(please excuse spelling and grammar errors - author is visually challenged)
Behind the scenes of CBC, the daily Hotsheet for Thursday March 21, 1996 included the following:
"8. MAN ALIVE - TWIN MYSTERY
Tonight on Man Alive....the mystery of twins. We know that they share physical characteristics but is there a psychic link between them as well? Michael McIvor speaks with Melanie and Melodie Elliott, twins who live at opposite ends of the country but two share an emotional and spiritual bond that transcends both space and time. Explore the mystery of twins tonight on Man Alive at 7:30 pm. on CBC." {Producer - Halya Kuchmij}
HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT?
In 1991, I wrote a story of a prophecy that our Grandmother shared with me -- one in which well-described the fact that my twin Melodie and I would be leading extraordinary lives. I sent the article to the producer of the show "On the Road Again" and after several weeks I had reason to think it did not catch any one's attention and moved on to other stories as a regular contributor to a national newspaper that focused on the coping strategies and entrepreneurship of persons with disabilities.
In late September 1995, I received a phone call from personnel engaged in the production of the CBC Current Affair show "Man Alive". The individual informed me that my article in which I had described a prophecy had reached their department as it was deemed appropriate with their "Man Alive" weekly documentary. I was asked if I would consider participating in a show on the topic of twins and gave confirmation that I would participate. This was followed with a question of how the production crew could get in touch with my twin, Melodie for the purpose of asking for her participation.
Reaching Melodie and Geoff was a feat in itself as they had left Nova Scotia a week before the call from CBC and were driving to Kingston, Ontario where Geoff would attend a reunion of Royal Military College peers. They were traveling by a motor-home so it was any one's guess as to where they were as the last day of the reunion was scheduled for the day before an attempt to reach them. Family in Nova Scotia were aware of their plans to visit with relatives in Branford, Ontario and after a scramble to find a phone number a message was left for Melodie and Geoff to call home.
Early that evening Mother received a call came from Branford, Ontario and informed Melodie of the opportunity of being a guest on the Man Alive show....a documentary with the focus of our rather extraordinary twin ties.
In Mother's fax to myself, it was most evident that she shared the excitement of the moment. She wrote, "I am so excited and pleased to hear your article came to light again after a few years! We enjoyed reading it again. Strange how things work out. I hope we can contact Melodie before they leave Neil's -- we are sure they were planning to have a visit with them."
The image above is that of Melodie and Geoff visiting with Melodie's relatives in Branford. Back row (from left to right) are cousin Gail, cousin Cheryl, Geoff, cousin Janet and her brother, cousin Neil. Front row (right to left) - Melodie sits beside her Aunt Beryl {wife of our Mother's late brother Charles Faulkenham}.
(As I compose this blog, I am saddened by the recent news that cousin Cheryl has passed away due to chronic lung disease. She is very much missed.)
Moving Forward: After reaching Melodie we all had time to try and digest what was ahead of us, namely - a lot of research of the past and passing on thoughts and details we have never sat down to share. I began putting together family photos and had several conversations with the individual in Toronto who was assigned the job of editor.
Mother was asked if she could give some thought to incidents that would blend into the focus of the documentary. I was amazed at the significant stories and events she was able to pass on. In one fax dated 12 October 1995, Mother wrote me with the following information:
"Dear Melanie: A thought passed through my mind!
Do you realize that you and Melodie are responsible for your Dad being alive to this day? The first time he was rescued was when he had his first heart attack and you both had come home upon hearing the news. Melodie saw Father in hospital here in Bridgewater and insisted he be transferred to Halifax (a one-hour drive) and went with him in the ambulance.
The second time was just a few years ago and your Dad had an aneurysm repaired. He was in the Intensive Care Unit and not doing well - when you saw him you recognized he was having seizures and the nurses acted immediately. We were asked to leave the room and you immediately (on your scooter) left the ward to seek out an Epilepsy Specialist who you had treated you......your my purpose was to find him and ask if he would see Dad as fast as possible. You found him in his office getting ready to go home for the day.....he immediately put aside his coat and went directly to see your Father. Your Father would not have survived without his care.
