Cracked | A Story of Hope and Healing with Jessica Zemple

[@student22044]

What a great video! I was looking forward to it, and you didn't disappoint. My only criticism is I wanted more. It's such an interesting perspective; few daughters would have been able to reconcile this behaviour, let alone forgive and make a documentary. The picture of your dad as a young, handsome man really brought home his transformation into a mental illness, comparing it to the later photos. You have been incredibly strong and compassionate, and it shines through in your delivery, showing the very real emotions you're still dealing with. Thank you so much for sharing this story. I am currently doing a human and social sciences degree, so I am very aware of the on going research into this mystyfiying mental illness, your video is a very compelling addition to that understanding. I'm going to share it with my tutor. I'm sending gratitude, love, and healing...

[@jessicazemple]

Wow, wow, wow! I am so touched by everything you have shared. I LOVE that you are studying human and social sciences and know you will add so much to our world with your passion!!! Keep shining!!!

[@student22044]

@ thank you Jessica, backatcha 💯❤️

[@janetsteffen5582]

I cried through this whole video. My son is schizophrenic and I've been having the hardest time ever dealing with it. I love him with all of my heart, but I'm still in the angry stage. Not so much at him but at the disease. This video was good!

[@airborneexplorer]

❤ I pray my son doesn't miss the opportunity to know his father or all the love and acceptance available to be shared.

[@jessicazemple]

Dear Janet, I so honor your journey and for sharing from your heart. I really hear your anger and hope you know it is okay to be angry. It can be a very hard path. I still find my owner anger from time to time too. I will share that through the healing work I have done it is much less than before. I share this so you know it is possible for you too. For me it has been a process as opposed to a singular moment that all of the sudden everything was okay. If you don't have a support system around you yet, I would invite you to consider doing so. While healing is something you have to do for yourself, it does not have to be done alone. Also, there are so many ways to get there - therapy is just one. Nature, reading books (spiritual ones helped me, but I don't want to push that on to anyone), massage helped with moving the energy that was stuck in my body, movement (again to move energy), and so much more. I hope this helps you even if just a little. You are not alone. All my best, Jessica

[@jessicazemple]

I will pray for that too 💜

[@cinemaunitestheworld]

Brilliant. Especially the part about holding space for both emotions. Very powerful, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting. Thank you for sharing, and God bless you!

[@jessicazemple]

Dear Jordan, Thank you soooo much for taking the time to watch it and sharing your thoughts. I LOVE that the part about holding both emotions stood out to you. It took me so long to learn that both could be true and hope it helps others see that in their lives too. Wishing you the best too!

[@todd1smith]

Thank you for putting this into the World. So proud of you!

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you for all your love and support to make this happen!

[@breadandgravymusic]

I’m here after seeing you on Soft White Underbelly. What an incredible story. I don’t know your full experience but I do wonder how much of the terror was brought on by the reactions to your dads illness from the adults around you when you were a child… I can only speak from my own experiences and say that it has been my experience that from what I’ve witnessed, it seems that the reactions to mental illness can really exacerbate the situation and breed more fear. I don’t deny there was violence, threats and stalking but I do wonder how much of that was because of the reactions to his illness. Thank you so much for sharing your story and memorializing your dad in this way. ❤ beautiful job Be blessed, beautiful soul 💜

[@jessicazemple]

Such an important point you are making! I do believe we can be influenced by other people's fear. I also believe those fears can perpetuate behaviors as well (e.g. everyone thinks I am crazy so I must be >> that then influences their choices, etc.). How beautiful you came to that awareness so you can see the world through your own experiences as opposed to others. Keep shining your beautiful light!!!

[@breadandgravymusic]

@ thank you so much Jessica!!

[@jamesrockwell8244]

Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine the strength and courage it takes to open up about something so deep and personal with the hope of helping others. It truly takes an incredible person to be so vulnerable, yet so brave at the same time.

[@jessicazemple]

I so appreciate your kind words and hope that it helps you in your own journey.

[@barbarafriedman-hl7if]

Beautiful film, so well done. Thank you for sharing your story, tender ,sweet, compelling and heartbreaking yet with a happy ending. Thank you.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you for being part of our journey and all your kind words!

