Back in February, a dear friend of mine passed away from cancer. Though I had known him since I was seventeen years old, he was absent from my life for the last two decades. I cannot express in words how much I regret not having in my life, but perhaps my actions -or in this case inaction- can show you.
I had not written in Broken Vows since he died. The last scene I wrote the day he died included a character based on him. I just couldn’t get over the hump for three months.
Then on Friday, May 17, 2024 we had a Memorial Service to honor our fallen friend. I was reunited with a couple of my dearest friends. Friends who I hadn’t seen in almost twenty years. We hugged. We laughed. We cried. It was precisely what I needed. It was both closure and a re-opening of doors (I hope).
Today, Saturday May 18, 2024, I sat down at my desk like I’ve done many times over the last couple of months, but this time I wrote. There was no dialogue. No character other than the Veronica and her thoughts in deep meditation. She had thoughts of love, of loss, of grief, guilt and shame. Most importantly there were thoughts of hope.
My friend was a big fan of Superman. The emblem on his chest means Hope. It was important to add the hope Veronica must carry within her because it keeps all of us moving forward.
Thanks to him, I have hope, too.
Broken Vows will be dedicated to Chris McKee a.k.a. Loafie. You are my Superman.
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