Forever A Love Story

Almost from the moment the first notes began to play, that melody we all know so well, the love fest began anew.
And Jamie Sale and David Pelletier knew, as they listened to the piece of music that changed their life, why it means so much to be remembered this way.
Why the tears would flow, and so uncontrollably at times.
But in the end, the world and Olympic pairs champions had their day, exactly the way they wanted it. In front of people who meant to much to them in their careers. And with adoring the fans, with whom they've always savoured a special connection, looking upon it all.
Powerful stuff, both admitted later, about their official induction into Skate Canada's Hall of Fame on the final day of the 2008 BMO Canadian figure skating championships at Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver.
"At home, when we’re watching an induction or a tribute or retirement, they start crying and we always say ‘why are they crying?’ ” said Sale after the emotional on-ice ceremony. "It’s a happy thing and they’ve had a great career. We never feel like it’s an emotional thing.
"But you know what it is? You have to be in that moment, and you don’t really understand until you’re in that moment. It’s powerful. And you start reflecting and thinking about what you’ve really done together. So yeah, it is emotional and we really get it now."
And the reminder was right there for everyone to see. A tribute video, with words from people who mattered the most in their skating lives — coach Jan Ullmark, choreographer Lori Nichol (who crafted the brilliant Love Story free program that will be linked to these two forever), Skate Canada president Benoit Lavoie and Debbi Wilkes, the former Olympic pairs silver medallist.
The memories? They've had a few. Most notably the unveiling of Love Story, and the first Canadian title it brought Sale and Pelletier in Calgary in 2000. The world title a year later, right here in Vancouver. And of course, Olympic glory in Salt Lake City in 2002.
Given that remarkable moment at General Motors Place seven years ago, perhaps this was exactly the right city for their induction to happen. But Pelletier went one step further.
"I think it’s the right country," he said. "Canadian fans are just the best and even when Skate Canada asked us, how would you like to have it ... I said I wanted it among the fans.
"The best part for me was to do it in front of the fans. And to share it with the fans. Without them, there’s no skating."
And without each other, there would have been none of this. Yes, we were all reminded, by one poignant photo (with a lovely child) and their words, that this is indeed a real-life love story. One that will last long beyond their skating days.
"The best part? I was being inducted with him," Sale said with a loving glance toward Pelletier, the love of her life. "Everything was great. It’s hard to pick one thing that was the best. But I’m just so grateful that I’ve had the career I’ve had with David.
"At the end, he’s been a great partner, he’s a great husband and a great father. I couldn’t ask for a better person to spend my life with and have a career with."
For those of us who have been so fortunate, what a privilege it has been to be a part of it all. And one more time on this special days of theirs.