[@dycinnagy]

No other words other than beautiful. Touched my heart and soul. Truly a wonderful reminder that our parents also deal with their traumas, and it's for us to heal our own, yet still love them. Once this is understood, love is so much stronger than the anger and hate.

[@jessicazemple]

YEEEESSS! Your wisdom is so powerful and I whole heartedly agree. 💜

[@donnabond]

Congratulations Jessica. It's tender and lovely. What a beautiful tribute.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@TheSheCenter]

This is such an honest and powerful story. Thank you for sharing your light and I’m so proud of the courage you’ve chosen and that you use your experience to uplift others ❤

[@jessicazemple]

I am so touched with your reflection and I know it is because you have walked this path of courage too!!! Thank you for showering light in our world the way you do too!

[@ache1319]

My heart aches for you yet having lived through the madness of it all with my adult son, I see hope for a calmness on the horizon in this film. I wonder how to get there.

[@jessicazemple]

Your note means everything to me and exactly why I did this - I want you to have hope! Without knowing all the details of you and your son's journey, I don't want to make assumptions of where you are in your journey. I will share a couple things in case it helps...First, ask for help. It sounds like you are on a hard path and it can feel even harder alone. NAMI is a great place to start. They have soooo many resources, including other parents walking your path. Second, please know there is no right or wrong path for healing. It is an accumulation of love that eventually overpowers the pain. I get it in nature, loving friends, smiles with strangers, music, yoga, journaling, and more. All you have to do is keep trying. Big hugs to you!

[@wepumpkin31]

Thank you so much for sharing. Feeling the fear, the sad, the anger, the frustration. Standing in the center, looking back, looking forward, looking all around, feeling the limitless possibilities grounded in hope, love, and awareness.

[@jessicazemple]

I so LOVE the way you have said that! Thank you for adding to my perspective of this all.

[@StephanieHank]

Wow. Wow, wow. Many. many congratulations on such a beautiful piece of art you created. Raw & deeply touching, it evokes tenderness and inspires reflection with the challenge of removing the limitations of only our own experience; our own perspective. I loved how the graphics/art evolved as your words unfolded and continued to describe or explain. That was so beautifully paired. I know it is only a mere glimpse into your journey of healing and unpacking all of those many years, but the honesty and openness you shared with me (the veiwer/audience) was so palpable. Your choice of acceptance and ability to move through it all in reconnecting, interacting, all of it, was so deeply inspiring and profoundly lovely.

[@jessicazemple]

My heart is soooo touched with everything you have shared. Thank you for your loving support!!!

[@Johannah909]

Inspiring story of acceptance and masterful demonstration of sharing one’s vulnerability with the world! We have our work cut out for us in addressing mental health… Genuinely personal and widely relatable, this film gifts authentic insight and provides a powerful springboard for discussion.

[@jessicazemple]

I know you are pouring so much of your love and light to change this world in magnificent ways!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! It is together we all heal and reach new heights!!!

[@ColleenC-n5v]

Thank you, Jessica, for sharing this heart wrenching experience through the eyes of a devoted, long-suffering daughter. My beautiful child is schizophrenic, too. The pain, grief and anger circle round like a kaleidoscope of chaos. I am learning over time, how to accept this cruel illness-the rollercoaster course of which I cannot control. The hardest part is that I cannot simply kiss this booboo away, or place a bandaid over it. Sadly, she rejects all the help and interventional care she is offered. God only knows what the future holds. It fills me with hope to see you with your father in these moments of affectionate connectivity and true joy. Blessings to you, and to your dear old Dad whose love for you shines through in all its holy splendor and brokenness.💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜

[@jessicazemple]

Dearest Colleen, I am so touched to hear our story was able to give you a little hope. I can only imagine what it is like to be walking your path and acknowledge you for coming to greater acceptance over time. There are a million things I'd love to share with you such as how my father found great joy in a world so different than mine or how spirituality helped me see him beyond the schizophrenia. Please know you are not alone and I see you and your daughter on this chaotic kaleidoscope of life. Sooo many blessings to you all, Jessica

