Incoming ‘Luca’ Video

Lindsey and I were talking last night about memories, the idea of memories and how easily and unknowingly they slip away. It’s an interesting talk, actually. The amount we forget on even a daily basis is quite alarming. We both agreed documenting is such a blessing and a tool that can really shape, enrich and profit our mental health.

Luca’s video this year has really shined a light on that. More than likely, 2019 is the year we will learn that Luca has some form of autism. This is difficult to come to terms with. Mainly because I want to do whatever I can to help him. Unfortunately we are learning behavioral illnesses in America are vastly underfunded and therefore, under researched. Fortunately, Luca is not a normal kid. He lights up a room when we walks in. His playfulness is contagious. And every step of the way, he has overcome odds. I wanted his video to resemble that.

This years video presented many challenges. I mean, I always want to work on nailing the tone of the year, whether that is music, editing or usually both in unison. But Luca’s year was different, and just like Leo’s newborn video, I refuse to shy away from what the reality is. I think that is what makes the videos have heart. Also, Luca’s video this year is a little more artsy, a little more film-like. That’s exciting to me. And it really has opened my mind to ideas on future videos.

All in all, I am really proud of Luca’s age 3 video. It took months to make with constant re-edits, but I hope it lives forever as a documentation of enjoying the journey and not the destination. Because in Luca’s case, the destination is unknown.

These videos aren’t highlight reels, that was never their intention. I want them to feel authentic and real. I want Liam, Luca and Leo to watch these when I am long gone and ‘feel’ their age upon watching. I think this year brought many challenges because obviously of Luca’s pending status, but also because he is far from a defeated soul. That was tough to create, the mix of his reality but optimism.

In my head, I needed to capture these 3 elements: uncertainty, hopefulness and above all else; love. It’s a fine line to walk, but I believe the video represents Luca’s age 3 true and accurate.

Luca’s video will be up on his birthday, July 16.