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All the following comments were from those who attended the screening at The Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on August 21, 2008
August 23, 2008 Dear Rosemary and Luther, My husband, my girlfriend and I went to see “Space Between Breaths” in Arlington, MA. It was a wonderful and very moving film. We cried, we laughed, and most of all we connected with the parents in the film that had lost a child or children. I loved the pictures at the beginning of the film of all the children who are no longer physically with us. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in all you have done, not only with the film but in the writing of your book, “Children of the Dome,” and reaching out to help so many bereaved parents. I know your two sons are in heaven and are so PROUD of their parents. It was wonderful to see and hear Cindy Bullens sing. I have had her CD “Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth” for three years and listen to it all the time. Back in 2005, I would be at the kitchen table putting on my eye makeup and listening to her CD. I would start crying and ruin my eye makeup. Now I can listen to her music and feel the emotion without crying. Rosemary, I am so happy I got to meet you and hug you in Arlington. We had e-mailed each other in the past but actually seeing you was very special. I live in MA and I am the Chapter Leader of the Worcester Compassionate Friends. My only child, Kimberly, was 16 years old and her Angel Date is August 17, 2003. She died unexpectedly of an aneurysm. She is missed and loved by her dad and me and our family and friends. Any good that I do in my life is to honor Kimberly. I bought your CD, “Space Between Breaths” and will share it with those Compassionate Friends that were not able to see the film in Arlington. With much love and gratitude, Linda Schafer
As a bereavement counselor, I will especially use the third segment of the film. It will offer much hope and comfort. Thank you
Hi, there was some redundancy, yet that was making a point well taken. I wish a grandparent had been a part of the picture –meaning, the loss of a grandchild and its effect upon son/daughter or grandparent and their relationship. Could that be edited in? I cannot think of a single emotion that you omitted—you covered every base emotionally! Congratulations! Hugs, Marti Shoemaker P.S. We have an Indiana connection. Our Dave was born in Indianapolis. Would you ever consider targeting med schools for outreach? We have one in Burlington, VT! (University of VT)
Dear Rosemary and Luther, I was deeply touched by “Space Between Breaths.” The power of all the stories told and Cindy’s beautiful, beautiful music will stay with me for a long time. I am overwhelmed by the emotions of the life experiences shared—to receive the trust of the storytellers to share their grief is an honor and a gift, to learn from their losses and their collective resiliency and their drive to create something good out of bad is inspiring. You have made a deep and wonderful impression on me. Thank you! Rachel Jellinek Dear Rose, When I received the invitation to the premiere of Space Between Breaths, I saw that Cody had a ball game and I was so relieved. I wasn't going anyway. I was glad I had a good excuse not to attend because I just couldn't imagine putting myself in an environment to feel like a sniffling idiot and look dumber than a boiled owl! I would have to endure not only my own sorrow, but a theater full of parents with the same pain. C.A.T. seemed the correct prescription. Complete Avoidance Therapy was my only hope. The rx ran out when the DVD ended up at my house. I sat it on the entertainment center where it kept calling my name. That little box might as well have been a mad copperhead the way I cautiously stared every time I walked by. Finally, one night after getting home late, I thought the ranch was quiet, kids asleep, and my biorhythms right. I'll take it like a man. Sharon has never made it through any movie, national disaster, or breaking news report without falling asleep within 37 seconds, so she won't be involved. I started watching well after midnight assuming Sharon was already asleep. That was absolutely the best celebration of Jims' life that could be. I saw pictures I had never seen, clips from movies I had never seen, and a light shining in a way I had never seen or imagined. We (she was awake) watched parents tell about emotions that we thought were unique to us. (Sharon’s brother was killed in a car accident in '88) Not one tear was shed nor was there an uncomfortable or awkward moment. As a Christian, I thought about after-life but never before-life until Hannah. True heroism told by a Mother instead of just news reported, became real. Suicide was brought into a new light for me when told by a real father instead of sterilzed by someone with thick glasses and a white coat. So many issues have faces, personalities, and realness to them. Our lives are bombarded with politically correctness, image alteration, deception, and just flat out lies. Space Between Breaths felt, smelled, looked, and sounded like what Americans need: SOMETHING REAL ! I appreciated so much the sweat-on the-brow, dirt-under the-fingernails honesty that you ALL captured. I wish everyone would watch this and find what is really important. Thanks
again, Note: Wayne Perkins is the nephew of Dinah & Jim Taylor and cousin/brother to Young Jim. Hello, My husband and I saw Space Between Breaths at the Ky Theatre. We liked it very much. I was drawn to the similiarities between the people telling their feelings and hopes and descriptions of their loses. With a variety of stories so many similiar sentiments echoed in different words. I hope many of my friends who have not lost children will watch the film when they have the opportunity. Perhaps the film can say the sentiments I myself can am not able to share with them. When is the next viewing available? Many of my fellow travelers were drawn but hesitant to go to the film but would now like to see it. I want to let them all know if, when and how to view the film. Thank you, Hello Rosemary, I received your film the other day and I had to stop what I was doing and watch it. It was EXCELLENT. Being a little farther down the road in grief I can contest that every word spoken in it is so true. I met Maria Housden at one of the Compassionate Friends Conferences. She is a lovely lady and I love her book, “Hannah’s Gift.” I can relate to her story about wanting to step in front of the truck because I thought of doing it many times crossing the road to get the mail. I think that just about every parent feels this way when their child has died. And I also can relate to the stupid things that people say to you…I’ve heard them all. You lose a lot of friends and family is another story. I think of this last January 28th at AJ’s grave. My nieces always meet us there on his death date. This year one of them asked me what they could do to make me feel better. I told them that they were doing it by just being there. They know I will never get over it and that I will never be the same person as I was before. Some other family members don’t even remember the day he died. Anyways, I just loved your film and I recommend that you send some to the national conferences this year. They have a place set up to purchase books and other items. I’m sure it will sell well. It’s going to be in Nashville this year. We’re going to drive down. Stay as nice as you are for you are truly a remarkable woman… AJ’s mom forever Dear Rosemary, Thank you so much for the book, CD and DVDs. What a blessing they are to me and so much more to all the many families grieving the loss of their precious children. I watched the documentary with two of my children and my husband when I got it and then watched it with my next-door neighbor who is grieving so deeply for her only son who died 6 months ago. She called me a couple of days later and told me she had received her care package from you and stayed up until about 4 am reading it. I am so thankful for what you are doing. Seeing how my friends are suffering, I know how much they need hope and encouragement from others who are going through the same things. After watching the DVD only three times, I feel as though I kind of know some of the families telling their stories, especially Cindy. I also have a little red headed spitfire named Jessie. I can’t imagine losing her. Cindy’s music is so beautiful and rich with meaning. Please share with all those who were part of the documentary how wonderful it is that they were so open in sharing their suffering and their lives with others. I wish I could reach out to them in some way. Thank you again for the wonderful work you are doing and for sharing it with me. Love and prayers, All the following comments were from those who attended Bereaved Parents of the USA Gathering on July 11-13, 2008 in St. Louis, MO.
