,” he stated in a post-show statement, according to Consequence.
“Tonight has been a beautiful night. I’m still processing everything, and I don’t believe it’ll take a while before I’m finally done touring. I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss the fans or how much their love has humbled me – it will live on in my heart forever.”
At one point during the event, the “Tiny Dancer” singer received a special message from Chris Martin, who was performing with his band, Coldplay, in Sweden at the same time.
“Elton, we just wanna say, from all of us here, from all the bands and artists that you’ve loved, inspired, and helped, we just love you so much,” Martin, 46, said in part. “We love you tremendously. Happy retirement and we’ll miss you terribly, dude.”
John, who has been traveling since 1970, took to Instagram earlier Saturday to deliver a poignant message before of the highly anticipated event.
“What a journey this tour has been, and now we find ourselves at the end of it,” he wrote. “Tonight is the final night.”
While John is no longer traveling, he and his management have previously announced that fans can expect to see him perform in some way in the coming years.
“It’s essential to distinguish between Elton retiring from touring and Elton not performing his very last public performance for the very last time,” John’s husband and manager, David Furnish, told Billboard last November.
“I know he will not be touring in any capacity. What you’ll see is the prospect of a spectacular one-time event or a short residency in a single place for a limited time.”
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