I am home after two weeks in Canada attending my sister-in-law’s funeral. A fast acting cancer attacked all her vital organs and took her life within a short span of three weeks. She was in her forties, married five years ago and helped her husband on their cattle ranch in Manitoba’s North Country.
Following her death the family asked me to help tell her story and to honor her life at the funeral. No one really knew how to put such a tragedy into words nor what to say about her life.
The Lightbox Method came into play once again. I sat down with each family member and interviewed them about Bev asking them questions about the meaning of her life. I listened to many stories and points of view. Though these varied, a common theme kept revealing itself.
This is what the Lightbox Method accomplishes. It brings order out of chaos by finding the meaning behind the events of our lives. The task of the Scop is then to tell the story with a structure and imagery that will help the listener recognize themselves and understand the purpose of the events they experience.
Many times I could only get an impression and at points only single words. Family member expressed their own frustration at putting into words what they wanted to say, and some even felt like it couldn’t be done.
I considered posting the tribute on this blog but discovered something surprising. The writing became sacred to those who knew Bev and family members did not want the tribute treated as a literary example. Once again, I have learned something new about the task of being a Scop. If we do our task well, our readers will own the story we shape. The words will become so full of meaning that they become sacred and beyond our control.
If you want to know more about the Lightbox Method, contact me at lightboxmethod@charter.net and join me at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference this may! Register online today!
John.Wiuff
sandycathcart
elsidodge
lynniegirl45
jinnysherman
Written by John.Wiuff
Leave a comment