We certainly enjoyed viewing your
film at the 2008 Gathering in St. Louis. We are only four years down the road
on this grief journey. It continues to be a daily struggle. However, your film
gives us hope and our faith keeps us on track day after day. I thought the film was excellent and very informative. I felt that it was a bit long. Perhaps a few of the comments could have been shortened or maybe have fewer people. Maybe to view by itself would have made a difference, I’m not sure. It was a very long day, the intense emotions at the Memorial and then to sit through the long documentary was a bit much and overwhelming. Thanks for a super job! Pat
I’ve thought about things I saw and heard on your video every single day. It was phenomenal and I can understand why it is award winning. It belongs on Discovery Channel! Becky Russell
There are no words to express what a great movie you made. The only suggestion is to play it on the other night from when the candle light vigil is playing. After dinner, take a 10 minute bathroom break then tell the audience to please, please turn off phones, beepers, etc. and to please do not leave the room if you don’t have to because you won’t want to miss a minute. Pat Dodd
Awesome! Very well done. Thank you for sharing with us. Jane & Jerry Pica, Champaign, IL
Pretty all-encompassing film—thanks!! A bit overwhelming on Saturday evening after the candlelight ceremony.
Beautiful and very touching. May God bless you for giving us hope. Doris Jackson, originally from Manchester, KY
Rosemary Dearest Rosemary, I loved your DVD, "Space Between Breaths." I honestly think I enjoyed the beginning which showed all the beautiful angel children. For so many wonderful souls to be taken from our physical world, God really must have a special purpose for them. It really gave me hope that they all must be waiting for us in a peaceful, loving place. Thank you so much for all the devoted hours you spent producing it. A friend always, Annie Parr Hi Rosemary, It's your little friend, Tammy, from "Big Mamou". I wrote you a check for the DVD on April 16th, but I think I had received the DVD before I wrote that check. Do you know that it's only tonight that I watched it. I was just so scared, don't know why, to open it and watch it. I had a fear to watch it, but I really don't know what that fear was. I woke up this morning and said today is the day you have to do it, if not for you, for Rosemary because she worked so hard to make it happen. I just finished watching it. I don't know what I was scared for because it is the most beautiful documentary I have ever seen before. What amazed me so much was that what everyone was saying that they said after their child died, everything they did, everything they felt, just everything, I have said, I have done, I have felt the same exact things. WOW, it was so comforting to know that other people who have lost children, PEOPLE I NEVER EVEN KNEW OR MET, were doing, feeling, and saying the same things I know. It is so beautiful, Rosemary. That $20.00 that I spent on this DVD was too cheap. After I watched I would have paid $1,000.00 just to see it. I needed to watch this DVD, I REALLY DID. The only complaint I have is that it just was not long enough, (ha, ha). I could have watched that DVD all night if it took that long. I can't thank you enough for making this DVD and I hope that everyone who has bought a copy feels the same way I do, THEY JUST HAVE TO. I am so curious, if I'm not being too personal, how many DVD's have you sold so far. I'm really interested to know. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!! With All My Love, Tammy (Mother of Beau) P.S. Everytime I saw your face on the DVD, I would smile and think, "Hey, people, I have spoken to this woman on the telephone quite a few times since I lost Beau. I feel so special to have been able to reach this woman and hear her voice, and one of my dreams in life before I die is to meet her in person and just hug her so tight. And if I ever get the chance to hug her, I know that her and I would not have to say anything to her, because we just know." LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF BREATHS WE TAKE BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY.WE MISS YOU SO MUCH, BEAU, AND ALWAYS WILL!
All the following comments were from those who attended J.I.M’s Conference on June 6-7th, 2008 in Williamsburg, KY.
It's hard finding the right words to describe your documentary: striking/outstanding, to say the least! Very, very well put together - the testimonies, the music, the frames and flow. Luther, Rosemary and all your associates, this documentary is up to your remarkably high standards of giving of yourselves to and for others. God bless you, always, for the gifts you share! Beverly Owens
Dearest Rosemary, what I really wanted you to know is how much your film touched me. Not only to understand so much more of how his Mother and Brother feel, but to see a lot of what I have been so much confused about my self and place in all this disaster. I only knew Jason the last third of his whole life, and I was his stepfather. I saw through your film that the things that I could not understand was that I didn’t feel that I had earned the right to grieve, but indeed I do and I have. Again, I thank you for opening my eyes to so much through your interviews. Jason died on August 13th of 2005. We buried him on the 18th, the day before my 56th birthday. I don’t celebrate much any more. I don’t see how it will ever get easier or better as they all say it will, but I pray I’m wrong “again.” With his love, Bill Southard
Rosemary and Luther, you have changed and helped so many people and I’m sure making their lives easier . The documentary is so very touching and so very true. Thank you for turning your sons’memory into caring love. Ike and Lou Smith
Very emotional, also encourages you to live life the best you can. Always keep your loved one alive by talking and sharing. Karen Dean
This is an amazing film. It was a pleasure to meet you and talk to you. Thank you so much. I am so glad that I was able to be a part of all this. May God bless you all. Jeff Hedgepeth
I think the film was wonderful. It was very well done. It showed our grief in a way everyone could identify with. Everyone needs to see it so that they can understand. Keep up the wonderful work that you do. Let know if I can ever do anything to help. Nina Everman
When I viewed the film in Lexington, it was awesome. Emotional and wonderful. Viewing it the second time at this conference was more emotionally overwhelming since my heart lies here with the place I found solace after my son passed. The film deserves awards but it has the greatest reward of appreciation of appreciation for remembrance from so many families. Thank you doesn’t seem enough… Leann J. Butler
We can’t express how much we enjoyed the documentary. It is wonderful that you brought something meaningful and brilliant out of such tragedies. The impact you have had in our lives and through our grief, the experience of the documentary and our experience with J.I.M’s Conference have been profound. We love you. Lynette and Michael Lawson
Rosemary and Luther, thank you for your wonderful documentary! Each time we see it, we see and hear meaningful things we missed before. It is truly a product of your love for Drew and Jeremiah. They are surely overflowing with pride in you both. The film will be a ray of hope for many many people. Unfortunately, some of whom who have no idea yet that they’ll need it. We are grateful for knowing you. We look forward to many more times in the future when we’ll be able to get together to remember and honor our children.