Love Mum"
*******************
While Melodie and Geoff made their way across Canada in their motor-home, I was busy providing the show's Editor, Roma, with facts, personal history, family history, twin-related events, relationships, and much more. The process became a daily activity in the provision of material for the show.
*******************
On 5 October 1995 - I responded to Roma on thoughts of "coping".
"Dear Roma:
The effects of a brain injury left me with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. The severity of difficulties necessitated my living in a personal-care setting. In the words of a health care provider: "with a great deal of perseverance, determination and quality professional guidance I now enjoy an independent lifestyle in her community . I had broken through barriers many deemed impossible.
In my words: "It is my testimony that my past has given me the tools required to "cope"
- I am a product of a well-balanced childhood
- I was blessed with a good IQ which added to my ability to create alternative ways and means to achieve,
- I have been privileged to numerous quality life experiences,
- I have always been an individual who cannot accept "no" for an answer,
- I have seldom been intimidated by change,
- the characteristics of being stubborn, obsessive and having a lot of pride has served me well
- through the teachings of a health care provider in the field of neurorehabilitation, I have learned to turn a negative outcome around and find a positive experience,
- I have always been fortunate to have wonderful support persons in the wings,
- In more recent years, my memory deficit has on occasion been responsible for my forgetting some of the worst and more difficult times that have arisen from personal losses and disabilities, and
- I have learned by witnessing Melodie's journey - a journey in which coping has been her key.
In the past it seems to hold true that once I have passed the grieving period of a loss I am able to put it aside and celebrate pre-accident memories. Following that stage I experience a sense of challenge at taking stock of my abilities and set a goal that requires me to develop or re-develop a skill within my boundary of ability.
Melanie"
*********************
On October 1995 - I wrote Melodie and Geoff for the purpose of bringing them up to date upon their arrival home in Chilliwack:
"Hi, Melodie and Geoff:
Before I go into this I am sure you are wanting to take a deep breath and just enjoy the presence and space of being home again. This MAN ALIVE matter can wait until you are good and ready to take it on - if in fact that is what you want to do. Whatever you do - don't feel pressured into this especially from this end as I am of two minds with it. First it is good to get the publicity and other things such as awareness of toxic substances would come of it and on the other hand this filming will be exhausting and one hell of a lot of work and worry.
I dropped Shirley Young (Dr. Peter's mother) and asked her for some words of wisdom. She wrote back:
"How exciting that the CBC MAN ALIVE show will be doing a story on the lives of the two amazing Elliott girls. It will be an inspiration for everyone to see. Peter and I talked about the fact that there was a great story to be told about the human spirit and I am covered in goose bumps just thinking about it. I talked to David Paperny today. David was the CBC producer that did Peter's shows and David said that he knows of Roma Andrusiak and that she is wonderful. Although he hasn't met her personally he seemed to know a lot about her.
You mentioned some concerns about the physical challenges that the filming might present but needn't worry. I cannot say enough good things about the CBC here in Vancouver were for Peter, you need not worry. I cannot say enough good things about the CBC and their handling of Peter's story and the consideration that they showed our family when Peter passed away. Never once did they invade our grief with the usual TV sensationalistic approach that you see on the paid networks. It reinforces how special it is for our country to have CBC.
Melanie, you asked for some words of wisdom - all I can say is that working on the TV diaries and bringing his message to the viewers gave Peter's last few years so much meaning.
You and Melodie have been remarkable examples and it thrills me to no end to know that others will become acquainted with you as I have been fortunate enough to be, etc...
Love Shirley
***********************
On 19 November 1995 - Melodie faxes myself with the following:
"Dear Melanie:
You have done your homework on the article copies you have faxed me while we were making our way home.
When you see Mum ask her who was the most premature and spent the most time in an incubator.....I think it was you - interesting.
As to when the show will materialize, I don't get excited until I see the green light and Halya (producer) feels Friday may be the day it will be decided.
My hair color is blond and as for you -- it looked the same as mine. As for clothes worn in the show - lets see how psychic we are.
