Not Away, But Towards.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/65124216 w=500&h=281] This is my first film, a short piece for my video class. The original assignment was to examine an aspect of one's identity. I am not a runner, but I run a lot, and in more than one sense of the word.  I run away from stressful situations, get up and leave, and escape both physically and mentally. I run away,  run for exercise, for fun, to get away, and run to talk to God.

This past year, my dear sister Kaylin, a former ballerina and very talented dancer, went through a difficult time with her health, and without divulging too many details, was constrained to a wheelchair for months, in addition to other symptoms. The effects of this situation on my family were stressful to say the least, and when I was home for the holidays, overwhelming at best. The conception of the idea of the film occurred after one particularly difficult visit home.

The journey of her recovery has been one of much pain and beauty, and her condition has been improving for the last few weeks now. Just a couple days before this film was completed, Kaylin felt well enough to attend her first prom, be with her friends, and most excitingly, dance.

The Avett Brothers, a band who I had the pleasure of seeing this past Sunday at Merlefest (front row center, hollaa!), reminds us in one of their songs "...and when you run, make sure you run to something, and not away from..." Lyrics that serve as a reminder to reevaluate the purpose of the runner within.

This one's for you, Za.