I love this photo of Joie. It was such a joy to welcome her into our home in October 2012. Even though we only had her for a short 10 months, to see her content and happy filled my heart with utter love and joy.

As many of you know, one week before I had to unexpectedly put Joie to sleep due to numerous complications in her tiny little body, she took part in a film that was being filmed in our area in August 2013 called, The Surface.

The movie makes its debut tomorrow night as the last film presented the past two weeks during the Milwaukee Film Festival. From what I understand, Sean Astin, who plays one of the main roles in the film, will be there for its opening debut, along withe the producer and director, as well as I’m sure many of the other people who played a part in bringing this true and inspiring film to reality.

Anyone can attend the film festival, but it does not feel right for me to attend in this way. I’m going to wait for it to come out in the theater as it feels bittersweet for me. I feel like I want it to be a more quiet, intimate, and private view (in a sense).

While I can’t wait to see Joie on the big screen, I am preparing my heart to see her, too. I want it to be a celebration of her life when I see her roll across the big screen. I want to soak it all in with all the joy and love that she brought to my life. And I don’t want to blink as it will be only about 15-20 seconds of her being on the screen, so I want to make sure I don’t miss a moment. I already am wishing they could play her part in slow motion… or over and over again!

So the update that I’ve recently learned through the film’s website is that the movie is being released in suburban Milwaukee areas in WI in selected Marcus theater’s Friday, October 24th. I’ll update more as I know specifically which theaters in Milwaukee if you are in the area, as well as when it may open in other markets in other states. But you can also stay updated by visiting their screenings page.

Like all of you, even though Joie played a small part in the film, I don’t have the “inside scoop” and learn like everyone else the updates through their Facebook page and website. I assume since it is a small independent film that like books, word of mouth, will drive the film to other theaters.  So please help spread the word!