Dear friends,

It’s Tuesday afternoon, and I’m camped out in the guest room of my dear friends’ home. I’ve been traveling for two weeks, from an Alabama lake house to a Pittsburgh conference center and everywhere in between. There are plenty of stories to be told, but today, I’d like to share a short documentary with you.

Longtime A Wish Come Clear readers may recall a mention or two of this film; it’s been in process for two years. In 2011, Edwin Mah — an American University professor and independent filmmaker — wrote to me and asked if I’d be willing to share stories on screen. Saying yes was a leap of faith. (Isn’t it always?)

Longtime readers may recall my 2012 post about the filming process. In that post, I wrote that being filmed for a documentary is a peculiar exercise … and as I’ve learned, watching a documentary featuring oneself and one’s family is even more surreal. (On that note: I’m so thankful to Edwin for his excellent work, and to my family for their willingness to participate in this project.)

My hope is that you — fellow siblings and families — will see something of yourselves here. My hope is that you will be encouraged to show up for one another, to show up for your life.

The film is entitled My Brother. It’s just over 14 minutes long, and it’s about the process of finding meaning and beauty within challenging relationships. If that’s not sufficient motivation: I sport several completely embarrassing outfits and hairstyles along the way. There really are hula skirts. Enough said.

Enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/65740679

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What did you think of the film? Join the conversation in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Tess The Bold Life July 17, 2013 at 9:02 PM - Reply

    Caroline,
    You are one of the most amazing people I know. Thanks for sharing your beautiful and meaningful life with us. You inspire me. xo

    • Caroline McGraw July 18, 2013 at 4:19 PM - Reply

      Tess, what a beautiful comment – thank you so much! I’m honored and humbled. <3

  2. Hope Farrior July 17, 2013 at 9:20 PM - Reply

    Thank you for sharing your journey and what it has meant to you to be the sister. I’m so glad you and Jonathon are part of the L’Arche family.

    • Caroline McGraw July 18, 2013 at 4:19 PM - Reply

      You’re most welcome, Hope! So happy to be a part of the L’Arche ‘extended family’ with you. 🙂

  3. don July 19, 2013 at 1:06 AM - Reply

    Very good video! Well done! Well lived!

    Where is the footage of you on the phone and looking through keepsakes taken? The McGraw mansion in Alabama?

    • Caroline McGraw July 19, 2013 at 7:41 PM - Reply

      Thank you Don! I appreciate that. 🙂 And yes, that footage is from our home in Alabama (I like the ‘McGraw Mansion’ alliteration!) Jonathan has done a lot more work on the house since the shoot, but it does give an idea of what our new (old) space is like.

  4. Eva-Elizabeth July 19, 2013 at 1:11 AM - Reply

    I got to make that walk with Mike a few weeks ago…..and it was beautiful…..and made me thankful that I first got to know him through you and your writing. We miss you.

    • Caroline McGraw July 19, 2013 at 7:53 PM - Reply

      I love it! Thanks for sharing, Eva Elizabeth — just picturing you making that walk brings a smile to my face. I miss you too!!!

  5. Metod July 19, 2013 at 3:15 PM - Reply

    Caroline, the movie is so beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
    Willie is blessed to have a sister like you.

    • Caroline McGraw July 19, 2013 at 7:53 PM - Reply

      You’re most welcome, Metod! Thrilled to hear that you liked the film. 🙂

  6. Chris July 21, 2013 at 5:11 AM - Reply

    I watched this short documentary film late last night on this website, and I loved it! I can relate to this documentary because I have Asperger’s Syndrome (which is now part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder). I had meltdowns and anger issues like Willie did when I was a child myself! I love reading your blog on this website along with your columns on AutismAfter16.com! Keep up the awesome work Caroline, and I hope “My Brother” wins an Academy award for best short documentary film next year at the Oscars!

    • Caroline McGraw July 22, 2013 at 3:19 PM - Reply

      Chris, thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to affirm my writing, and I’m thrilled to hear that you can relate to the film as well. You’ve just made my morning. 🙂

  7. Anne Bennett-Bready July 22, 2013 at 10:01 AM - Reply

    Love the video and your ability to express yourself regarding your brother. Being a parent of a non- verbal, low-functioning child with autism, I ask a lot of the same questions. How different things would be if he could communicate through speech! Keep up the good work and yes, I actually love hula-skirts!

    • Caroline McGraw July 22, 2013 at 3:20 PM - Reply

      Anne, that’s wonderful to hear … thank you for sharing a piece of your story, and for making me feel better about the hula skirt too. 😉

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