Love, Judy
Rosemary and Luther, you in so many ways have been my saving grace. I read your book as soon after I lost my Luke. I came to love Drew and Jeremiah constantly. I have followed the documentary since it was in the works, I came to the premier with my mother and sister and daughter. We knew we had come to the right place. Here I am again and I am speechless. Still amazed. WOW! The documentary is so special to me. Your work has been a lifeline to me and I am so grateful. Erica Beltz
Thank you for this film. This needs to be viewed by as many people as possible so that they can better understand the loss of a child. Perhaps they will learn how to speak to treat grieving parents, grieving siblings, grieving families. I’d like to see a documentary like this made for and by parents/families that have lost a child to death but by suicide. NAMI – the National Alliance for Mental Illness helps those who live with someone with mental illness, but when your child dies by suicide who suffered with a mental illness, stigma hits from every angle and you are abandoned. This has helped, but people need to understand mental illness as a brain sickness frequently causes death. Madeline Florer
Rosemary, well done on the documentary. It truly took me full circle (emotionally). It made me feel everything all over again, but then it took me through the grief process in such a healthy, bite size way, and then helped me to heal again. It is just like real life in its process and I believe it to be truly inspired. WONDERFUL WORK! All my love, my friend. Gail Fattori Elaine and Joe Stillwell, dear friends and chapter leaders of TCF in Rockville Centre, NY, had the New York premiere for the documentary, “Space Between Breaths,” on June 1, 2008. Some members of the audience shared the following comments:
Rosemary, thank you for this “Labor of Love.” Every time I watch the film I am touched by another “nugget” of gold. Loved your comments and fell in love with Tessie Hunter and the Kechters. Love, Elaine Stillwell
Maybe I’ll believe again!
You captured every nuance of emotion. Hard to watch, but so necessary to see. This movie should be rated “R” – for required viewing for all parents whether your child is alive, or dead. Thank you for making such a powerful documentary. Laura Greenwood
What those parents are representing is hope and faith in love/life through their children.
I love the movie very much. It was very touching. I can identify myself with the other parents, so I can see that I was not alone. Thanks to Rosemary Smith and the movie.
Overwhelming! Heartfelt! Emotional! Educational! Should be mandatory for all relatives.
We could relate to so many of the emotions that this documentary expressed. We are in the first year of the grieving process and at times it was quite emotional for us. Our son’s death day 7/23 was mentioned in the clip and it was difficult to hear that date. The part of the film, which referred to the signs, we have had so many, especially butterflies, a green shooting star, and a very emotional dream that my husband had of our son. The sibling sections were very real also because our daughter is now an only child and it touched upon the grieving for her also. We bought a copy of the film. Thank you for sharing your personal and private feelings with us so that we can move through the heart-wrenching process knowing we are not alone. Wishing that God’s healing power continue to help us through our journey through grief until we meet our loved ones again. God Bless. Love, Helene and Tim Horodnicki
Rosemary, great work, wonderful production. Not your fault, but sound very bad, picture was shown in daylight. We bought DVD to see it properly. P. Noonan
Rosemary, you addressed everything we are thinking and feeling. Thanks for a beautiful and touching tribute to the children and families affected by grief and loss. Sherry Radowitz
It was a very touching film. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to hear the heartfelt words of the bereaved parents. Bless them for their courage. Barbara Perrin
Dear Rosemary, thank you for doing this for all of us. It is such a lonely, never-ending journey.
Very powerful and emotional! Jean and Robert Shuelein
A beautiful documentary. All the feelings I have, you shared with all of us. The affirmation of all that I feel and hope for was wonderful.
Intro too long before vocal – “disconnect.” Handout would be helpful if names listed were according to appearance on film. Film – excellent – so needed for the parents! God bless you as you continue on the journey. Colette and Pat Coyne
Hannah’s mother was a delight – the pink house story was so impressive. Any bereaved parent would enjoy the DVD and be fulfilled.
I enjoyed it very much. Amazing how these people have grieved and grown. God is in charge, not us. A Friend
Each parent’s experience was unique and gave us a different insight. The little girl who talked about the pink house was very special! Thank you!! God bless and continue to guide you. Love you!!
Dear Elaine and Joe, thank you for giving us the opportunity to view this very poignant documentary. As a parent I thank you both for the survival skills you gave me to keep going on and helping others to journey through the valley of tears. God bless the creators of this film. Margarita San Gabriel
Thank you for producing such as excellent film. It really hits the mark. This presentation will continue to help others. We all are a family, having this incredible loss in common. S. Lewis
Dear Rosemary, the film is an outstanding work. The effort and love put into it are evident. It was particularly interesting for me, as my relationship with Sean began just after his part was filmed. His growth and adjustment from that time have amazed me. As a matter of fact, the strength of the entire Hunter family constantly leaves me amazed. I am sure this film will touch the lives of so many people. Thank you for your efforts. I wish you continued success and continued healing as you and all of the families move forward. With love and gratitude, Rosemary Hunter (formerly known as Rosemary Smith)
This movie was so warm and compassionate. It is a wonderful healing tool. You’ve touched many hearts. Thank you so much! Denise Sher
We loved how you got the title of the film from Maria. It was so good to see you again, Rosemary. It was also nice to see Dinah and her husband Jim. All of the parents were so brutally honest. I think Les Franklin was so right on about suicide being an epidemic. It felt his wife really said it all about the stepparents. Elaine and Joe were wonderful. They are our heroes!!! Great film!!! I also loved what Cindy said about grief shifting. How true!! Bob and Ellen Conroy
Hi Elaine, I want to thank you for inviting us to this wonderful documentary. I know how frustrating technical difficulties can be, especially since I am not the one with the knowhow to fix them. Fortunately we did get to view the film. The message and the music were beautifully presented and so meaningful coming from parents with such varied backgrounds. How inspiring to see what each one accomplished, how the tragedies brought new self-understanding and new depths of personal growth. I didn’t fill out an evaluation because I wanted to think about what I wanted to say. Please feel free to send this to Rosemary Smith. Elaine and Pete Vlahos
A moving film that helps to explain the experience of losing a child. Helpful and hopeful for more newly bereaved that there is purpose in continuing to live and hope for happiness in the future.
Thank you Rosemary and Luther. I know Drew and Jeremiah must be so proud of their Mom and Dad. This film will be shared with many, many people.
