There is a dangerous tendency in me to wrap up short film projects with a tight bow and a smiley face like an episode of the Cosby Show where everything turned out all right and we all get a nice life lesson at the end. But that is not how life works. Karen is an amazing woman that has had her share of trials and struggles. She single-handedly raised two boys with equally challenging personal struggles. She stood by them while they went through their darkest times and now they are all the better for it; that is why they are fighting so hard for her now.
When I started this project Karen was having a series of blackouts and my idea was that she would be back at work in a couple weeks. I wanted to focus more on her perseverance through this trial and her writing. She has written three books and is currently looking for a publisher. But this is life. The news and prognosis kept getting more and more serious and the film began taking a sadder tone. This is what I wanted to do but it hurt to watch this family walk through this terrible trial.
Through it all Karen was beautifully steadfast. When I would meet with her she would share how much she is learning about her sons, about God, through her cancer. I once told her that if I was in that bed I’m pretty sure I’d just be angry. She said “I don’t have time to be angry.”
Karen is currently going through Chemotherapy and radiation and persevering. Her boys are taking up the brunt of family duties and can use some help. If you want to help just email me and I’ll get you in contact with the Paynes.
