I Can Create

Couple of weeks ago, I shared that I’m preparing for my parents’ 25th anniversary function. That was yesterday. I want to find the right word to describe the last 24 hours, but I’d stick with memorable. These moments were magical. Otherworldly but right at home.

Physically at home now, I’m still pretty much there. It’s so hard to put my racing mind to rest and write this issue. But okay let’s try.

I have so many stories to tell but I’ll share just one thing today. Remember that highlight reel I mentioned? It went crazy well! It landed perfectly — every picture, every song, every transition. Frame-by-frame, the audience reacted exactly as I intended.

My mother and many others were crying over the wedding pictures coupled with bidaai songs. I could hear the laughs when I switched the mood with a naked photograph of little Aachman. And the surprise element of “hold up, there’s one more thing” kind of worked as well.

My intention with the video, down to the last frame, was very clear. But I didn’t expect it to actually bring out the same emotions as mine. I expected people to watch it, clap, and move to the next thing. I did not expect any praises or even acknowledgement. And I definitely did not expect to start a stream of tears.

Those 8 minutes with 80 people watching the video were heartwarming, even I was almost in tears. They validated my work and all the effort I put over the past couple of weeks.

This was a revelation that I can tell a story in more forms than writing. That I can capture the essence of an emotion and convey it with conviction. That I can express myself just as I am.

This was a revelation that I can create.

Good night,
Aachman