Peace, Ronnie and George Pazolt and sons, Gary too, from Heaven
Very positive, very helpful film. I feel some hope that my life will continue to have meaning and I may even experience some joy in the future. Emily and Daniel Bash
Seeing this film is like sharing my feelings with others that I never met, and yet having so much in common. Everyone’s comment covers (touches) feelings of a large variety of aspects and at the same time is a solution/answer for many questions raised by others. I believe that “Space Between Breaths” is very well put together and can be expanded unlimitedly by adding new interviews with other families who lost their children. - Colleen and Alex Vasicovschi
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The film was very inspiring. It took a lot of courage for everyone to put their true emotions on camera. My son Jason passed on 01/01/06 and my husband Anthony on 03/01/06. The pain of losing a child is beyond belief. Thank you for your courage and sharing your feelings, and I thank the siblings also. Mary J. Ameruso, Marc and Laura Ameruso (siblings)
Dear Rosemary, I enjoyed the film. It made me feel that I am not alone. I still hurt losing James in the WTC on 9/11/01. He was never recovered. I remember you sending me mail and books. It means more now to me almost 7 years later. My grandson James Jr. was 6 in March. He asks many questions about his Dad. It’s hard for him to understand. Thanks for your courage. God Bless. Julie Carson
Rosemary, beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. J. A. Noonan
I am grateful for the opportunity to view this film. It affirms the feelings I have and what I am going through. It is an important film for others to see, as it has a message they need to hear, and to understand. Joanne Fitzgerald
They were truly touching, honest stories. My wish is for the film to have much circulation. However, I wasn’t sure who lost an only child. Hi Rosemary, I have been home sick with a cold for the past two days and it gave me the opportunity to finally start my book. After almost 8 years, I finally think I'm strong enough to tell Gregory's story. I've written about 6 chapters so far and I have a long way to go. I was hoping you might be able to guide me when I finally finish it. I have been wanting to do this for a long time and I've finally started. I'm so proud of the documentary! I know how long and hard you worked to make it a reality. I truely believe that God has a plan for us. I'm trying to listen and have faith because I know He knows what He's doing. Life is not a coincidence, God puts people in our lives all the time to help us find our way. Thank you for being a part of my life and for including Gregory in the documentary. Our Angels would be proud of us! Love Ya, Dear Rosemary and Luther, What wonderful news! I have no doubt that the love that gave this film life will continue to carry it into the world .. like the seeds of the dandelion, God's hand directs where love lands and take root. <3 With blessings, Rosemary, just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the film and meeting you and your family yesterday at the Auburn Film Festival. Wish I could have stayed and talked more, but with it being Mother's Day, we had made our rounds and were very tired. But, what a nice way to end my mother's day. I found the film informative, touching and hopeful. I was able to relate to so much of what was said. Here at almost 8 years out, I guess what I liked the most was the hope that it offered and the different ways that parents were honoring their children's lives with their various works and ministries. The message of love was strong throughout the film. I think newly bereaved parents will find it helpful to understand some of their own feelings and to understand possibly the changes they will see their lives take. Another part of the film I was really glad to see, was the inclusion of the siblings and how they were so honest about their feelings. It is good for other siblings to see and relate to and it is good for parents to gain some insight into their surviving children. I would like to actually purchase a few copies to have at our chapter for check out so that others can experience it and benefit from it. I'm also going to ask at our church to see if I can present it to the Stephen Ministers. I believe it will give them better insight into deep grief and what a beautiful way to educate the public about grief, death and mostly life. Thank you for taking on the amazing act of love for your child and for all those parents and siblings out there that are too familiar with great pain. Karen Dear Dinah, Thank you for sharing this fantastic news! This documentary has touched so many lives that you can just feel the love like an embrace that will never end. What a gift to receive validation of it's importance not only on a personal heartfelt level, but also on a professional film industry level. Please forward my congratulation to Rosemary and Luther, and to all of you who bared your soul, your pain, your survivorship, and shared your children with the world. May you all be blessed. ~ Debbie Garber, Justin's mom & Linda's sister Hi Rosemary - Space Between Breaths is a beautiful film. I am in awe of the parents who were able to share the most personal and painful experience of their lives with an audience of total strangers. It has to be a source of great comfort to the newly bereaved to see people who have lived through a tragedy similar to their own and to know that they are not only managing to live their lives on a day to day basis but are actually thriving. No one is saying their lives will ever be the same, but they are living day to day and helping others as well. I have read that after an injury we become physically stronger in the broken places. Even after years of healing, scars and pain are still there, but the actual bone is stronger than it was before the injury. This is what seems to happen at the spiritual level as well. The scars and the pain never go away, but the need to make a difference in the world in memory of their lost child gives bereaved parents a strength that is unmistakable, and the film illustrates this in different ways with different people. Each story is heartbreaking, but also uplifting. Nothing is glossed over here. There are times when the pain is still raw, but there are also times when it has softened. The film offers hope for overcoming one's worst nightmare with grace. The film is truly inspired and a great tribute not only to the lost children but also to the brave parents who survive them. Rosemary - I wanted to give you the url to a website with a beautiful song which I thought you would love as much as I do: http://www.spiritlyric.com/song.html. Congratulations on all your success with Space Between Breaths. It is well-deserved. Love, Carol Dear Rosemary and Luther, Your magnificent production Space Between Breaths was a deeply moving, powerful experience. Your genius took us from tears to peace along an unforgettable road. Paul and I feel so honored that we have the opportunity to own a copy of this incredible work. With my love to you both, Mary Ferris Kelly Artist Rosemary, I don’t know what else to say but
thank you! Thank you for investing of yourself to create this beautiful
documentary. Thank you for sharing of yourself in such a personal way. I was
very moved, touched and inspired by the documentary/film, and I think our
volunteers will be as well. Thank you again! Leanne lporterfield@hospiceoflancaster.org Rosemary,
Hi Rosemary - It was great to meet you and Luther and Jordan. I was so inspired and moved by the film and it was so special to see Tony’s name in the credits. The wisdom of the parents just astounded me. Every word they spoke was important and valuable and meaningful. It must have been terribly hard to edit the footage down. I love documentaries and watch a lot of them, and I am not joking when I say that yours is one of the best and most important I have seen. I especially liked the way it was organized into the different sections (it was amazing how the parents experienced very similar emotions), the music (which was fantastic), the title of the film, and the black and white photos at the end with the parents holding the color picture of their child. Like I told you at the screening, it is indeed a beautiful film! Love and peace to you and yours, Donna
