Share Your Story with April Showers
Everyone,
I would like to open a dialog and provide a safe place for kids and adults alike to share their experiences, personal or not, in regards to youth violence in America today. If you feel comfortable with sharing please write your story below for others to read and potentially learn and/or heal from. This is not a forum to point fingers or place blame, but instead a place where anyone can share their experience and or story of healing for others to possibly learn from. You do not have to use your real name and or give any contact info in order to participate.
If you have a story to share outside of the topic feel free to participate as well. Perhaps you have an idea of how to grow acceptance in your school or community or just wish to share you feelings towards youth violence though you may not have a direct experience of your own. The point is the more we communicate and share with one another the greater the opportunity for change to occur and for tragedies like Columbine to cease to exist in our current culture.
I thank you all so very much for your support and wish you all the best this holiday season. Take care.
Sincerely,
Andrew Robinson
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December 20th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Being from middle America, the Omaha, Ne. area, you would expect an ideal life style of moral values. Over the years this all has some how changed. Working with Adult and Juvenile criminal offenders I see the daily increase in horrendous crime such as Robbery, Rape, Murder, Car Jacking, Assault etc. It seems to be a common occurrence to hear about someone who has been shot, had their personal property taken, been burglarized or assaulted. Woman and older people can not carry on routine tasks such as shopping without fear of being attacked. A year ago we had the Von Maur mall incident where law abiding citizens were out enjoying their Christmas shopping when they were brutally gunned down by a deranged young man. We have groups of juvenile gang members roaming the streets shooting people at random. This year among those targeted was a Creighton University student who was going to his car in front of his Fraternity House when he was robbed and shot. An elderly lady from rural Nebraska was going to visit her husband who was in the hospital fighting cancer when she was attacked outside the hospital. There has been numerous older people who have been attacked and their cars hijacked outside grocery stores. Young babies have been murdered in the line of drive by gunfire. The list goes on. This is not the same country I grew up in. It’s virtually unsafe to be on the streets at any time of
day. My sister was sitting in a grocery store parking lot and saw a man walk right in front of her vehicle with a shotgun concealed under his coat. Point to all this is that the tradgety at Columbine seemed at the time to be an isolated incident and something that happens to someone else. Now it has become a reality for everyone. I work with all sorts of agencies that provide on going care for young and older criminal offenders. For some reason it at times seems to be a futile attempt. I do believe it starts with the family then trickles down to each and every one of us when it comes to raising children that grow up to be good individuals. Andrew’s idea to start a chain of goodness to help those in trouble is highly commendable and a step in the right direction. In the end it takes a community to make it right.
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Dan,
I sincerely appreciate your comments and support for what we are trying to do with April Showers. I agree the world we live in has changed dramatically over the last few years and at times can seem almost foreign in nature. I wish this wasn’t true but alas it may be the way of things for the time being. That being said, I do believe all people, regardless of race, religion, social class etc are inherently good and try to do and/or be good with what they have. The system or state of consciousness is not solely to blame and while I believe there are things that can be done on an individual, communal and social level I believe real change begins with education.
Education can take many forms beyond school. The world is getting smaller with every passing day as computers and technology bring us closer together, however, there is still so little we know and understand about one another. There is still little we accept about being different. While a person may be accepting and understanding I fear large groups of people may not be. I think that if we all could truly step back and truly accept and be okay with the simple idea that we are all merely people struggling with the same basic issues and see our differences as merely different names for the same thing(s) it would be a start. If we could remove labels and social stigmas from the equation and focus on making one another better so as a group or people we could shine the world would be a drastically different place.
I could go on at length but this is not my forum, it is yours and everyones’. I just wanted to say thank you for participating and for sharing your thoughts with the April Showers readers and the world. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a great new year.
Sincerely,
Andrew Robinson
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
Andrew,
I was an extra for many scenes in the movie “April Showers” and I have to admit, at the time, it did not hit me what I was doing. As I’ve read more and seen some of the rough cuts, the magnitude of what I was involved in has hit me, powerfully. I, too, live in the Omaha area, Plattsmouth to be exact, and the violence that young people inflict on others astounds and sickens me. I hope that your efforts of giving back to institutions that can make a difference in a young person’s life are successful and fruitful. If we can change the world, one life at a time, how much better the world will be. And, I too believe it should start with education. The old adage of “give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime,” is so true with young people. We need to teach them how we are all the same, not different, how we all have the same hopes, wants, needs, and dreams. When I needed to renew my teaching certificate, I had to take a “diversity” class. I have to teach my students how they are different and take everyone’s beliefs into consideration. While I believe there is merit to some of that, until we teach our students that they are the same, we will continue to have violence and crimes against one another.
I wish you the utmost success in your endeavors and if there is anything I can do to help you along to that end, please let me know. Thank you for sharing such a personal moment of your life.