Love Melodie"
*******************
Near daily requests for information came from Roma (Editor) -- requests for our thoughts on everything from marriage to basic principles. November was quick to pass, December reflected a less hectic schedule and the speed of the documentary structuring picked up in January and February 1996. The show was scheduled for 21 March 1996 and last minute matters were attended to, i.e. recommendations of elders in Bridgewater to share their experience with the Elliott twins, requests for interviews with medical personnel as well as recreation individuals in the community. Mother was busy rounding up Bridgewater persons as well as providing maps etc. for the filming crew who wanted to capture photos of the town's landscape.
Mother is a reserved individual and any shyness she might have had was certainly not visible. Indeed, a short segment in which she answered questions on the show were met with grace, poignant details, and all with a very open heart. Dad sat by her side and obviously in complete admiration and pride of Mother's delivery. Dad offered his support of Mother's information and extended his opinion on a character difference between "our" twins. She and Dad opened their arms to welcome CBC personnel.
As Mother faxed (date unknown): "Having CBC come down on Saturday is fine with us. We will be pleased to see them and look forward to it!! I am so delighted to help out - what next in our lives is going to happen? I think the whole idea is terrific and you both deserve the recognition of a complete turn around in your lives after touching bottom and coming back again. Two amazing young women! I will look around for pictures etc. and and answer all questions gladly. We are happy to do everything we can with great pleasure.
Love you
Mum and Dad
P.S. I will come down to earth after awhile. I am so excited !!"
MAN ALIVE CBC Crew filming Twin Mystery in Halifax. Melanie sits in her wheelchair and chats with her care-provider. Michael and John attend to sound and film while Halya (Producer) guides the exercise. The landscape is that of Halifax's Public Garden on a cold fall day (3 November 1995)
*******************
.On 1 November 1995, the CBC film crew arrived in Halifax from Toronto and began filming my portion of the documentary. I was comfortable that they had well-covered the scope of my twinship as well as capturing a great view of our childhood and warmth and exception of loving parents. Their images of the town and regional area in which we grew up promised to be excellent. With a promise that I would not contact Melodie until after they finished their filming her on the westcoast, they headed for Chilliwack, British Columbia - the home of Melodie.
*********************
After all the filming was done and the crew back to Toronto, Melodie and I reached out to one another and agreed that there was no need to discuss what was said and what was not as we had confidence that the crew and interviewer did their duty in a caring, respectful and professional manner.
***********************
Date? within a day or so from Melodie and Geoff's return home to Chilliwack
I explained to Melodie what progress had been made with respect to building the story and an introduction to Roma the Editor and Researcher. I had established a daily communication with Roma and questions from her became the driver of each fax.
I summarized some of the topics that had been presented by Roma i.e.
*art therapy
*coping with memory loss
*attendant care
*disabled issues
*dance
*fund-raising
*accessibility
*sports
*health care
*computer use
*marriage
*gardening
*spirituality
*coping with multi limitations
In my concern with respect to pressures etc. potentially affecting Melodie, I stated "please don't feel pressured in any way to participate in this documentary. I am of two minds - a) it would be fun, and b) don't now where I will find the endurance but will manage if it materializes. (Mary has said she would help me get through it without being drained of every fiber). It will not disappoint me if you don't care to carry through with it - honest!
Love Melanie"
*********************
On 20 March 1996
I wrote parents, namely:
"I suspect your house is as busy as mine - I have been in a spin for days now and the finally I can see the end is in sight. I just have to make sure that the tablecloth is ironed and the table set.
Melodie called and certainly put my mind at ease. She tells me that this individual, Halya (a female producer) is good fun and very casual. I get a sense she is not unlike Linda Mason.
Thank you so much Mom for supporting me in your letter re the interview process. I thought I would have to do a lot of explaining to a lot of people on that one - it seems that Melodie, too, is of the same mindset. Oh I had such a bad feeling that my thoughts were unsuitable and inappropriate - thank you again! Memories of being referred to as "the village idiot" has come to the forefront once again.