Hello Rosemary and family. I was just sending Hunter an email link to a stunning Phantom Drophead coupe in Newport Beach for sale, and I naturally thought of you. Subtle segue, I know. But I suddenly realized I had been derelict in my intentions to email you after the showing in Chattanooga. Sorry for that but in a way, it perhaps was good too because it has given me more opportunity to be mindful of what was shown. My mother and I had a wonderful trip and were very moved by the film. I think everyone who sees it will be profoundly affected by its message; the stark poignancy with which each person is able to convey their story and the intimacy of that impact was highly compelling. It was a phenomenal work and unabashedly a labor of love. Thank you so much for that opportunity. I was very appreciative and grateful that I was allowed to be there for that experience. There are lines some of the parents said in the movie that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Truly. They answered questions that sometimes I think we all as questioning people ask ourselves deep down but never vocalize to anyone else. It was profound to hear them. I meant to see you and speak with you or Luther after the film, but I noticed many others were vying for your attention as well, and I felt perhaps they should take priority. So we snuck out and had dinner at Porter's steakhouse downtown later (it was a great meal) and discussed our observations of the film. Hopefully, it will be sooner than the next Concours before I can see you all again. Thanks again and call or email anytime. Josh
Dearest Rosemary, I am so sorry that this is such a delayed message to you. Your documentary "Space Between Breaths" was so well done and portrays the journey, we bereaved parents embark on for life, in a very gentle but also heartfelt way . It must have been so very hard to do this. What a wonderful work you do Rosemary, I cannot express enough how I admire you for the love you are putting in helping other bereaved parents, which to me, reflects your love for Drew and Jeremiah. I had brought some friends who also had lost their children and they all expressed to me how meaningful your movie was. I also truly believe, that people, who have not lost a child, through your recent work, now finally can get a better understanding of what this unspeakable grief does to the lives of those involved. With lots of love and a great BIG hug, Olga
Hello Rosemary:
I attended the showing of your
film in Lexington, and have been meaning to get in touch
w/you for a long time. I met you quite a while ago. I'm a
close friend of Becky's. I wanted you to know how profound
and enlightening I found your film to be. Even though I've
never lost a child and have no biological children, the film
had a great impact on me. As Becky's friend it made me
understand more what her and Gam's world is. Not that I
could ever even imagine what it could possibly be, it shed
more light on the darkness. As an "outsider" it also was a
powerul reminder on what's really important in this life. I
often need my glasses re-adjusted on a regular basis to keep
matters in their proper focus. The music was powerful. The
whole labor of love was a sacrament, and was done
w/incredible quality and integrity. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Karen Adams
Dear Rosemary and Luther: Please accept my apologies. I am ashamed it has taken me so long to write but after receiving the email below, I just knew I had to take time and do it now. Maybe this comes at a better time for you as well. I know July is especially difficult with Jeremiah's birthday being on the 4th and the anniversary being on the 23rd. Thank you so very much for including me on May 31 at the private showing of Space Between Breaths. I wanted to tell you how very moving and uplifting the documentary was to me. I started crying before it began and cried the whole way through. I sat next to the Mr. and Mrs. Herndon. I remembered reading about Roger in your book. They were so kind and caring towards me. They asked me who had I lost and of course I blurted out "no one"; I guess because I didn't feel worthy to shed so many tears just out of compassion. We talked more. Mrs. Herndon (Donna) said I would have been a great mother. That meant so much to me. After the documentary, I just had to leave. I was a mess. Little Leslie Fannin and Warren Hoffmann saw me as I was leaving; I must have been a fright! Jordan is so handsome! That was the first time I have ever seen him in person and hate that I didn't stay to meet him. I hope he is doing well. You, and all involved, did a fabulous job on the documentary. And it was such a thrill to see, in person, all of the participants. The whole evening was magical and I could just feel all of the children, there with their parents. It was an incredible experience for me. Thank you again for inviting me. I took one of your packages to my psychologist, Bonnie Hall-Polus. She is reading it now and is amazed at all of the material provided in it. Bonnie said that the most difficult clients to counsel, for her, are those who have lost children. She has two boys; I think they are 13 and 16. She was very appreciative of the information and is taking the book on vacation to read. If you ever have time, please call me. I would love to see you and just catch up. I have so many questions as to how you are doing, how is Jordan, what is he doing, what have Drew and Jeremiah been up to....I know that they send you reminders of their love often. Every time I see a little yellow butterfly, I think of them; and when I see two playing, I know it is them. I just miss talking with you. As I mentioned, the following email prompted me to write. I have read it several times before and more than anything, it reminds me of how you and Luther live everyday. I am so thankful for your friendship and for the influence you have had and continue to have on my life. Thank you for being just you, a guide to those who have lost their way, a rock for those who need support, a light to those who have forgotten how to hope. I love you both dearly, Terri
Hope you all are doing well. Thank you so much for your sweet sweet card you sent to Brian and I. We really do love you all and never would have thought of missing the documentary. The whole experience was both so hard and so good for both of us. I sent you a note today so I don’t want to be repetitive, but I will always hold a special place in my heart for the whole experience that weekend and hearing from all of those families. Our friend just sent me this link and I’m not sure if you had seen this yet….but I think this woman really falls in line with the therapy that you have been giving as well. Love you and talk to you soon.. Erin Dear Rosemary and Luther, Thank you for inviting us to view the documentary, Space Between Breaths". It was absolutely wonderful, but so sad. Guy and I appreciate your tireless efforts to help bereaved parents. "Space Between Breaths" will not only help bereaved parents, but it will also educate "The Civilians" who have no idea what we have suffered and continue to suffer. Love, Guy & Debbie Jackson Dear Rosemary & Luther, Jim and I cannot thank you enough for the most wonderful two days we spent with you and all of our fellow travelers in Lexington. We are grateful for all that you both did to make it possible. "Space Between Breaths" is such a special tribute to all of our children. We know that Drew and Jeremiah are so proud of you both and your gracious capacity to love and to give. Our love will always be with you and your sons. We wish all good things for you and for Jordan. Love, Elaine and Jim Madden Dear Rosemary and Luther, What an extraordinary evening the premiere of "Space Between Breaths" was. My family felt very special to be a part of it. Rosemary, Joshua said, "When Rosemary hugged me, I felt a huge connection to her"! He says he has something to share with me, but hasn't yet. I was thrilled to meet Jordan and Fong and family! How handsome they all are. Much love to you both, Melinda Kemp Rosemary, Just a note of thanks for having me at the screening of your documentary on May 31st. Fortunately I have not had to experience the loss of a child, but did attend with my best friend, Sheila Stanfield who had to face this tragedy a little over three years ago. You have been an inspiration to her, as well as to countless others. Keep up the good work. My heart goes out to all of you. Both you and your husband are "brave and caring" in helping others. Sincerely, Donna Call Dear Luther and Rosemary, I feel so fortunate to be in Lexington for the documentary. It's very powerful. Thank you for all your hard work. Love, Pri Morden Dear Rosemary and Luther, I am still overwhelmed with emotion when I think of the weekend in Lexington and what it meant to Mary, Lesley and me. At breakfast on Saturday morning, Lesley said that a corner of her pain had lifted and that she was so very glad that she was able to come on Friday--she said she didn't realize how helpful it would be to talk to other bereaved parents about Nadia. We all hope there will be a J.I.M.'s Picnic in '08. We all want to come and help in any way we can. This scripture expresses my feelings about the conference. Psalms 84: 5 & 6 - "How blessed are those whose strength is in You, Passing through the Valley of Grief they make it into a spring; The early rain covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength." Thank you for all you did and are doing for bereaved parents, God bless your family, Sharon Kidd Dear Rosemary, Thank you for inviting me to the documentary premiere of "Space