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Cheryl,
I thank you for your thoughtful response and support. I would welcome your students to get involved and to share their stories about their thoughts and/or feelings surrounding what they encounter day to day in school and beyond. I sincerely hope that beyond the film this experience can grow into something much larger that can hopefully become an on going positive force for change in communities nation wide. Have a wonderful holiday and a terrific new year.
Sincerely,
Andrew Robinson
December 25th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Andrew,
Thanks for your comment to my story, it is greatly appreciated. You did bring a thought that I believe gives us hope
and that is that we as humans do have inherent goodness within ourselves. It is up to all of us through education and community to put aside our prejudice and ill will to bring about a better world. Fortunately there are those talented and caring people such as yourself that are doing something about it.
Happy holidays
Dan McClure
January 1st, 2009 at 9:52 am
Andrew, I was in some of the movie April Showers,it truely was powerful, and opened my eyes to what is going on in our world. The shooting we had here in Nebraska, at Von Maur was a sad one. My oldest son, and my brother had just left there 20 minutes before the shooting started.I can not even think about how I would feel if my son and brother would of still been there at the time of the shooting. And so sorry for the ones that were still there. Just months ago I also knew someone who just took her own life,very young. Wish I knew how to help the young people
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Andrew,my thanks to you for allowing me to be a part of April Showers goes far beyond one of an actor in a movie. You see, I was 8 months pregnant when I heard the gun fire at Von Maur. It sounded like a jack hammer. I never heard gun fire before and I was about to look and see what all the noise was when I commented to a salesman how loud it was. He said it sounded like gunfire. I was on the second floor in Von Maur buying a birthday gift for my husband. I just left the third floor about 5 minutes earlier, which is where the gunman was. I hid in a backroom with 4 others for over an hour before SWAT rescued us. I collected myself, I didn’t panic, after all, I wasn’t interested in going into labor. I had a breakdown two days later. The movie gave me an outlet. It let me cry and work through some of the pain. I didn’t know anyone who died that day, but my heart and prayers go out to them and their families.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
hi im the little 10 year old girl in that picture
being an extra was fun
January 4th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Being an extra in the film, April Showers, it has reminded me that we need to continue to try to put an end to violence in the world. If all of us were to do something within our own community to stop violence, there is the possiblility that it would come to an end. School violence is one of the worst in my opinion, as well as community violence. When people have ideas of that, it disrupts others’ lives as well. Thank you for the movie, April Showers. I really enjoyed being an extra in the film and I am definitely excited for it to come out.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I have learned many things upon becoming a grip full time in Los Angeles. One of those things is that regardless of how large the budget, the vast, vast majority of what you will work on is utter garbage. Poorly written, directed, acted, and otherwise. That is why it was a refreshing blast to work on April Showers. Going on location in Omaha to work on something that is not only meaningful, but also very well done at all levels. It all started with Andrew. It was obvious from the get-go that he not only knew how to talk to actors to get what he needs, that he knew how to communicate his vision to Aaron our DP, but that he also cared very deeply for what he was doing and for what the end result would be. That he supported the crew and seemed to ejnoy hanging out with us shows great character. And because of this I know that this will be one of the first features I have worked on that will get widespread recognition.
For me, it was also nice to work on something with a connection to Colorado. Purely coincidently, I was in the same school district as Andrew and Columbine, though I went to Arvada West. Seven months prior to the shooting, I had played a JV soccer game at the school, which provided us with our one loss for the year. The day of the incident is fresh in my mind. I remember being in class (which one I can no longer recall) when we were told over the speakers that school was canceled for the day to an incident at Columbine. Upon arriving at home, I became glued to the television for nearly eight hours watching the situation being covered by local news. At that point I knew not what to think. I was simply amazed at the spectacle that was occuring.
The aftermath of the shooting is probably what stuck with me most. I saw two friends expelled and charged with crimes by an overzealous, fearful, naive suburban society. One student, Ian, was a year younger than I, and came from a particularly large and poor family. His one jacket for year round was a favorite black duster of his. Upon wearing this jacket to school (it can still get quite cold in Colorado in April and May), he was promptly dragged away by school officials and then police. It was not until several months later that this was resolved and he was allowed back in school; after the semester had finished and he had to retake some classes, of course. The other student was expelled and arrested for merely suggesting to the administration that perhaps their new fire drill plan wasn’t the greatest. Previously, all classes went to the nearest door and went as far away as possible, but after the shooting they changed it. They now wanted all classes to file to the practice football field, which has only two 2′ wide exits for all 3000 students. Jordan, that was the student’s name, pointed out that should someone at our school desire a similar occurance, pulling the fire alarm and lying in wait outside the field would be an ideal situation. So for posing a hypothesis he was expelled and arrested.
Columbine was an unfortunate incident, and led to a fearful ignorant hysteria where parents realized that they have no idea what their children are really like. But hopefully, now that time has passed, and now that we have this wonderful film, people will start seeing what it takes to prevent similar occurances-patience and understanding and an overwhelming lack of bigotry and ignorance.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
The following comment was left on our Facebook page and I thought I’d share it with you all here.
