MIRA 2004 Debrief Cynthia Wilkerson
DAY 1-
Barely had sleep from the night before, with Sandy's plane coming in late, we talked for hours, are total sleep in 6 days was 10 hours. First thing in the morning was Registration, and Goodie Bags were given out, we recieved courtesy of Joyce Wolf and the Foundation Mira, several nice items, which will be distributed to those who could not come, perhaps thru Flash Contest's.
There were many activities to speak of, during the 3 day event, I will touch up on those memories that stood out the most.
THE AUCTION was alot of fun, it's amazing to see some of the stuff that is available, and the prices some are willing to pay, the money goes to a fantastic cause and we get a taste of Roy! Nobody cares, everyone is too busy laughing, talking, dancing, singing, being entertained as well as being able to get in on a bid if you find the time, too busy checking everything and everyone around you, before you know it, there goes another great item, and another happy camper! The hosts of the auction performed a very funny skit, one dressed
like a chicken, very talented ladies whose entertainment was well appreciated, I laughed so much.
THE DARKNESS SUPPER was one of the most beautiful and was the best part of my trip, I will remember what I learned forever. I didnt want to be blind-folded this year, so I was the only one on my table that was able to see, everyone else was blind-folded. During the dinner, those that are blind-folded, will physically change inside their bodies. I knew what they were experiencing from last year when I did it myself. I observed their behavior this time. My instincts were to tell them where things were located, and other times, the Mira people would intentionally move the items around ,such as life, things change and move, and the blind must also. I was told I could'nt help them, even if I wanted to. As the attendents were telling me this, I looked into their eyes, and really looked at their facial expressions as they instructed me, and I could clearly see, for the first time, the immense concern in their faces, to do it their way, and I understood why... At one point, it hit me..I witnessed the most beautiful gesture from one person to another, both women were blind-folded, and they sat next to each other. one of the woman wanted to share her food with another woman, and as they spoke of doing so, together they manuvered their bowls, and one gave her food to the other. It literally drew tears to my eyes and had I been blind, I would have never seen it. I thanked God silently..at that very moment. Thank you Mira, for teaching me the value of sight and
the eyes you see through the blind.
AFTER THE DARKNESS DINNER-MAJIC TRICKS
were performed for us, it was absolutely fantastic and entertaining. At one point, a pair of lips made of balloons was given
to me, other things were made and given to other people as well, as he played with us and performed the tricks, French music was played in the background, I at one point sunk into the music, and noted my surroundings, smiles on everyone's faces and some showed amazement, I know I did,I did'nt feel like an adult, I actually felt like a child
being entertained in a way that had long been lost, and too far ago. Thank you Mira for bringing it to me.
THE RACES was a trip, a bit windy and dusty, such as in a race track, but the energy is overwhelming. We were given the opportunity to take a picture with Roy Dupuis before the race begun, placed my arm around his waist and hugged him close, the
picture taken,and scurried to my seat. at one point a newspaper (7 Jours) journalist interviewed and asked where did we all come from and why we were
there, and I told him, "all over the world, to see Roy Dupuis." He asked several questions, and I never did get a copy, I would have loved to see what was written if it made the cut.
In Grandby at the Defi-Races, where Roy would be attending, as well as his driver "Clank", we were allowed to stand by the "two's" next to Roy and take pictures, I watched Warren go to Clank, who had captured his interests highly, Clank rubbed his face on Warren's, and it was one of two most beautiful things I saw during my trip.
CynbytheSea Member Kristen Glanzman won the Flag in a drawing, and was able to start the races, a big thrill for her, and so well deserved. Congratulations Honey! We ate "Poutine", we fell in love with it, frenchfries, smothered in gravy and loaded with melted white chedder cheese, and about 3000 calories that I didnt give a hoot about, I was truly enjoying myself.
THE AFTER RACE PARTY was at an undisclosed location, we arrived by bus to a private banquet room in a hotel, Roy went from table to table, and when he came to ours, we were able to get many items autographed and everyone had a chance to speak to him, his demeanor is no different than what you see on television, I've seen him give a thousand deep looks in his many performances, and this man is freaking awesome, when he speaks to you, he pays attention to you, individually,and looks directly at you, no distractions. Time stops and the world is at a standstill. You either take your next breathe, or you dont. Some are quite shy, others like me, break right in, here is my chance, and he honestly makes you feel as if you can speak to him about anything. He signed many autographs for you all and we told him again of CynbytheSea and the website, which he was indeed aware of, the " Interview" was discussed and I can only say.."see and wait.." He remains beautiful and kind as usual, but we got to see him totally go into "Micheal Mode", when I asked him to sign an autograph for Warren saying "You Have Command", it was awesome, you could see it in his face, it was not Roy, I swear..he gave Warren a Michael-look, and reluctantly
wrote "You Have Command?", we laughed! We had explained that "Operations" ( Eugene Robert Glazer), had once given it to Warren, and I'd like him to give it to him also, He did give it to him...but with a question mark..(man-thing. HA! He was gracious, got his cigerette butt again, thus getting his DNA once
more, maybe next time, I'll just ask for a hair strand.
THE ROYETTE PARTY, was great, very generous and alot of fun.
We recieved a gift bag full of Roy memorabilia and other great items, we watched clips and films and LFN eps, and while everyone tuned into the screen, Chrissy and I sat back and came up with 60 new fact files for the CynbytheSea.com website. We rocked in there, it hit us like bricks, non-stop, one idea after another..what film?/?..we were too busy taking notes of new ideas we had come up with, something I didnt expect, while trying to have fun. All in all, we came out of there jumping and running, and very excited, we are currently working on getting the intel to those idea's and have completed many so far, that can be found at the site.
The movie we saw starring Celine Bonnier and Roy Dupuis was kickass, I love her acting, she's a natural and works immensly well with Roy, a great movie,a true story and extremely well played. I had a great time watching it.
Thank you Joyce Wolf
Thank you Foundation Mira
Thank you Roy Dupuis
Cynthia Wilkerson