Now that I have spoken with Melodie and hear of the interviewer I am much more relaxed. I was so tempted yesterday to pull out of this thing as I felt that I would look stupid. The thought came to me as I prepared photo albums and had to ask for help to identify people I should know and recognize. It occurred to me that on one hand I would be preparing for a Canada-wide audience and on the other could not even put my life together in sequence. Melodie has assured me that I have no need to worry about looking anything less than dignified. Dick stopped by this morning and also confirmed that !!
Melodie mentioned that CBC personnel were so very appreciative of my giving them an idea of my limitations. Early in the scheme of things I realized I had to let it be known that I have fatigue problems and this would have to be addressed during the tapping. Again on one hand I so much wanted to do it but it was hard for me to not deny that I am not the person I used to be. Well there is no hiding in the weeds as tomorrow the producer is about to see and hear my barriers.
I hope it will all go well for you too -- I suspect you have many of the same concerns as I do. Mom, don't be concerned about not remembering anything - there is no one expecting you to remember all that has gone on over many years. After all, so much has gone on in your lifetime that it is humanly impossible to even conceive that one individual could have done as you have. And that goes for Dad !!
I hope some of my notes will help put a few of the pieces together.
I have had a lot of special moments trying to think back to the past and hope you have as well.
Remember, When!
Melodie burnt her foot with molasses candy!
Melodie won the Fire Prevention poster contest
Melodie - when Mrs. Mackenzie (school principal) came to the house to ask if Melodie could go to Camp Kadema?
Love Melanie"
************************
On the day before the showing, 20 March 1996, Melodie wrote me:
"Dear Melanie: Well, one day to go !!
I have no idea what we're in for. I can't remember a thing I said (in the taping). If I didn't have an important meeting to go to, I'd lock my doors and wait to get dis-owned by somebody. I will tape the show and see it at 9 o'clock B.C. time. If there is an article in our paper I will fax it to you......
Love Melodie
SEE YOU ON THE BOOB TUBE
*********************
On 21 March 1996 - Melodie wrote
"Dear Melanie: Saw a tape of the show form Toronto to our local newspaper. You are going to like it !!!! Love Melodie. P.S. Where did you get some of those pictures?"
On 21 March 1996 - Myrna (sister-in-law) wrote
"Melanie: Congratulations! Thought they did a very good job, didn't you? Sue was watching.....she looked good too. With all the taping that was done, were you disappointed with the segments that were shown? They seem to have addressed just about everything as far as I could see. Hope it was worth the effort! Congratulations again.
Myrna"
************************
On 22 March 1996: I wrote Melodie, namely:
" Hi, Melodie:
"Thanks for your comments on MAN ALIVE - the comments from Barb Holland were so well written!!! Quite the fan !!!
As far as liking the show --- please know that I am still just as delighted with it as I was the night it aired..... a few negative comments cannot take away the joy I have in seeing myself in a first class show. I know I looked great, spoke amazingly well and would do it again without changing a thing.
Thank you for passing on the comments from Liz, Audry etc.
I got a letter from Hope Bustin in the mail --can you imagine, at 48 years old, hearing from a kindergarten teacher -- wonderful. She feels the show was terrific and also refers to it as a "love story"
Did I tell you my care-providers got together last week and showered me with house-warming gifts----among them was a lovely watercolor tablet with a binding. I will use it to illustrate the book of poetry Aunt Dorothy wrote me several years ago.
Love Melanie"
***********************
On 22 March 1996: I wrote Melodie, namely:
" Dear Melodie
Great fax! and a great idea about sending me copies of the faxes you receive with praise etc.
Thought you might enjoy the mag. clipping Spencer delivered it last night hot off the press!
Everything is much too quiet here today. In total I have had only one phone call (from Mary) and one fax (from Sylvia).....not including my conversation with you. Mom and Dad's phone is very busy. I spoke with Mom and Dad this morning as well as last night and they too speak of no time to really absorb all that is happening......
Love Melanie"
*************************
On 22 March 1966 - Melodie (intro. sentence - Great article on pets.....I must re-read it!)
"Dear Melanie: What a day !!
Phone ringing, faxes going and coming, not a minute to really absorb too much.
All the feedback is positive - great job you and I being open and not worried about cameras, how pretty we are, intelligent, articulate and honest.