[@rachellerigby9148]

What a beautiful, healing, and inspirational story you've created. It will bless many who have experienced similar challenges when faced with schizophrenia. Your authenticity, acceptance, and love for you and your dad is so powerful.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you Rachelle for seeing me and your words of encouragement! I sure hope it does bless others on their journeys 🙏

[@ChiliPepper-o9y]

Jumped hear from Mark's channel. I had 6 older siblings. Most with some form of a mental illnrdd and all that comes with it from incarceration, psychiatric wards, overdoses, self-harm, alcoholicism, drug addiction. A sister went to prison for murder when I was three and my mom was never the same and died when I was 12. Life with the siblings was hell. I walked away intact (or so I thought). It wasn't until I lost my dad (who I adored) and had to find some way to help find a living space for my 44 year old sister that I was told her bizarre behavior was due to schizophrenia. I was crushed as I researched and realized none of her behavior was her choice. Couple of days later, I lost another sister due to self harm. The previous year I had lost my nephew and then my brother due to AIDS. Well, I went into full-blown meltdown, I thought I escaped and didn't love them because of the horrors they had made in my life. I was so wrong. Took me 2 years to recover and have never been the same for 30 years. Short story, so much better to face things head on and not run away. And better to love than bury it and pretend it doesn't exists. Denying both eat your emotions alive until a crushing blow or blows leave you unable to cope with your own life. 😔 What a privledge to see it done the right way. Kudos.

[@jessicazemple]

I am so touched by your courage and your wisdom. Your vulnerability in sharing your journey will help so many see what is possible! Thank you for shining your light!!!

[@DianeLearmonth]

Amazing! I was sad when it ended and wanted more. So brave of you and your father to share. Thank you.

[@jessicazemple]

That touches my heart that you wanted to know more. I will do my best to share more here and wherever else I can!!! Thank YOU for being on my team of spreading love!!!

[@brucenawara6099]

I watched the film and WOW. The film is exceptional and emotional. You are a strong person. And you made it a “good” story.

[@jessicazemple]

Thanks Bruce! That means a lot. 💜

[@courtneyriley22]

Jess, this is incredible! Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. You are truly inspiring and empowering. Your words will give others the strength to share their own journeys. I am so grateful for all that you have done for me and what this documentary will do for so many more! You should be incredibly proud of yourself! 🤍

[@jessicazemple]

Thank YOU for all your help in launching this and the bright light you are in this world!!! I can't wait to see all the ways your pour your love into this world!

[@lauriepearce]

Yes Jessica you do see everything...but I also see the pain in his eyes as well! Always remember this, that you finally made his dream come true to finally be with him!! He also has suffered for twenty five years for trying to fight the world to see and be with you...THAT'S REALLY ALL HE WANTED!!! YOU ARE HIS LIGHT SWEET GIRL, AND BECAUSE OF THAT HE WILL NOW BE CONTENT AND LIVE A LONGER LIFE!!! YOUR FATHER'S EYES LIGHT UP EVERY MOMENT HE IS WITH YOU!!! NEVER LEAVE HIS SIDE AS HE NEEDS YOU!!! BLESS YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL DAD ALWAYS JESSICA!!! Lastly, I am truly looking forward towards your continued journey with him!!!

[@susanhawkinson5358]

This helps me see into my son's soul a bit more. Altho we are close everyday. The bit about genius, he was. It's sad to have our brilliant loved ones brains slip into this darkness. I'm glad he never lost his love and compassion for the family and friends that love him. He is sweet and gentle. And still enjoys life.

[@tucker12315]

Wonderful the way you conquered your fear of it - with love and letting your feelings flow out

[@jessicazemple]

Thanks Tucker!!! There are still moments of fear that creep in, but mostly love which feels waaaaay better! I hope you are wonderful!

[@JohnCSmith-fs4yc]

I grew up in chaos with a schizophrenic mother in the 60s & 70s, your documentary isn't the kind of thing I'd seek out to watch but it's something I need to see!

[@jessicazemple]

I appreciate your honesty and hope your courage to watch pays off in dividends!!!

