Dating & Relationships

I almost didn’t go to the shoot that day. The night before, I suffered from a severe head concussion due to a near car accident. I was in such pain that I couldn’t walk. I seriously considered not participating in the project, which was a first for me. I never miss a shoot.

About 12:30am, I discovered a voicemail from one of the writers. “Have we got a part for you…Oh, you are going to be so bad, it’s awesome.” I was sold. I didn’t care how bad my head hurt. I was going.

The morning presented itself like most starts of the shoots, you gather together, read through the script, sit in make-up and wait to be called. But, on this day, the exceptions leaped off the page. This day would be different.

I knew the second I walked into You+ that I was walking into a great production. Everything from the locations, to the equipment, to the script, to the fact that the make-up artist applied dirt to my face instead of blush was foundational to the rest of the day. This production had top-notch written all over it. I was also amongst great company and wanted to do my best. I had worked with the writers on two films previous and had become good friends. I had also worked with the Director before and respected his work.

I also met a few new faces that day. I was impressed how well versed and knowledgeable everyone was, as well as with the caliber of cinematography and directing. We also worked very well together, which is especially important on a timed shoot.

But, there was one face that stuck out to me. I noticed him earlier in the day, but it wasn’t until after listening to Brandon discuss a scene, that he turned around and almost ran into me when I noticed his eyes. They were endearing, kind and deep. Moments later, the same thing happened, except, this time, I almost ran into him. Again, his eyes beamed and there was something about this guy that kept my eyes on him.

Maybe it was the fact that I kept catching him look at me, although he’ll tell you he doesn’t remember that. Maybe it was his physique, although he’d deny that entirely. But what is undeniable is when I saw him listening to a friend pour out his heart and encourage him in the way he should go. I was so touched by that. He just sat back in his chair, feet propped up and wholeheartedly listened. That was of greatest value to me and I won’t forget how I felt. That was the day I met Josh Spake.

Six months have now passed, five of which I’ve been honored to date Josh. He has impacted my life in so many ways and brought me so much joy.

It’s funny the irony in it all. A shoot that I didn’t almost participate in was the shoot that swept the awards at the film festival and was the shoot that I met someone truly special. Sanctuary proved to be much more than a shoot; it proved to be a sanctuary of hope, opportunity and the cultivation of deep relationships. I’m so glad I went that day.