Some say it was a tear jerker, romantic, moving, compelling and sensitive. The list is endless.
Geoff asked if I had noticed that our sweatshirts were even the same colour. The dance shots were great.
Susan looked great - Barbara and I thought that the word "sophisticated" would best describe her.
I will collect my faxes and send them at a later date.
Of course I am critical of my small things - Vanity --- the swim episode was a surprise (ugh)
On the whole - a great effort and outcome!!
I sent a fax to MAN ALIVE thanking them for such sensitive work - an issue dealing with aspects of the human condition.
Love Melodie"
******************
On 22 March 2014: Melodie forwards a letter from "Hazel" to Halya Kuchmij (Producer) in an effort to demonstrate the positive energy that the show has created. The letter reads:
"To Halya:
Congratulations "Man Alive" - on of the many faxes I've received is as follows:
"Dear Melodie and Geoff:
I am certain you have heard this many times before - but you must count me in as one who also says "What an inspiration for us and to all of those who, perhaps take this media as a role and example to follow."
We feel very privileged to have you as friends.
Your generosity in allowing the video taping of Man Alive will, as you know, foster further strength to those who have less courage. We found the program so compelling.
I think of my many twins on both sides of our families -- few of whom made it past infancy. (That's times when this occurred in this old Broad's Day).
Say, what a movie for a story would make - even thought of selling the rights and vacationing forever!!
Our Love
Hazel"
**********************
On 24 March 2014 Melanie sends Melodie and Geoff a note re feedback
"Hi, Melodie and Geoff:
How is your day going?
A couple of friends dropped in today to remark on the show -- lovely and very positive feedback !!
The adjective I hear most is "outstanding" articulation.
I also hear that most perceive the show to portray a wonderful "love story" -- one of you and Geoff.
One friend who is a professor in philosophy told me she watched the show with two of her co-workers and they all want to know where they can find a "Geoff" for themselves! ha, ha
The Director of the Nova Scotia Art Gallery called to say she had watched it and was wanting to know where she could get a copy of the 1981 film "Against All Odds". I told her I had a copy and she could borrow it on Monday......should I lend it to her? She did not say whey she wanted it.
Mom sent me a wonderful fax telling me all about the comments from Bridgewater people....she will send you the same fax.
I am sending along a fax from Peggy Currie (Guelph) which I received this morning. I LOVE the comment - "GIRL YOU GOT IT ON".
Bye for now
Love, Melanie"
*********************
On 23 March 1996: Melanie passes on feedback that she received from her Mother:
"Following is a two-page fax from Mother who outlined a few of the comments she heard immediately after the show aired:, namely:
"Dear Melanie:
I had so many calls that I have to type this FAX and pass on the news. Please excuse the mistakes as I DO SO LITTLE TYPING THESE DAYS !
So here goes ........
Eleanor Fraser: She cried through the whole program. It brought back so many memories. She hasn't seen either of you for years. She said it was so sad, very emotional but wonderful. The way you both have coped is something to be so proud of - many people with such small disabilities think they are so badly off and look at you two....you both spoke so well, so articulate and open - marvelous! She wanted me to remind you of a birthday party for Harry (he was 5 years old) - a very stormy day and you and Melodie were the only ones who arrived for the party.....did you remember the grey icing on the cake?
Helen and Bill Giles: delighted to hear both of your stories.....a beautiful love story for Melodie and Geoff.
Olive Hubley (a neighbour): so sad, so wonderful - both of you helping despite your handicaps. She remembered Melodie, dressed as a black cat with a tail to whirl around. You, in your sweet way, asking "How are you, Mrs. Hubley?" She said the tears were flowing all the time. They were very impressed with Geoff.
Isabel Bush: Couldn't wait to call to say how much they enjoyed the program. Thought you looked wonderful.
Mary Ann Hiltz: (neighbour): Their story - sad for you and her heart is light to think Melodie has Geoff. she marveled at your positive attitude and you saying you are moving along with your life and trying not to look back. She hopes that someday you will find your soul mate.