[@pearlzemple2928]

I love you Jessie, so proud of you

[@jessicazemple]

Thank YOU for being such an important part of all of this!!!

[@rebeccamorales4705]

Hi Jessica, I loved your film! It gives me such heart, you are fantastic for sharing your stories. My dad too, carries such duality in his life, both loving and terrible. It was so touching to see you applying nail polish (his favorite colors?), I will be thinking of you when I give my dad his next manicure. Thank you, thank you❤

[@jessicazemple]

Awww, Rebecca, I love that you do manicures for your dad too! With my father being a proud Marine, maroon and gold are his go to colors. I appreciate you hearing you navigate through the loving and terrible. What a gift for both of you!

[@ReeTM]

Phenomenal film, thank you so much. I'm sorry you had to go through that when you were younger. As a schizophrenic myself, it pains me to hear such things. Generally we're a threat to ourselves, far more than anybody else. I've chosen not to have kids, but maybe in another lifetime I could've had children. There's a fear that comes with paranoid psychosis, that feeling of persecution. Your story on Halloween sounds kind of like that fear. You had to fight with all your might to not have a breakdown. Medicine certainly helps control schizophrenic symptoms.

[@jessicazemple]

Dear Ree, I am soooo grateful you shared and honor your path. I have a million questions for you, but if I can just ask one it would be if there is anything you want the world to know. Of course, only answer if it feels okay for you, but just know I care.

[@myasextensions]

I’m so proud of you. You poured your heart into this and it shows. ❤

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you for truly seeing me and supporting me ALWAYS!!! I love you - and can we talk about the dress you rocked at the premiere! 🔥

[@SandraCribben-x7r]

Jess, Beautiful project! Spot on view of mental health outstanding. We had tears in our eyes. Thank you !!!!

[@jessicazemple]

Dear Sandy, I so appreciate all you have shared with me and all the healing you have done to be the light you are!!! 💜

[@heidischeffler4078]

Incredibly well done! I especially enjoyed the art work and graphics as a means to support the narrative descriptions! Cheers! ❤

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you Heidi! I couldn't agree more with Kiwi's work, the brilliant editor and animator. It was actually her first time doing animation and I am in awe of her work!!!

[@JohnEllgen-cc8dt]

Jess: Thank you for opening your heart wide open. You are amazing. Praying God uses this video to help others. hugs and so much love. John and Liz

[@jessicazemple]

I am beyond grateful for you stopping by that one day to befriend my dad and all the blessings that have come from that moment on! What a model of love that Liz and you are to this world!!!

[@savanna4127]

Ahhhh!! I am so excited to see this. 🥹🫶 sending you love jessica❤ This touched my heart. I cried at the end. ❤

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it and share your experience! It means everything to me!!!

[@HollyAmbler-u2y]

Jess, this is amazing! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank YOU for taking the time to watch it!!! I soooo appreciate you!

[@MaryLee-q6j]

This is a truly beautiful film, full of honesty and painful truth; bravery, love, and hope.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you Mary Lee!!! I so appreciate you taking the time to watch it and share your thoughts.

[@KatieHilborn]

Powerful story.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you soooo much for taking the time to watch our story and share from your heart! This lights me up and fuels me to keep going!!!

[@wendyarko]

Congratulations, Jessica. This is a beautiful film. 🥰

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you Wendy! I hope it sparked something special in you.

[@Kamron_Mo]

I met your partner today at sprouts farmers market and he told me about your documentary. I have a brother who suffers from schizophrenia, and your experience is deeply relatable to me and you’re so brave for giving others out there who have a loved one going through it in life by giving more perspective. Thank you.

[@jessicazemple]

Dear Kam, I so honor your journey with your brother. I imagine it is not always easy and hope that you always have the support you need to keep shining!!! I look forward to meeting you!!!

[@IvanBetancourt-pm6pl]

Amazing , thanks for sharing this hit home.

[@jessicazemple]

Ivan, I know the courage and love in your heart. Keep tapping into that when times are hard. And, I am always here for you.

[@Checker222]

Congratulations, this is great! wonderfully emotional Editing and graphics especially well done!

[@jessicazemple]

I soooo appreciate you taking the time to share. I hope you got many gifts through our story.