Between Breaths". It was wonderful, educational , and sad. I thought I would die when I saw you cry. Rosemary, you and Dinah are my heroes! Love, Elaine Perkins Rosemary and Luther, Jay and I felt so honored to be among the invitees at the premiere of "Space Between Breaths". What a title, what an experience! Fong's beautiful wife and children sat in front of us, and Cindy and her former husband were beside us so we all got to chat, and that was an honor, too. I called my brothers and sisters and told them all about it! This film will help so many. Thank you, Love, Gayle Deaton Dear Rosemary, Thank you for "Space Between Breaths". Thanks Luther! You did a marvelous job. It was incredible. You are awesome!! Thank you for inviting me to the premiere. I greatly enjoyed it. My only regret is that I was unable to spend time afterward or come back the next day. Jordan is a gorgeous young man. I hope we can get together soon. Sharon and I are going to get a little impromptu get-together in Lexington this summer (with our group). No special reason, just spent a few hours visiting with each other. Hopefully you and Luther will be able to attend. I will let you know as soon as the time and place are set. Thank you so very much. Love you, Nancy Hannon Dear Rosemary, Thank you and Luther so much! The documentary was wonderful and meant so much to all of us - can't wait to see what you'll do next! You have given of yourself and your resources so freely. I shall never forget your first phone call. Thank you so much for caring! With love and prayers, Sue and Ray Hutcheson Dear Rosemary and Luther, Never have the words "Thank You" seemed so inadequate! All that you have done for those of us who have lost children is astounding, but the potential impact of the documentary is simply beyond comprehension. Thank you so much for helping to preserve the memory of our children and for supporting all who seek to find continued meaning in life. Your compassion and your vision are most evident in this compelling production. The premiere showing was perfect in every way. Every detail demonstrated your kindness and generosity - the setting, the programs, the food, the flowers all were exquisite. This occasion will be etched in our memories forever. Your sons ( all three) must be most proud of you. May God bless you abundantly as you have blessed countless thousands. With love and gratitude, Donna & Woody Herndon Rosemary and Luther, Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed "Space Between Breaths". The film portrayed so precisely how life feels without our children; but at the same time, how we can continue to live and have productive contributions to others in our work and personal relationships. As intense as the film was to me, I physically felt lighter and very peaceful when it was over. The siblings who participated in the film helped Mallory so much. She has struggled so much. For Michael's fiancé, the film was informative and hopefully will help her understand who we really are. She said Michael gave her your book to read very early in their relationship. Thank you!! Love, Carol Warren Honey, The documentary was wonderful. I saw so many there who I feel it gave so much hope. It gave me hope and I feel so blessed to have been there. God had each person there for a reason. So many were blessed and so many walked out of there looking at life in a different way, a positive way. Do you know what a blessing you are to so many? We all love you for caring so much. Love, Dana Coomer Rosemary and Luther, What a night! We'll never be the same after watching, "Space Between Breaths". Marilyn and I were spellbound - mesmerized- never seen that many people that quiet for that length of time. Luther and I are almost exactly the same age (few days apart). Don't know how many nights we've got left, but I do know we'll never ever forget last night. Your friend, Talbott Todd Dale & I loved the documentary. Everybody needs to see it to get educated about bereaved parents. I've always said we need a tattoo on our foreheads so people will either ignore us or try to understand us when we're bumbling around!!! Rosemary is amazing and so are you. I'm going to write her & tell her how much we appreciated being able to attend the documentary & seeing so many people that we know. XOXO, Shan (Kilhman) Rosemary and Luther, I wanted to THANK YOU both for the lovely 2 days in Ky. The Documentary will help more families who have to go on this journey of grief. None of us wanted to make this trip but it is because the both of you, Dinah and Jim have been there to help others a long the way. I was so glad that I was able to come. My friends helped me so I wouldn't miss it. There aren't enough words to describe how much family and friends mean to you. The first time I met you and Dinah, I knew we would be friends. I know how much time and money it took for your Documentary to be made. You will never know how much you have all helped us a long the way. I missed not getting together last year I'm not the only one saying that. It gives your life a boost to make you want to go on. I mentioned this to Dinah and I now will tell you If everyone on earth had to spend one month in KY, there would be no war, killings or the things that is going on in this world. We can all learn how to live if we came to Ky. There was not one person we we're in contact with that didn't treat us like we were their best friends. That says a lot, I think. I appreciate all the hard work you did to give all of us this gift of love. We love you to. Love, Linda (Flory) The documentary was so awesome. Rosemary & Luther will certainly receive heavily jeweled crowns in heaven. Every one was so inspirational, every emotion was like "I know what they're talking about." I pray every one world-wide will get to see this film. Shelia Allen Luther and Rosemary I want to thank you for making Space Between Breaths possible. Sitting there in the audience and sharing the film with so many grieving families was the most moving experience I have ever had. I still feel so overwhelmed I can't think of the words to say what the experience meant to me. Seeing Drew's face and hearing his little boy voice at Sports Camp truly "undid" me. I did not stay for the reception; I really just couldn't. I walked back to the hotel and found it was a beautiful evening for me to review in my mind what I had heard, how blessed I am to be part of your family circle, and how hard I need to pray for all parents who lose their children. I met the most beautiful person Lizanne O'Toole from White Plains, New York who lost her little girl Fallon one week before she gave birth to her 4th child and her 1st boy, She sat next to me and was so gracious to share her loss and pictures of her precious daughter. I will see her and her sweet little girl forever in my mind's eye. She gave me a copy of a song that a friend wrote "The Biggest Embrace" as part of an album. I will pass the album along to Linda Boyd at McCallie who was not ready to accept your kind invitation to Lexington. Lizanne asked me to listen and pass it on, and I want to honor her request. Sometime, I want to buy your CD because I loved Cindy's music and lyrics. I know everything was there on the table in the lobby, but I couldn't seem to concentrate enough to think what to buy. I also want Phil to see your movie. As a psychologist who sees parents who have lost children, it is a must! I want a friend who lost her 14 -year -old son to a gun accident and 2 grandmother friends who have lost grandsons to see it . When you show it again, would you please email me so I can perhaps get some folks together to join me in seeing it? Rosemary, I so wanted to visit the boys' grave yesterday before heading home, but I was by myself and couldn't seem to get control of my emotions. I kept thinking I could do it and then I'd start sobbing all over again. With a 4 1/2 hour drive in front of me, I finally decided I would wait and visit another time with Phil as we have done before. As it was, I rear ended someone on the bridge over the interstate at University of the Cumberlands (formally Cumberland College ) (that beautiful dome!). Fortunately, my bumper hit the woman in front of me right on that extra rubber bumper some SUV's have so there was no damage. It did wake me up, however, to the fact that I needed to pay attention to my driving and get home safely! Jordan, what a handsome, lovable man he has become. I could have just hugged him and hugged him some more. How much he has had to deal with in his young life. Without even knowing him that well, I just love him and am so proud of him. Please, always let me know how he is doing. Thanks again to you and Luther and Dinah and Jim for all you and others now in your Fellow Travelers group, etc. do to extend a loving hand to grieving parents. I wish churches would use your film as a lesson in how families cope and how those of us not within the actual experience can be useful and supportive. If you ever want to show the movie in