Marilyn Boliver: Inspired and touched, the pictures were so great and as she said "To think I used to be their baby-sitter!"
You both spoke so well, supporting each other, every word was clearly spoken and Melanie, she said, you looked so beautiful. Make-up perfect!
She loved the swimming episode - precious. And, every question she had ever wanted to ask - Melodie answered. Both of you were so loving and caring. Such an example in all that you are both doing and she is so proud of all of us and that she is proud to know us as well. The greatest love story of the century for Melodie and Geoff and a family story that is fabulous.
Marge Beach - a friend from Magog, P.Q.....also from Florida days - you will remember her as one of the group that went to that picnic at the beach. She called to tell me how much she enjoyed the story. Much admiring the way you both were able to talk about the twin thing, so very understanding about how you both reached the bottom in your lives, the lowest point and struggled back up to become such compassionate and understanding people. She said also the story shows a lot about your background!
Polly Church: So delighted about the story - the pictures brought back so many memories. Thought both of you did so well in expressing your feelings, it was done so well. Felt the story was so sad. John called her -- he was most impressed. You both were so positive and well-spoken.
Miriam Penny: Just had to call and congratulate all of us - "girls are so well spoken and able to express themselves"
Jean Fielding: Really impressed with the story and the way it flowed along so smoothly and everyone spoke with such clarity. Both of you are so articulate - professional !! Very proud of all of us. She plans to make contact with you and would like to visit. You will remember her daughter, Nancy Kelso -- Nancy passed away 2 years ago - about four months after her son !! So, Jean lost a daughter and grandson within a 6 month period.
Bunny Hebb: called to say she was delighted. The program touched her - a "lovely story". So well done.
************************
Date: ?? Communication from Melodie and Melanie's parents:
"Just wanted you to know what people thought and I will continue to make notes of more comments. I am going to a luncheon at the Guide Cabin this morning and I know there will be many more comments.
Dad and I are so proud of our beautiful girls - beautiful in looks as well as thoughts, compassion, so caring, strong - offering inspiration to others, etc. I loved the way both of you spoke of each other and neither of you knew what the other one was saying in her portion of the filming and interview. The twin thing is certainly there for the both of you. And, as others have said, you were so natural, so open - wow !! I go over and over and it just gets better - so naturally and clear.
I am going to send a Fax to Halya and the boys (camera and sound crew) on Monday to thank them for the way it was put together.
Now I want to send this to Melodie also ....changed a little and let her know what the public thinks!!! She has had a lot of phone conversations on her end.
I will continue to write down the comments and will bring them along when I come in to the city.
Much Love
Mum and Dad"
**********************
On 25 March 1996: I wrote Roma - Editor and Researcher of MAN ALIVE
"Dear Roma:
Thank you so very much for your patience during the pre-filming period - a time when communication was for the most part delegated to fax technology. I am without doubt that this aspect of the project added a lot of unexpected work and frustration. Your going that extra mile is very much appreciated.
The outcome of your ambitious research is most obvious throughout the film....thank you!
I am grateful for the time and energy you have taken to directly communicate with the children's dance instructor in the planning stages. Footage with the children dancing is indeed a precious segment and one that will serve as inspiration for many in years to come.
I was elated to see photos of Melodie's wedding - photos we had thought to be lost - a loss that has been a source of grief for sometime.
Melodie and I are very pleased with that portion of the show that included a conversation with our patients. Their participation in the documentary serves as public exposure to the incredible challenges our parents have so courageously and graciously endured.....
*********************
On 4 April 1996: Letter received from Producer of MAN ALIVE, Halya Kuchmij
"To: Melanie
From: Halya Kuchmij CBC Producer, Man Alive
Thank you for your most gracious letter.....it is very rewarding when we hear from the people we have profiled on MAN ALIVE.
We really enjoyed working with you and your sister as well as your parents. We admire your courage and strength; it is not only an inspiration to our viewers but to us as well.
You should know that TWIN MYSTERY received the highest audience of any MAN ALIVE show this season, and we are all very proud of this. So, Congratulations!!!
Thanks once again for allowing us into your home and into your life for a brief time.
Halya"
