RITES OF PASSAGE

---

Between Now and Forever is a ground breaking, multimedia project on loss, grief and transcendence. It includes an exhibit, a documentary video on parents who have lost a child and an important experiential aspect: a memorial table and the presentation of a grief workshop.

The exhibit is comprised of the photographs, stories, poems, artwork and music of twenty bereaved people, people who having faced a great loss in their life, have found a way or ways to come to peace with their loss.

Participating are several couples who have lost a child (through suicide, terminal illness and accidents), people who are themselves facing terminal illness, a few who are dealing with the death of a spouse or parent, a man who survived the Nazi concentration camps and at least one person who is living with a major disability. Views on loss and grief are also expressed by a hospice nurse, a pediatric surgeon and a First Nations Indian Chief. People from all walks of life, races and religions have been included as much as this has been possible.

Each piece is framed in a collage format with a black and white portrait of each person or couple as the central focus. Underneath this portrait is the text (sometimes written in story form and sometimes in a question and answer format) which in telling that person's story, address such questions as: "How has this loss changed your life, your values, your spiritual or religious beliefs, the kind of person that you are?", "What helped you the most in dealing with this loss (words, books, people)?", "What was least helpful or even hurtful?", "What does the word grief mean to you?", "What advice would you give to others who are just beginning the journey?", "What could we as society or as individuals do to be more helpful to those who are grieving or facing a major loss?"

Interwoven throughout the text are family photos of the person who died or photos depicting the story being told. Relevant poems and artwork are also be incorporated into the piece. Each person has chosen their own title ie: "Life against the Wind", "We came, We saw, We Contributed", "My Roller Coaster Life" etc., etc. and in some cases, a song which ² accompanies the exhibit in the form of a soundtrack. In this way and with this multi-media approach, those who view this exhibit experience an in depth understanding on an emotional level of each person's life, their loss and how they were able to deal with it. This exhibit is visually very beautiful .

Symbolically, we have taken a dark and often avoided subject and found the beauty in it - expressed the light that only becomes visible after walking through the darkest night.

The second component of Between Now and Forever is an award winning video titled ³Turning Toward the Morning-stories of love and loss, of grief and hope². This video, which brings to light stories of parents who have lost a child- to illness, to accidental death and to suicide-contains a message of hope, not only for bereaved parents but for all of us. It will accompany the exhibit as it travels, adding yet another dimension to this experience.

The third component of Between Now and Forever is the interactive, experiential aspect. Those who come to view the exhibit will be encouraged to bring their own photos, poems and stories. A memorial table will be set up and grief counselors and/or others who have experienced a loss will be available to listen and to share these stories.

On the day following the opening of the exhibit in each city around the country, a workshop on grief will be offered and presented by a certified grief counselor or therapist.

The purpose of Between Now and Forever is to provide education and information on loss, grief and healing for clergy, teachers and health care professionals as well as for the general public. At the same time, it offers inspiration, a ray of hope and an opportunity for healing for those who are just beginning the grief journey. This project seems particularly relevant in these current times. Because of the events which took place on September 11, 2001, loss and grief and finding a way to heal have been foremost in the hearts and minds of many people throughout the U.S and throughout the world.