Friday, August 31, 2012

The Extreme Parenting Video Project ...

A few months back, my friend here in Los Angeles, Elizabeth, who writes over at ' a moon, as if it had been a shell', put out a call to us parents living in the trenches. And this is what she said:"

"For the last two years I've said here and elsewhere that I'm going to make a video of still photos of YOU, parents of children with special healthcare needs and your wise words to yourself, THE DAY BEFORE YOU KNEW YOUR CHILD'S DIAGNOSIS. These words can be simple, complex, dark, light, positive, negative, funny, serious or everything all at once. I'm going to set the photos to music and hope it'll be helpful to new parents as well as inspiring. I imagine it'll be a healing testament for all of us."



Well, the video is done. And it is beautiful and I was so very privileged to be part of this project. And you know, it didn't come easy for me. Being part of it I mean. I felt exposed and vulnerable and judged as I stood there with my poster boards but honestly, the truth be told,  that is how I often feel as I dwell in this world of disability from day to day. But I could not NOT do this. I felt it was important for all those who walk in this parallel world alongside me. Solidarity of sorts. But more then that, I thought it was especially important for those parents just dropped into this life. A message to those walking bleary eyed, full of fear and uncertainty. A shout out to let them know ... YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Watch. Marvel. And then share. 







16 comments:

Shannon said...

This is absolutely incredible. Thank you!

Rochelle said...

This is fabulous~ Love that you were part of this!

Bea, OT said...

Just tears of joy, pain, and understanding! Thank you!

Carolyn said...

It's so freakin' good, isn't it? Love that you and I are "next to each other" in the video. No coincidences, says I! I'm glad we met in these interesting trenches.

Cammie Heflin said...

Love!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful that this person created this and awesome that you took part in it.

Bluebelle

Anonymous said...

awesome
Lisa

colleen said...

So beautiful heather.. what a beautiful job elizabeth did.

Shelly Turpin said...

beautiful!

Kristin said...

awesome!

Bea Braun said...

How beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing Heather. I know how important it must be to you, because you let them take your picture :)

Reagan Leigh said...

I'm definitely going to have to watch this again on my computer...I could only read half of them! Such a neat idea though. Love it!

krlr said...

Such a beautiful video & such a wealth of insight. I'm still ashamed I never contributed but I'm photo shy. And not one to give advice.

Joyce said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! Thank you Heather and to all who participated. You spoke for all of us.

Melissa said...

Love this!!

Jana said...

Beautiful and encouraging!