On April 14, 2011, David Brehmer and his best friend, Alex Chappell were driving back from band practice in Oakland, California when they were hit from behind by a drunk driver. David survived the accident with critical injuries, Alex did not.
Over a year of grieving, navigating the legal system, and learning to walk again, David put his thoughts and emotions into words. Unbeknownst to him, Alex's mother, Jeannine Chappell was processing her own grief and loss through visual images. Months later, as they learned of each other's work for the first time, they decided to collaborate on a book about their respective journeys.
One year later, This Has Happened - Words and Images After the Crash is ready for publication and a Kickstarter campaign has been launched to make this project a reality. The Kickstarter campaign has 12 days to go and the initial funding goal has been met, though it's only half of what will ultimately be needed. I encourage you to visit the website, read more about the campaign, and see samples of the book, as well as contribute to its publishing.
Those who have experienced grief and loss know the terrain is rocky and the road map unclear. And when it is an avoidable tragedy caused by the negligence of another, the journey becomes even more complicated. But I believe, in the midst of tragedy and loss, that creativity is a wonderful tool for healing. Indeed, it is a gift, something to be shared with the world.
Project Website: This Has Happened
Comments