Olympics, Carreras and my career

In the last two months, something happened which gave me much to think about. Last night, when I watched the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on the television and heard Placido Domingo sing, I was able to bring together all of my thoughts.

One morning, a month or so ago, I received an email from a writer which said that someone had made some comments about me on a blog. My writer friend was offering words of comfort. I was grateful, yes, but was more pleased that the comments had finally been made – there had been a lapse in this person’s comments about me for over a year now and I was expecting something. Suffice to say, this person has labeled me a failure; I might as well just drop off the face of the earth and not bother trying at all.

I will admit that a few years ago, comments such as these from this person would have hurt terribly. Now, I laugh. Why? Well, to answer that, I need to tell you the story about Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo.

I cannot remember where I read this story or even when but I remember the story. In it, Carreras, born in Barcelona, and Domingo, born in Madrid, became not only musical rivals but bitter enemies in 1984, concerning the political debate over Catalan autonomy. It went so far that both specified in their contracts that they would always refuse to perform together in any event. In 1987, Carreras was diagnosed with leukemia and had to have treatment which saw him travelling to the United States once a month. Unable to sing during these times, his fortune quickly started to vanish. He then discovered a foundation, based in Madrid, offering support to people suffering from leukemia. Thanks to that foundation, he recovered from his illness and returned to singing. When he made investigations, he found that the Foundation had been secretly created and financed by Domingo, with the sole purpose of helping him with his treatment. Domingo had chosen to remain anonymous. Deeply moved by this gesture, Carreras interrupted a concert held by Domingo in Madrid, knelt at his feet to thank him and to beg for forgiveness. Their rivalry then turned into a great friendship. Asked by a journalist why he had decided to help his rival, Placido Domingo is said to have replied: “We cannot afford to lose a voice like that.”

Apparently, this story is untrue. When I searched the website for this story, I came across the website by José Carreras. I also came across the entry in Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermosa_Foundation) which states as follow:

… In response to the rumour, the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation has issued on its website the following official denial:
In relation to the information published in different websites referring to a supposed financing by a Hermosa Foundation and Mr. Plácido Domingo of Mr. José Carreras’ leukaemia treatment, the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation and Mr. José Carreras himself feel compelled to deny all these in formations, especially refuting that any relationship exists or has ever existed between the pretended Hermosa Foundation and Mr. Carreras. No financial assistance from Mr. Domingo nor from said Hermosa Foundation, whose existence is totally unknown to him, nor from any other source was ever requested, neither received.
Moreover, Mr. José Carreras has a special interest in stating that friendship, profound admiration and mutual respect have always presided his relationship with Mr. Domingo. Mr. José Carreras has started legal action in defence of his own interest and right to honour and has the firm intention of legally acting against any person or corporation publishing non-confirmed and untrue informations on his person.

I’ve clicked on the link in Wikipedia but can’t view the webpage.

Whether or not this story is true, I really do not care. I know enough about storytelling to realise that sometimes, stories are true and, sometimes, they are not. What is more important is the lesson learned from that story. The lessons I learnt from this tale were as follows:

1. Time heals all wounds.
2. A person who is your arch enemy today may become your friend tomorrow.
3. Sometimes, having someone against you all the way can be very beneficial for your career. If someone vehemently criticises you today, however painful their words are, you have to listen to them – if the comments made help you to understand your weaknesses, then accept them and try harder the next time. If they’re nasty and unfounded, just ignore it and wait for this person to make a complete ass of himself … which, I’ve noticed, they inevitably do.
4. If I am to be labeled a failure by some, then so be it. I know in myself that I tried my hardest. I was true to myself and I have learnt from my mistakes.

I’ve applied these lessons to criticisms made about my writing career by this person and slowly but surely, I’m gaining my confidence. I have advanced as a writer and am firmly on this path I have chosen. I still make mistakes but I know that writing brings me much joy and it is proving to be an exceedingly enjoyable career choice indeed.

Photos from The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and The Most Comprehensive Site on Jose Carreras