A word about the VU Anniversary Video
I missed somebody and I feel terrible.
I am not a videographer. I’ve got a decent Macbook with some great software that came pre-installed, but before I made last week’s anniversary video I’d never so much as blown the dust off it. It took me all day (and many frantic emails to savvier friends) to figure out how to cobble together what I did. I am proud of the result, but let’s just say I won’t be making another one anytime soon.
There were many survivors who were not pictured in the video, either because they weren’t comfortable with putting their faces out there or they weren’t able to get a photo to me–no big deal. Unfortunately, there was someone who sent me a photo and somehow, someway, it fell through the cracks. I didn’t discover my mistake until today, as I was cleaning out my email inbox. Keith never said anything; I only found out by accident.
I can’t tell you how terrible I feel about this.
Keith Smith is a survivor. He was one of the first survivors to post his story on VU, and he is one of the few males to have done so–which makes his story so vital, because men need safe places to speak out and seek support. I’m honored he did so on VU, and I’m deeply sorry I messed up.
Keith, I’m so sorry I missed your photo in the video. I would redo the whole thing if I didn’t think it would take a week and possibly ruin it entirely. I hope you’ll accept my apology.
Thank you all for the incredibly warm celebration you gave VU last week. For your comments, your emails, your Tweets, your posts, I am eternally grateful. Thank you especially to all the survivors; those who have already spoken out, and those who are still patiently awaiting their turns.
And, to Keith. Thank you.
Thank you for visiting Violence UnSilenced, a speak-out platform for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. If you are a survivor and it is safe to do so, we encourage you to share your story here. If you are not a survivor but you want to support those who are, please click around this site and find out more about what you can do.
Comments
Thank you for your story Keith.
As Keith's daughter, I know he would never fault you for this at all. If anything, Violence Unsilenced has had incredibly positive results for my father - in all possible ways imaginable. He didn't tell me about this - I too found it by accident.
Thank you for being so courageous, and congratulations for all the positive success this site has had on so many lives.
Catherine Smith
PLS Support: A word about the VU Anniversary Video http://bit.ly/bgSFw4
RT @maggiedammit: Please go tell Keith I'm sorry, I feel TERRIBLE: http://violenceunsilenced.com/a-word-about-the-vu-... #vu
RT @MaggieDammit: please go tell Keith I'm sorry, I feel TERRIBLE: http://violenceunsilenced.com/a-word-about-the-vu-... #vu
RT @maggiedammit: please go tell Keith I'm sorry, I feel TERRIBLE: http://violenceunsilenced.com/a-word-about-the-vu-... #vu
One more thing--please go tell Keith I'm sorry, I feel TERRIBLE: http://violenceunsilenced.com/a-word-about-the-vu-... #vu
i kinda like that keith ended up with his own post.
i just re-read his post and was moved, yet again, by his strength and the inspiration he provided to men (and women) everywhere by speaking his truth out loud. perhaps there's a bigger reason he's highlighted now. maybe his words needed some fresh air, some fresh eyes, another turn.
maybe he needs a little support. maybe his words gave someone else some much needed support. whatever the reason,
hi keith.
and, crap, don't even get me STARTED on the whole video editing process.
I remember Keith's story. Awesome bravery to speak out so early on.
I'm sure he understands. The video is awesome
Maggie-this happens more often than naught when making videos-I had to remake a whole wedding dvd because I forgot to include the matron of honor (totally d'oh mistake) I am sure Keith understands.
thank you Keith for your story, thank you for sharing. ((hugs))
Having been down the video-making road myself once upon a time, I know how trying it can be when you're limited by your software and your experience with it. Believe me when I say you did a phenomenal job with it. Now you need to give a little of that compassion you give to everyone who posts here to yourself.
Oversights happen. It's just life. I won't speak for him, but my guess is someone with the kind of character Keith so obviously has is going to have the compassion to understand that.
Love you lots, sis. You rock.
You've done right by Keith and many many others.
Maggie - you handled this very well. Now, forgive yourself and let it go.
Keith, way to go!
Keith I remember your post way back when!
Maggie - everything you do, you do with heart and soul. The video turned out like a pro. Impressive!
Keith has found a friend in you, as have all of us here.
Thank you, Maggie.
For being YOU.
It would be hard to be mad with an apology and a post like that. Plus, it gets his story out there yet again.
I think Keith can appreciate this awesome quote my day planner gave me today: “We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future.” – Frederick Douglass
Sounds like a great quote to sum up VU!
maggie, you do so so so much good and i hope Keith understands.
Keith, off to read your story. I'm sorry I haven't before.
Thank you for highlighting Keith's story. I didn't see it the first time around, and just shared it with a dear friend who really needed to see it. I think there was a reason his picture wound up here, and I applaud his bravery and courage.
maggie... i'm sure keith is just as ecstatic about the video as the rest of us who were on it are. and now he has his own picture post that speaks to all.
thank you keith. thank you for your bravery.
Aw, Maggie. I'm sure Keith understands. It was an accident. Please don't beat yourself up, you've been under a lot of stress my friend.
Keith, Thank you for sharing.
Baby...stupid happens to ALL.
I am the QUEEN of it.
It's not intentional and I am sure he knows it.
It shows your heart that you feel so bad.
If it makes you feel any better I will totally let you cry in my bosoms. Tthey are pretty damn awesome and magical, yo.
:)
xo
P.S. YOU ARE AMAZING, KEITH
Hi Keith!
An honest mistake and now your very own picture post! These things have a way of working out...
Thank you for your story.
[...] UPDATE: I missed somebody! I feel so terrible. Please read this. [...]