Documentary screening shares pain of losing a child, loved ones

As a pharmacist and mother, Rosemary Smith says she had the perfect life until 1992, when her two older sons were killed in a car crash on their way home from a concert.

"I didn't think we were going to make it," said Smith of Beattyville.

Three weeks after Drew and Jeremiah's deaths, Smith received a "grief workbook" in the mail from a woman from her nearby hometown of Williamsburg who had suffered a similar loss.

From that point on, Smith began to reach out to other parents who have lost children, which led her to create a documentary about their experiences.

Franklin County High School and The Compassionate Friends of Frankfort will host a screening of her film, "Space Between Breaths," Saturday at the high school.

"Space Between Breaths" is not just a film for bereaved parents, Smith says.

"The greater message is about humanity and the power of the human spirit to survive and go on," she said.

It includes stories from parents of a soldier killed in Iraq, a Columbine victim and even a 9/11 rescue worker.

"It helps to preserve their lives, their memories," Smith said.

Writing and directing the film was "quite an adventure," Smith said. Her research was entirely self-launched. She met many contacts for the film during her book tour.

Five years after the loss of her sons, Smith decided to write a book. "Children of the Dome" was released in 2000 and features stories of 28 families, including Smith's, who have experienced the loss
of a child.

"I wanted to create something more visual," Smith said about her inspiration for the film.

The Compassionate Friends of Frankfort, a self-help organization that helps families following the loss of a child, is inviting the public to attend the screening.

Anyone who has lost someone close will be empowered by the film, according to Karen Cantrell, who is organizing the event.

"It offers a sense of hope and comfort," Cantrell said. "It shows people that they're not actually crazy.

People do crazy things and talking with others helps you through that."

Cantrell would also like to inform the public that this invitation extends to friends and families of the bereaved, but also professionals.

"Anyone who sees the film will walk away with something that will help them in their everyday lives," she said.

Following the screening will be an open forum in which audience members are welcome to ask questions and engage in conversation with Smith, Cantrell and Dina Taylor who will all be present at the event.

"Space between breaths" screening
When: Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Franklin County High School, 1100 E. Main St.
admission: The event is free but ticket reservation is required. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 320-6438 for details.
The Compassionate Friends meet twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Franklin County Health Department at 100 Glenn's Creek Road.

By Maggie Greene

October 8, 2008