This video was very difficult for a number of reasons. First, “newborn” videos are always intimidating mostly because that’s the year I really want to get right. But, Leo’s first video presented a unique ‘late in the game’ challenge because of his Failing to Strive diagnosis in late November.
I usually start these videos 6 months in advance, so a month before the boy’s birthdays, the videos usually have a bow on them and all buttoned up. This project was no different. But then our visit to Wolfsen’s Children Hospital happened.
I had a decision to make, completely avoid Leo’s medical situation and roll on with the finished video, or… include it.
If I was being honest with myself, of course it needed to be in. That’s the point of these videos; document realities for the boys benefit of looking back. So I did something I’ve never done before, I started over from scratch, with 3 weeks until video due date.
See, the tone in that first video was all wrong for Leo’s medical revelation. It wouldn’t have worked if I just added some clips of his NG tube and him looking somber. It would have felt forced. So I scrambled and had many late night walks trying to find the perfect tone and emotion in music and pacing.
To fast forward….I am very pleased with the end result. I think more than ever it strikes a very real chord of tone and emotion for Leo’s difficult but hopeful predicament.
I hope everyone enjoys it. To me, this is one of my favs and has found a real, warm place in my heart.
Video coming on December 26.
*ddileo 