[@kentreed]

A lovely film!

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope you got just what you needed from it for your own beautiful journey.

[@RenitaB.B.]

Thank You for sharing your story.

[@jessicazemple]

I am SO glad you took the time to watch! It's a gift to share with you and hope you got just what your heart needed from it.

[@RenitaB.B.]

You can hold love for him, even though you are mad at him. And you can be near him. Watching you near him is powerfully moving. It helps to heal me and I know it's going to take a long time for me to be able to that if I choose to.

[@sacredjourneyproductions]

What a beautiful story, thank you for pouring yourself into this. I wanted to know what made you change your mind about reconciling and would love to see more of your future work. ❤️

[@jessicazemple]

Dr. C, I soooo appreciate you taking the time to watch it and your thoughtful question. There was always something inside of me that needed to do it to not live with regret if he passed away before I could tell him I love him. It took years to get to a healthy and strong enough place for me to do it. I also learned to have clear boundaries to ensure my emotional and physical safety such as always meeting him with someone else with me or in public. There was also a part of me that was waiting for an apology that never came in the way I wanted it to. This was a big lesson for me in many ways - 1) the things I wanted him to apologize for like terrorizing me was not something he saw as wrong. He saw it as being a loving father trying to make sure I was okay. When I learned his perspective it gave me a deeper understanding and compassion of it all. 2) I do think he apologized in the way he was capable of - it just wasn't an obvious "I am sorry" which is what I was expecting and wanting so desperately. Instead it was his joy of having me back in his life and sharing a few regrets he had. So in some ways, I did get the apology my heart was yearning for just not "my way". I know many people have chosen not to reconcile with people who have hurt them and I honor that path too. I really believe there is no right or wrong way - just the way one's heart leads them. SO grateful our paths have been brought together! Jessica

[@sacredjourneyproductions]

@jessicazemple Thank you for sharing more. I completely understand how you would want things to be a certain way to alleviate some of the burden you felt of terror and fear, only to come out another side realizing that he was just trying to love you - in his own way. What a beautiful healing journey. ✨

[@charleneshangout]

New Subscriber ❤ Merry Christmas 🎄 This Was An Emotional Journey for Me ,Thank you for sharing your story. ❤

[@jessicazemple]

Merry Christmas to you, too! So grateful you shared your heart and I hope you have some gifts you received from our story!

[@samarapersaud]

Beautiful ❤

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you!!! I'm so grateful you took the time to watch.

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

Hi, I'm Elizabeth from California USA nice meeting you.

[@jessicazemple]

Hi Elizabeth! So happy to meet you!

[@semjcolon]

Thank you for this. Have you read any of John Weir Perry? His life’s work focused on treating schizophrenic patients through non pharmaceutical treatments. If you haven’t I would recommend starting with The Far Side of Madness. Thank you for your love and work.

[@jessicazemple]

Thank you soooo much for introducing me to John Weir Perry! I had never heard of him and in first glances it looks like our way of looking at all of this is aligned. I suspect I will learn much from him. I was hopeful to find more people like me by stepping out more publicly. This is true gift. It also makes me so curious about you and how you stumbled upon him...any which way, thank you!!!

[@orangepeel7145]

Good on you for making room for love despite your complicated feelings about yr father

[@jessicazemple]

I so appreciate you seeing that and hope our story gives you something special for your own journey too. Thank you sooo much for taking the time to watch it and share.

[@maureendrennan9328]

❤❤❤🎉From Scotland ❤x

[@jessicazemple]

I so LOVE that Cracked made its way to Scotland!!! Thanks Maureen for sharing and sending you many blessings!!!

[@916familyfun2]

😢🫶 You have amazing amount of love❤ Thank you for sharing

[@jessicazemple]

I so appreciate you taking the time to watch it and am touched by your kind words. May you see and feel love all around you today and always!

[@taniagriever]

BRAVO jessica !! Big Hugs from Wanaka

[@jessicazemple]

Oh my heart! I am so excited to see you here. Thank you for taking the time to watch it and sharing your love!!! Hopefully I will see you down there sooner than later!!!