Chattanooga, I would help set up a schedule of viewings at a variety of churches. Whatever, whenever, I can be of assistance, please call on me. Love and hugs to you, girlfriend! Carol Kay (Johnson) Dear Rosemary, I so enjoyed the documentary on May 31st. I know you and your husband put a lot of work into the success of the film. My question is.....Would we be able to get an email picture of the photo of our son, Scott and myself that was at the end of the documentary? Two of my friends (one that was at the premier) would also like to see the pictures of them and their sons. Their names are Kathy Combs and Janet Cline. Please let me know if there is a way to get these pictures. I would so appreciate any info you can give me. Again, I want to thank you for you and your husband's dedication and hard work for the production of the documentary . May God Bless You Both for being so supportive and caring during the filming of this meaningful documentary. God's Peace, Nancy Schroeder Dear Rosemary and Luther, Thank you for having Barbara send me Cindy Bullens' music for "Space Between Breaths." I was surprised and pleased and have put it on several times. I told Phil about her and her family's tragedy; she and her husband were so articulate in your film. It seems as though so many children's' deaths have been in the news lately. Every time I listen to CNN, I hear of another family who may need you and your program--the two little boys in Kentucky who died locked in the car trunk, the young woman from Staten Island who died from toxic effects of the use of Ben Gay, the recent high school graduate from Kansas City who was abducted from a Target parking lot and murdered...the list goes on. Sometimes the weight of the grief in our world is so heavy, one wonders how we humans can go on. But then, as your film said, the choice is made by grieving folks in that space between breaths, and has to be made over and over again. Just a stunning concept!! For those of us who empathize and grieve for others, we must choose between breaths to show love, compassion, acceptance and Godliness in the next breath....over and over again. Again, thank you both and Jordan for all you do to comfort others and to be the awesome loving people you are. You are truly God's good and faithful servants. Love and continued prayers, Carol Kay Dear Rosemary, I am still in awe of what you created with the very poignant documentary. My hat is off to you and Luther for handling so many details so perfectly. Your editing job was fantastic - the way you mixed everyone's answers so meaningfully. I hope you win many awards. No matter what, it will educate many people about our special grief. The Conference setting was comfortable and very inviting. You did a great job with all the planning and aren't you glad you moved the Candle Lighting from the morning to the late afternoon? That moving ceremony kind of wiped out a few people. I was honored to be the Keynote Speaker. Since I have been back home, I have been busy running four workshops for bereavement facilitators, in addition to the paperwork with our TCF meeting. On Friday we had 80 bereaved parents with 9 new families!!! Last month we had 72 with 8 new families. Now it is time to start the July newsletter which takes a few days. There is always a project on my desk. I am giving 3 workshops and the Closing Keynote for the Bereaved Parents/USA in Chicago, July 12-15, will be Keynote Speaker at the Samaritan Conference in Houston, TX, Sept 7th, and giving two workshops and Dinner Keynote at the TCF Eastern Regional Conference in King of Prussia, PA, Sept. 28-30. I have a few speeches to spiff up. I was asked to give a workshop on Multiple Losses. I have never developed that topic. Do you have any major points that I should make sure to include on that subject? Hope you are relaxing. Love, Elaine (Stillwell) You know I will bombard you with my thoughts as they occur...and I am getting so old...they occur way too often.....but I keep thinking of that film....how awesome it is...how each segment seemed to show in a mysterious way HOW and When we get "better , " without that "stages of grief" that so many well - meaning people have thought of!!! It built and built until we in the audience , no longer cried or cried a lot less. Ro, I think it is the pinnacle of all the hard work and love and effort you have put out there in the last 15 years. I do believe there is something connected to that 15 year "mark" that is so painful for you both. Wherever and however this goes in the future...you both have accomplished something....awe - inspiring...I am so grateful to be close to you both... Thank you Eleanor (Foss) Dear Rosemary, Congratulations! You did it! What a wonderful tribute to our children. I had hoped to talk to you at the premiere or conference, but they go by so quickly. You all did an absolutely beautiful job at absolutely everything. Good luck on the film festivals - - hope that goes very good for you. Thanks again! Charlotte Martin Hi Rosemary I was in touch with the Mom in NY that you referred me to. She has written to me about her son Kyle. I think she lives way up North. Thank you also for the CD's. I am sure you got raves about the film. I keep seeing it in my head. It is excellent. Take care Rosemary. You are such a rare giving woman that has brought much healing and comfort to the earth. I want to tell you also that you and Luther looked so elegant at the viewing!!!! Love, Claudia Hi Rosemary I am still reflecting and regrouping from your powerful documentary. It was profound, hopeful, positive, holy, sacred and full of grace. Paul is making you a DVD of all the filming he did during the activities . I will send it next week. I treasure you and all that you have done on this planet for suffering parents. The film will go places that we cannot comprehend for your film is just so deep and beyond words. You are anointed by the Mighty Lord and your Sons/Sun to give this message I enjoyed meeting folks after the viewing and especially being with Linda and Becky. They are so precious for their hearts are so broken. At dinner one night they spoke of not having a future with their children and never being able to hold a grandbaby. Bless your heart and Luther's. You are both so giving and your documentary is so Altruistic. So many HONOR you. Hi Rosemary mercyFirst envelopes 3,000 children in their system. That means hundreds of students, teachers ,school psychologists, counselors, medical staff, etc. The communications department informed me that they will be putting the Space Between Breaths web site as a link on their mercyFirst web site shortly to educate all staff and employees on the dynamics of grief, loss and transcendence.. The documentary is a Life Lesson on living with a hole in your heart and even spilling out compassion, strength, caring, giving, love, light and creativity in the process passing through the hole.... Your film is so positive in the message of Faith and what we hope for and what we do not see...... I have a meeting on Thursday with New York State MADD and next month the staff meeting at the NYODN...... Claudia Dinah and Rosemary, I'm sorry this has taken me a week to write, but I came home to the last week of school - report cards, cum. folders, portfolios, math cards, word study assessments, well, you get the picture. I looked forward to last week from the day I found out about the documentary and JIM's Conference. That might seem that unusual, but I really don't look forward to much of anything anymore. I was very interested about the things that were going to happen, but the most wonderful part is that I was able to meet both of you. You have meant so much to me, and even in the terrible moments, I knew from very early on that I had friends as close as my computer. It is so amazing how the bond between all of us can be so strong and immediate. I don't think we stopped talking at our lunch table for even a moment. Those were two days that I am sure I won't ever forget - well, hopefully. I won't tell you how much time I spend looking for things that I should certainly know where they are, and the name thing is really getting harder!!! Now I have two more things to look forward to. One will be the DVD of the documentary, and the other will be coming to Williamsburg next spring where I KNOW you will be having the picnic. Thank you just isn't a strong enough word for all you have done to me and so very many other bereaved parents. Much love, Colleen Baber Dear Dinah, Thank you for a lovely conference. When I was leaving work my boss wished me well and to enjoy the conference. I thought it was odd, because of the topic, "enjoy" was not the adjective I would have selected. But I ran along, pondering this as others said "enjoy". I certainly enjoyed seeing you and Rosemary, along with all the other people who are not a part of my routine life but have gained so much from knowing. Simply, it is the reason why we need to gather that removes some of the joy. This is more of a pilgrimage that I need to take to pay homage to my son, and now my sister. And in a way to all of us survivors. How ever heartbreaking our stories, we are still standing which is a miracle worth celebrating. Thank you for creating a venue for such a celebration. And YES, I will always attend each and every J.I.M.'s conference to see you and to celebrate the lives of our children and the survival of our kind. Our species is a unique kind of survivor and quite blessed to have met you dear Dinah. Peace and Blessings to you fellow traveler, Debbie (Garber) DEAR DINAH-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WORK YOU DID ON THE CONFERENCE-IT WAS GREAT!!!!! IT IS PROBABLY THE WRONG WORD TO SAY THAT I ENJOYED IT BUT I REALLY DID. