"When the timing aligns, Céline Dion will grace the stage once more. In a recent interview with Vogue France, the renowned songstress, aged 56, shared insights into coping with her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome and discussed her contemplations regarding a potential return to performing.
"I cannot provide a definitive answer... For the past four years, I've been grappling with the idea of whether or not to return, feeling prepared one moment and uncertain the next," Dion conveyed to the publication. "At present, I cannot confidently declare: 'Yes, in four months.' It's uncertain... My body will communicate its readiness to me. Nevertheless, I'm not inclined to simply wait idly by."
The singer of "I'm Alive" added, "It's emotionally taxing to navigate each day. It's challenging, I'm exerting myself tremendously, and tomorrow may bring even greater challenges. Nonetheless, tomorrow is a new opportunity. Yet, one thing remains steadfast, and that is my determination. It's the fervor. It's the aspiration. It's the unwavering resolve."
In late 2022, Dion disclosed her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, an uncommon and incurable neurological condition that can induce severe muscle spasms and impacts the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord, as outlined by the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation.
A source revealed last year that Dion was "making every effort possible" to regain her health for a potential return to live performances. In her Vogue France interview, she discussed her daily struggles with the illness and her endeavor to "be the best version of myself."
"Five days each week, I engage in rigorous physical and vocal therapy. I focus on strengthening my toes, knees, calves, fingers, as well as honing my singing and voice," Dion disclosed. "I must now accept and adapt to this reality, relinquishing the constant questioning. Initially, I would ponder: why me? How did this transpire? What did I do to deserve this? Is it my fault?"
The musician's last tour was in 2020, during which she rescheduled numerous dates due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rescheduled shows were subsequently canceled due to health complications stemming from her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.
"Life doesn't hand you any answers. You simply have to navigate it! I find myself grappling with this illness for reasons unknown," remarked Dion, whose journey toward wellness will be documented in the upcoming Prime Video film, I Am: Céline Dion.
"The way I perceive it, I'm presented with two options. Either I commit to rigorous training like an athlete and exert myself tirelessly, or I retreat and concede defeat, confining myself to home, listening to my melodies, standing before my reflection, and singing to myself," she reflected. "I've resolved to commit wholeheartedly, employing every fiber of my being, with the guidance of a dedicated medical team. I aspire to reach my fullest potential. My aim? To lay eyes on the Eiffel Tower once more!"
The Quran - Chapter Ad-Dukhan : 39 - 42
We only created them for a purpose, but most of these ˹pagans˺ do not know.
Surely the Day of ˹Final˺ Decision is the time appointed for all—
the Day no kith or kin will be of benefit to another whatsoever, nor will they be helped,
except those shown mercy by Allah. He is truly the Almighty, Most Merciful.
مَا خَلَقْنَاهُمَا إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ "We did not create them but with true purpose, yet most of them do not know. (44:39) "
In other words, every wise and thinking person should realise that there is a purpose and objective for creating this universe.
The heavens and the earth and everything created in them manifest many realities. Examples are: (1) the manifestation of Divine power;
(2) the possibility of the Hereafter. Obviously, the Supreme Creator Who drew out such huge bodies from the realm of non-existence into the realm of existence surely has the power to destroy them and re-create them;
(3) the need for retribution (reward/punishment). If there is no retribution in the Hereafter, the very existence of the universe would be rendered purposeless or its purpose would be defeated.
The wisdom underlying the creation of the universe is to make it dar-ul-imtihan (the domain of test-n-trial) and the Hereafter is the domain of reward and punishment.
Otherwise, the outcome of both good and bad will necessarily be the same. This is far from Divine wisdom, or not in keeping with Divine wisdom; and (4) urging the thinking people to obey Allah and thank Him for having granted man this entire universe or creation as His great blessing
