At this time last year, life was filled with challenges and poignant moments of loss for me. It marked the anniversary of a significant event, the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Grandma Lenore. Her presence in my life has been profound, shaping my journey and instilling in me a deep sense of purpose and gratitude.
Grandma Lenore was more than just a friend; she was my guiding light, my support system, and a source of unwavering encouragement. I remember our first meeting vividly, in the laundry room of our apartment building in Roseville, MN. From that moment on, our bond grew stronger, and she became a pillar of strength in my life.
She taught me invaluable life lessons, from baking cookies to swimming at the age of 87. She was there during my darkest moments, helping me navigate through challenges and celebrating every success with me. Her love knew no bounds, as she welcomed me into her family gatherings and supported me through thick and thin.
One snowy morning in December 2011, Grandma Lenore and I embarked on a mission together, dropping off my resume at senior buildings in Roseville. Her belief in me never wavered, even during pivotal moments like my divorce and decision to remarry. She walked by my side, offering guidance and wisdom every step of the way. Eleven years of our friendship will forever be cherished.
On May 1st, 2023, I had scheduled an interview with Grandma Lenore for a documentary project I had envisioned. Unfortunately, that morning, I received the heartbreaking news of her passing. Despite the grief, I chose to continue with the project, guided by her spirit and the lessons she imparted. A big part of me still wishes I could have captured her talking about our relationship. I want to know what her pivotal memories were and express one more thank you to her for giving me this new life and aspiration. Words are never enough to convey my gratitude to her for being there when I needed her the most. She taught me faith and the importance of family.
"Grace's Gift" is a tribute to Grandma Lenore and the profound impact she had on my life. Through interviews with 31 individuals who played a role in shaping me, the documentary explores the power of love, relationships, and meaningful connections. It's a celebration of Grandma Lenore's legacy and the ripple effect of her kindness.
However, completing this project requires resources beyond my current means. With the support of Twin Cities Film Festival, we aim to bring "Grace's Gift" to life and share it with a wider audience. After receiving numerous suggestions from friends and family, I have created a Go Fund Me account ( https://gofund.me/2752e30b) for this project. Your financial contribution will help me hire a professional editor and ensure the highest quality production standards. I hope you will consider contributing to complete this documentary and bring it to fruition. I am aiming to finish the editing by this summer and plan to play it at a local theater in September. You will all be invited, so please stay tuned for updates.
I believe that "Grace's Gift" has the potential to inspire others, spreading messages of resilience, love, and the impact of meaningful relationships. I invite you to join me on this journey of honoring Grandma Lenore's legacy and celebrating the beauty of human connection.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Warm regards,
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
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