I have seen a lot of different examples of beauty, courage, strength, kindness and heroism in my life. Many times singular in their appearance, other times a combination of a few qualities in one person. Never had I seen all of them together in one person until I met Skyler Day. From the beginning she radiated kindness, it bubbled out of her as if it could not be contained. The more I got to know her the more I realized she was one of those people that come along perhaps, once in a lifetime. Her old soul was visible through her beautiful eyes. When she smiled, she shined and her beauty was something that came from deep inside her. Her courage, for one so young, matched non other that I had come to know so well. Her strength was visible as she persevered through hard medical issues, always with a smile, always with kindness. She is one of those that you can say, you look up to her, you want your kids to look up to her and she is one of our every day heroines.
I was privileged to be a part of capturing one part of her journey. She has severe Scoliosis caused from Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. After the surgery, in March to correct her Chiari, her Scoliosis progressed rapidly. On Monday, she will be having surgery to correct her spine and we hope it will the last surgery she will have to endure.
Throughout this whole process she has continued her film career, no matter the pain she has endured. Skyler has participated in the film industry for a long time and won Best Actress under 18 for the Filmed in Utah Awards this year because of her starring role in "Ruby". Her latest film is "Miracle Maker" that just wrapped this week. My two sons were extras on the film and I was able to go and be there one day with them. As I sat and watched the non ending, "Position 1" calls from the director, my focus shifted to Skyler. Over and over she repeated scene after scene. (The Directors, crew and others always were so kind to Skyler and took such great care of her.) Towards the end of the filming, about 1:30 in the morning I came to a realization.
Skyler is such a trooper. I wanted her to realize that she can be an inspiration to other girls and boys who have severe medical issues and still want to act. That even if people notice her miss shaped body on the big screen, her story can be an inspiration to others around her. That maybe she IS supposed to be noticed and have a cute little girl lean over to her mom and say, "See Mom! She's acting. Why can't I?" I thought about that as she danced over and over again and yet she still pressed on with her courage and bravery, through the pain and fatigue. At that point, I watched her more than I did my own son. I just couldn't help but think she's meant to inspire someone.
Today, we celebrated her strength, her kindness, her heroism, but most of all her DEEP BEAUTY and DEEP COURAGE that she came to this Earth possessing. Thank you for the journey Skyler. You have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I am privileged and blessed because I know you.
I was privileged to be a part of capturing one part of her journey. She has severe Scoliosis caused from Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. After the surgery, in March to correct her Chiari, her Scoliosis progressed rapidly. On Monday, she will be having surgery to correct her spine and we hope it will the last surgery she will have to endure.
Throughout this whole process she has continued her film career, no matter the pain she has endured. Skyler has participated in the film industry for a long time and won Best Actress under 18 for the Filmed in Utah Awards this year because of her starring role in "Ruby". Her latest film is "Miracle Maker" that just wrapped this week. My two sons were extras on the film and I was able to go and be there one day with them. As I sat and watched the non ending, "Position 1" calls from the director, my focus shifted to Skyler. Over and over she repeated scene after scene. (The Directors, crew and others always were so kind to Skyler and took such great care of her.) Towards the end of the filming, about 1:30 in the morning I came to a realization.
Skyler is such a trooper. I wanted her to realize that she can be an inspiration to other girls and boys who have severe medical issues and still want to act. That even if people notice her miss shaped body on the big screen, her story can be an inspiration to others around her. That maybe she IS supposed to be noticed and have a cute little girl lean over to her mom and say, "See Mom! She's acting. Why can't I?" I thought about that as she danced over and over again and yet she still pressed on with her courage and bravery, through the pain and fatigue. At that point, I watched her more than I did my own son. I just couldn't help but think she's meant to inspire someone.
Today, we celebrated her strength, her kindness, her heroism, but most of all her DEEP BEAUTY and DEEP COURAGE that she came to this Earth possessing. Thank you for the journey Skyler. You have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I am privileged and blessed because I know you.
Thank you to Wendy Santiano and Sadie Day for allowing me to come on the journey with you. Loved it all. I can't wait to see your photos Wendy!
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Kurt Phipps
July 10, 2015 9:23 PMmarveled at what a sweet spirit she possessed. she is in my prayers nitely. Thank you for writing such a beautiful and honest description of Skyler.