The Little Things

When I was approached by the ALS Society of Alberta, to see if I would be willing to share my story as a caretaker for my father during his time living with ALS, I hesitated. This is something I have always wanted to do, and I have even had people encourage me to do so. And yet, everytime I reflect upon the life of my father and his influence on my life, I end up revisiting some of those wounds that I always think I have somehow moved beyond and healed from entirely—a task that can be daunting and difficult.

And though it is difficult, I also know it is necessary and important. Though this film is not an exhaustive description of everything that I experienced and continue to carry within me as a result of these years of life, it still contains the essential and major themes within a short and contained portrait.

Our wounds are something that follow us and we carry them with us throughout our entire life whether we like it or not—like the ressurected Christ with his wounds still present and the word, “peace”, on his lips.

Our wounds have the opportunity as well to become healing balm for others. The wounds of my father have been healing for me, and while I hesitated in sharing my story in this film, what encouraged me deep down to do it was the fact that it might bring some sense of healing to others, no matter how small. In a way, it was those simple words from my father, “it’s not all about me”, that encouraged me to share.

This film was an excersize for me in a more personal way of telling my story on screen, while being a bit experimental in parts. It is in a sense, my first excersize in autobiography and in opening myself up to others publicly. I certainly have done this through my writing and reflections, but the thing that is different about this film is that it is so personal—and I think you can see some of the themes I speak of, engrained in the essence of my writing. My writing, in many ways, is nothing other than the fruit of this time of my life, and it continues to bear much fruit beyond what I think is possible.

Simply put, I have never made a more personal film about my life, and it has pushed me to experiment with the idea and potential that this avenue might have in store, waitign to be uncovered.

The image is my first language. It is the way I am able to communicate myself most readily to the world.

The Little Things is a tender, reflective short documentary about my journey walking alongside my father through his battle with ALS. What began as simple daily routines became moments of profound meaning—quiet walks, shared silences, and the little gestures that revealed the depth of love between us. This film is not only a tribute to my dad, but also a meditation on grief, presence, and the sacredness of everyday life. It asks us to notice how the smallest moments can carry the greatest weight, especially when time is fragile.

I must give a massive thank you to my friend, Austin Knibb, for his support in helping to make this film come to light.