A Spirit Among Us...

The very first story I ever wrote was inspired by my young niece and nephews, Michelle, James and Austin. It's a Christmas tale called A SPIRIT AMONG US. They were that precocious age of 5, 6 and 7 and were my whole world when it came to children. I let my brothers take care of the child bearing responsibilities back then.

Anyway, I lost my precious niece May 21st, a few weeks before high school graduation. I found out the day after Chris and Lisa's wedding. The irony of the beginning of something new and so special and the end of something so beautiful and innocent is too much to bear.

I dedicate all my work on this movie to Michelle, for we have shared many email moments and conversations about her interest in photography and perhaps film. I gave her my trusted 35mm camera last year so she could study photography in school. She and my nephew, James, were anxiously waiting a trip down next month to celebrate their graduations and the beginning of their lives as young adults. We hoped that she might be here for at least part of the filming.

Just recently, Michelle emailed me about trying to stop the genocide in Darfur. Grandma and I were so proud of her for voicing her opinion and becoming her own little activist. We're so proud of her for many things, the fact that she talks non-stop (a trait that got her a "motor mouth" moniker at age 8), that she's an amazing sister to her siblings and a great kid for her parents.

I'm sorry that our cast and crew have missed the opportunity to know her. She would have impressed you all...just as she's done for me in her 18 short years of life. Peace and love to my sweet niece...loving you eternally, Aunt Linda.