We need to remind ourselves there are kind people in the world. We don’t always see or hear what they do but they exist. Here is one example that is close to home.
My nephew, Malcolm, sadly passed away last September at the tender age of forty-one. He had had a difficult life and for many years battled drug and mental health issues. The terribly sad thing was that he was getting his life together; he had quit the drugs, was dating a woman and was planning to marry her. Then he suddenly passed away from an undiagnosed illness.
Malcolm was a likeable young man who always had a broad smile and was quick with a joke. And like most young people he was constantly searching for meaning and happiness in his life. What made him happy was skydiving, base jumping and surfing. He loved the thrill of what I would call ‘extreme’ sports.
After suffering several shoulder injuries, he had to give skydiving a wide berth, but he continued to surf. Malcolm also loved to film himself in action, catching large waves and confidently barreling through the swells with ease. I never saw him in action as he lived interstate, but his friends said he had exquisite skills.
He also set up his own YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScXbT40BqEU) with video of his surfing exploits. It is probably fair to say the family, me included, thought it was a wonderful hobby for Malcolm, but it was never going to lead to substantial work or pay the bills.
Soon after his passing, my sister, Christine, learned that some of Malcolm’s surfing video had been included in a major Hollywood movie, Project Hail Mary. Malcolm had told her months earlier that an American production agency had seen his YouTube channel and was interested in using his material.
Christine decided to investigate further. She found the email of a Los Angeles-based journalist Amy Nicholson on the internet who had critiqued the movie.
Low and behold, within 24 hours Christine received a response. Her email to Nicholson had been redirected to the directors and producers, Chris Miller and Phil Lord, who then contacted the post-production supervisor, Susan Novick. Novick confirmed by email to Christine that Malcolm’s surfing footage was indeed included in the film starring Ryan Gosling.
The LA film critic, the film’s directors and the post-production supervisor had taken it upon themselves to follow up Christine’s enquiry … and promptly!
Our family, not surprisingly, was overjoyed. The realisation that Malcolm had achieved a key goal filled all our hearts with much joy. However, the joy was tinged with sadness as he had passed before learning of his accomplishment.
My sister will always be grateful for the kindness of the four people in America she had never met who were quick to confirm Malcolm’s contribution to Project Hail Mary.
A week after his passing, hundreds of Malcolm’s surfing mates turned up to one of his favourite surfing spots at Byron Bay to pay tribute. As a family it was heartwarming to realise how much he was loved and admired.
While Malcolm’s contribution to the movie is short and sweet, we can take solace in his success. Not many people can say their YouTube footage has been included in a Ryan Gosling movie.
RIP Malcolm.
Feature image: Surfers heading out to sea for the tribute to Malcolm.
Image: Photo tribute at Malcolm’s funeral.
Image: Project Hail Mary poster.
David B Ahern 