Christopher Harmon has a secret.
It’s not his deafness, blindness, paralysis or his inability to speak. His secret is more profound than any physical characteristic. Harmon’s secret lies in his determination to create. It also eludes articulation, since we only know of its existence because of the evidence: Harmon’s accomplishments despite overwhelming circumstances.
Harmon, 38, was diagnosed with a rare condition – Spino-Cerebellar Degeneration – when he was six years old. Doctors did not expect him to live much longer. Nonetheless, he thrived, especially after working out that little thing called communication. Harmon found a way to form words with his mouth, which gifted interpreters translate. Turns out Harmon had a thing or two to say. He has written a historical novel for adolescents, The Hourglass Tales: Treasures of the Shadow, which he hopes to be the beginning of a series. The second book, Secrets of the Shadows, will be available soon. But wait, there’s more.
Harmon also began an independent film company, Legacy Pictures, Inc., through which he plans to give life to his own screenplays filled with music, choreography and powerful stories. He has coauthored a feature-length script with award-winning screenplay writer, Doug Klozzner, entitled “Sparkle Serena!” – a story about a nine-year-old girl who overcomes great odds to make her dreams come true. Do you think Harmon might know something about what that’s like?
Harmon has said he believes children learn best from other children. For adults who open their hearts and minds, the same precious lessons are theirs for the taking. The protagonist in “Sparkle Serena!” endures many of the same trials adults might face, and by doing so finds redemption using her inner gifts. Harmon aims to put the empowerment of the human condition on display. Legacy Pictures will primarily produce action musicals. Fun and optimistic scripts with universal appeal will be accepted if they show insight gained through people meeting challenges in their daily lives. For more information, check out www.legacypicturesinc.com.
Through Harmon’s driving imagination, he is touching lives with his confident attitude. Forming a film company, writing screenplays and books, organizing fundraising efforts and producing musicals are difficult enough tasks in their own right. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that Harmon wants to portray the indomitable human spirit in his craft.
It is Harmon’s intense intellect that drives his imagination, showing what really matters in a human being: what’s on the inside. His mind, heart and soul are in sync with one another as others do the physical labor to fulfill his dreams. To learn more about Harmon’s books and his story visit www.caharmon.com.
Elizabeth Thompson is a freelance writer and the author of the new book Day by Day: The Chronicles of a Hard of Hearing Reporter (2008, Gallaudet Press). Contact her at LizT@columbus.rr.com.
