David, his daughter, and grandson Within 24 hours in June I received two inquiries that felt too connected to be coincidental. Lynda Martin-McCormick was seeking support to create a home funeral for her husband, David.
Lee Emmert, a filmmaker, was seeking subjects for a short student production. "I’ve long held the view that the way we handle death and burial in our culture is…bizarre," Lee said. "I think it’s important to open up the issue by considering other, more ‘natural’ options; including alternative processes, home funerals and home burials."
I deliberated with my colleague Nancy Ward. The two of us, both engaged to support Lynda's family, had referred Lee to a number of potential interview subjects who could recount their past experiences with reclaiming death care and bereavement rituals. But here was a family going through it in real time. Would it burden them to consider this request, to allow the student film crew from the University of Oregon working under Lee's supervision into their home during this tender time? Or would it present another facet of David's legacy, an expression of their deeply held values and beliefs, to offer their experience to the broader world?
We concluded that it wasn't our decision to make. We presented the opportunity to Lynda. She said yes. The result of this family's open-heartedness, the film crew's sensitivity, and Nancy's eloquence is nothing less than exquisite.
Please take a look (it's under 5 minutes) and share with those who might be interested in this intimate view of a family fully empowered in their encounter with death.
Lee Emmert, a filmmaker, was seeking subjects for a short student production. "I’ve long held the view that the way we handle death and burial in our culture is…bizarre," Lee said. "I think it’s important to open up the issue by considering other, more ‘natural’ options; including alternative processes, home funerals and home burials."
I deliberated with my colleague Nancy Ward. The two of us, both engaged to support Lynda's family, had referred Lee to a number of potential interview subjects who could recount their past experiences with reclaiming death care and bereavement rituals. But here was a family going through it in real time. Would it burden them to consider this request, to allow the student film crew from the University of Oregon working under Lee's supervision into their home during this tender time? Or would it present another facet of David's legacy, an expression of their deeply held values and beliefs, to offer their experience to the broader world?
We concluded that it wasn't our decision to make. We presented the opportunity to Lynda. She said yes. The result of this family's open-heartedness, the film crew's sensitivity, and Nancy's eloquence is nothing less than exquisite.
Please take a look (it's under 5 minutes) and share with those who might be interested in this intimate view of a family fully empowered in their encounter with death.
click on the image to view this 5 minute film
RSS Feed