Shane is a long time friend of Debra's. They worked together on
the first documentary she produced in Asheville, NC. He
shared a story years ago that touched her deeply:
"When
my dad was about five years old, his parents went away for some
time and he ended up staying short periods of time with various
relatives. He never had money for nice things, and would often
go about in very tattered clothing, as the people he stayed with
were not always able to afford his care.
When
Dad would walk home from school, he always passed by a Tastee
Freeze ice cream parlor owned by James (Jim) Marshall. Dad would
always stop to press his face to the window, watching other kids
and parents enjoying the ice cream. As Jim would tell me, he always
noticed dad looking in, with his tattered clothing and hungry
look, but he said dad would never come in.
One
day Jim went out and invited him in for some ice cream, in exchange
dad swept the floor and helped him carry things out. This went
on for some time, and as their relationship grew, Jim came to
find out about dad's lack of loving parents. As Jim had no family
of his own, he started taking Dad out on fun adventures. Camping,
Skiing, playing ice hockey......as well as helping him to buy
the things he needed for school and such. Jim and Dad each filled
empty spaces in one another's life, and were always there for
each other. They called each other "Dad" and "Son",
and after some time, Jim legally adopted my dad (although by then
my father was an adult), I believe just to have it established
legally. I have always called Jim "Grandpa Jim", and
have always felt that he was a true Grandfather. He went to great
lengths to guide and assist me as I grew, and I learned a type
of love and compassion from him that many men cannot express.
I am reminded daily of commitment and responsibility to family
that I saw him exude. And of the need for a strong father-son
relationship. My father, as well as myself, were very fortunate
to have Jim in our lives."
When
Shane's son Elias was born, Debra saw this same deep bond between
father and son reflected in their relationship. We wanted to create
a Pearl that reflected the true nature of their mutual affection
and in a sea of wonderful moments in the editing suite, we knew
when we saw Elias impulsively paint Shane's cheek that we had
found our Pearl.
We
dedicate this Pearl to Grandpa Jimmy.
CREDITS:
Camera:
Scott Dobbins—A New Light Video
Voiceover:
Chris Rosser
Sound Studio:
Chris Rosser—Hollow Reed Arts
Editing:
Shane Peters and Scott Dobbins—A New Light Video
Linda
McLean and Debra Roberts
Music: Composition
by Jim Beckwith—Common Touch Productions