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND FOR THE WONDERFUL PERSON THAT YOU ARE. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A PICNIC NEXT YEAR IF YOUR HUSBAND DOES NOT KILL YOU FOR EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT. FEEL FREE TO ENLIST ANY HELP THAT I CAN BE FOR YOU. AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH. VICKI TACKETT Your J.I.M.'s Conference was excellent as usual. I'd not heard Elaine Stillwell before and enjoyed her talk very much. She was an outstanding addition. The rest of the program was also very well done. It was good to learn more about the parents and siblings from the "Space Between Breaths" film and to be entertained and touched by Cindy Bullens music. And of course, closing with a candle lighting is always special. Additionally, it was a good networking time for me. I met multiple people from the Lexington/Bluegrass area that weren't aware of our local Compassionate Friends group and hopefully convinced them to start attending our meetings. As you well know, bereaved parents and families can receive much needed support from Compassionate Friends. Thanks to you & Rosemary for giving all of that to us. Jim Sims Dinah, Just a short note to let you know how much we all enjoyed the conference this year. I think it was evident that everyone there went home with something that will help them. I know that even though I have attended all your conferences since Jessica's death, I always come away with something that helps me and that I can pass along to other bereaved grandparents that I encounter. Take care and thanks again for a successful conference. Love, Brenda (Rogers) Dinah and Rosemary, thanks again to both you ladies for a great conference. There is such a need for these conferences as demonstrated by the people that attend them, especially the newly grieving ones. They offer hope to those who are without hope. As stated in the movie Field of Dreams, "If you build it they will come"! In your case, you have already built it, you just need to have it and they will come. One thing for sure, if you have it next year, Brenda, Lynette and I will be there. Bill (Rogers) Dear Dinah, Thank for all your love and your positive energy. The weekend meant so much to Mike and me ... and especially to Reid. We will look forward to seeing you again. Much love, Diane Cooper Dear Dinah, Words can't express my appreciation for the film and the conference last weekend. I feel as if a breeze from Heaven has come through my soul and cleared out some dust and heaviness. My newly bereaved friend, said on Saturday, that a corner of her pain has been lifted. Her daughter, was killed in a car wreck in August 2006. We would like to attend J.I.M.'s Picnic if you decide to organize one for 2008. We all felt it was very helpful and hopeful. Thank you and Dr. Taylor for all you do for bereaved families. God bless you! Sharon (Kidd) Dinah, It is a privilege to vote for Rosemary and Luther as Most Valuable Parents. I don't know what we, fellow travelers, would do without them or without you and Dr. Taylor. "Space Between Breaths" and JIM's Conference were both very special, as I knew they would be. Cindy Bullens was great, as usual. I am always amazed at how the "spark" you started has spread and touched so many lives in great despair, so positively. How better could you honor your wonderful young Jim. Thank you all for these special times and for providing a "safe place" for our grieving and broken hearts. With Love, Emma (Jonathan's Mom) (Keen) Dear Dinah, Thank you so much for the conference! How did it go by so fast. You all did just an absolutely beautiful job. Just wish we'd had more time, but don't we always wish that? I took 175 Live Forever plants and came back with zero. It's so strange to find out that that tiny little one-inch "thing" that I found growing in my grass has reached Taos, New Mexico and California because of J.I.M.'s conference. Suzy Christman told me she was the one who sent a "start" of the Live Forever to a grieving mother in Taos. I mailed several starts to someone in Louisiana. They are splitting and transplanting them as fast as they can so that they will be able to give them away in Louisiana! Thanks again! Congratulations on another success. Love, Charlotte Martin Dinah, It was such a pleasure meeting you and your husband. Your son Jim is smiling down from heaven with all of the great things you have done. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to attend such a wonderful event (movie & conference). You are truly an angel with a wonderful gift. God Bless You! Michele Mistler Dear Dinah, Thank you for creating a safe haven for so many fellow travelers!� I’m thrilled to be here and share in J.I.M.’s conference and the preview of “Space Between Breaths” – Wow!! Big hug, Lizanne O'Toole (Fallon’s Mom) Dear Dinah, I wanted to Thank you and Jim for a lovely 2 days in Ky. I loved the Documentary and I think it will help people who are going through this journey of grief. We need each other to let us know that we aren't crazy. We just need someone to lean on for a little while. You have been that to many others. I know the first time I came down there, I truly believe it was the beginning of my healing process. No, I will never be over it but I can laugh and smile and believe that I truly want to go on living. I want to thank Rosemary and Luther for their great gift of the Documentary. Each one of you gave a piece of yourself to help others. It is appreciated more than you will ever know. I believe that if everyone in the world would have to spend a month in Ky, our world as we know it now--would change to how we want others to feel and understand. There would be no more wars, killings and the things we are used to seeing now. There would be love and peace which we all want. I did not come in contact with one person in Ky who wasn't nice. We were treated as if we were born there. It must be a great place to live and raise a family. I hope you will continue to have the Conference. I missed it so much last year and I know that others did to. It gives you a boost in continuing this journey. I will help in any way and I know others will also. Again, THANK-YOU for the Southern Hospitality. It means more to us than you will ever know. Love, Linda (Flory) My Dear Dinah, Thank you so much for all your hard work and the giving of your time and yourself! The documentary was great - so was the conference. Thanks again to you and "Taylor" for reaching out to us - words cannot express how much it has meant on this journey. Fondly, Sue (Ray too!) (Hutcheson) Dinah, Thank you so much for the terrific J.I.M.'s conference. It was certainly nice to share a hug with you at the preview of Space Between Breaths. You, Rosemary, and Luther are very, very, special people! Thanks and God Bless, Janet Smith Thank you so very much and God bless. I can't tell you enough how pleased I was at the debut and the conference on Friday. It was just wonderful to be with people who felt the same as I did. It is very comforting. God's blessings to you now and for always. Ella June (Robertson) We loved the documentary! It was extremely well done. I think this could have enormous impact across the country and even the world. Thanks for all you both did to make the Lexington event so successful. It was not only memorable, it was uplifting and encouraging. I think our kids were mighty proud! We love you guys. Donna & Woody (Herndon) Dinah This was my first conference. I was glad to finally get to put a face with a name. It was a honor to meet you. I did not get to come to the documentary and I guess I missed a great production by all the responses that you have. I did get to meet a lot of folks and there were a lot that I didn't get to meet. Dinah, you and Rosemary have a great gift for people and I'm sure your children are so proud of you. I also got some of the books I had wanted for a while. I could not find Children of the Dome here and I was so glad to get to read it and my Heart Notes and some other things. Thank you for all that you do. When the documentary comes out I will have it so I can see what I missed. Take special care and God Bless. Love Juanita (Hicks)
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This site was last updated 09/04/08