From Mary Sandford
I’m from New Zealand, so although the tragedies of columbine were not happening anywhere near me, the impact was known in New Zealand. It was all over the news, and I suppose to some extent it didn’t really sink in for a lot of people what had happened. But I was glued to the tv wondering how someone could do this. The following January I had the chance at a christian music festival to interview one of their visiting speakers… he was the father of one of the columbine victims… and i will never forget how much I was touched by his story.
I wish this film all the best, and I really hope you get distribution for New Zealand, and also for Canada where I am not living. It’s important for people to remember that life is fragile, and that it’s about more than just existing, but making the most of the time you have.
All the best for the film.
January 15th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
The following comment was left on our Facebook page.
Camille Bright-Smith writes:
I spent a pensive afternoon looking at the behind the scenes vids and reading about this film. I am especially happy its being done so independently - its a subject that maybe is best left out of the hands of stockholders and “suits”. I promise to help spread the word!
Colorado is such a wonderful place and we have so much to be proud of. I totally get the directors thoughts and feelings about moving on and being primarily a ‘leave the past behind’ kind of person….but it appears that the heart of this film isn’t in re-hashing so much as understanding and then spreading some love around. I look forward to seeing it and finding out if I’m right. I am especially impressed about the pledge Mr. Robinson made to put money into the communities that screen the film.
January 24th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Hello, I read in the paper today, that you wanted eveyone in the church scene, to drop you a line, because you lost the lists of extras. So I’m dropping you a line, Berni Olson bernio@msn.com, I was in the church, Creighton, and Plattsmouth’s for several scene’s, I can’t WAIT to see the finised movie, YOU are a GREAT director, Andrew!!!!!! Thank for the experience!!!! Berni
January 30th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Andrew,
From the very moment I read the synopsis on the audition e-mail about April Showers, I knew it was special. I truly believe that everyone has a story. Some parts of our stories, however, leave wounds that impact our lives in ways that only those that have experienced real trauma can understand. My childhood was a constant of crises. However, when I was 21, my 22-year-old sister went missing for a week before a late night phone call revealed she had been kidnapped, raped and brutally murdered. That was the event that shook my life and my faith. Andrew, I can’t even begin to imagine what you, and others, saw the day your friends and teachers were killed. Nor can I fathom what you have been through because of Columbine, but I’m sure it changed who you are and how you look at life and people. Every person that has been through something so hard that they wondered how they would ever breathe again, will watch this movie with a connection of grief, understanding & hope. I really believe that even those who have not had that experience will want to make a difference in someone’s life that has or maybe be part of stopping violence, instead of picking up the pieces later.
So thank you…
- FOR being kind and patient, as a director, as I got to watch you work with other actors, both experienced and inexperienced, I witnessed how excellent you were at bringing out the emotions and reactions that made the scene come to life.
- FOR being brave and revisiting some very dark places in your memories in order to tell this story. Thank you for forcing us to think differently about the people who are affected in tragedies…so often we are only told one story or one side. You had said at different times on the set that this project was special & magical. I know I am not the only one that saw and felt those moments all through the filming. Not only do I want to say Thank you for giving me a very wonderful “GIFT” by letting me be part of it, but also to let you know I hope for great and wonderful things to you and the others involved in “APRIL SHOWERS”.
With deep gratitude,
Deb Juliot
“Mary”
February 22nd, 2009 at 11:24 am
To all who played a part in this movie & to all who haven’t seen it yet…
I was lucky enough to be apart of the exclusive first screening of this amazing film that took place last night, 02-21-09, in Omaha Nebraska.
I wanted to say thank you to the entire crew and all of the extras that played a part in making this film. The crew and everyone involved were all very kind and they were more then willing to stick around and say hello to everyone and they even stayed late after the show to autograph posters until the very last one was done. I want to give a big thank you to Andrew Robinson for coming back to his hometown of Omaha Nebraska to film this.
The movie is very well put together (audio/video/storyline) and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. It was an eye opener to see the different view points from the actual victims, teachers and students, SWAT Teams, medical workers, and the overall general public reaction. I was happy to see that this movie also pays tribute to all of the past school shooting victims on record to date, those who are still alive and to those who have passed away.
It is also worth taking note that a large amount of the money raised from the viewing of this movie will be donated to the victims and to the communities that have been affected by school shootings. This includes the sales from things like the countrywide theater releases, the DVD and Blu Ray sales, and the money raised from iTunes and other online sources that will be selling downloadable copies of the film.
Spread the word and help everyone that has been affected by these senseless acts of violence and rest in peace to all who have passed away.
LMN
February 22nd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Andrew,
Hi am Jade Jerkovich and i just want to say thank tou for leting me take part in this film. I am 11 and just from watching this movie at the
film festival i want to live my dream and act for you! I think i am
very talented and love to be near a camera! But this is not about me,
it is about how great you did in telling a story of your life and making
into somthing that people will remeber all through there lives.
you desurve so much credit and support on this movie. To me it is not just a movie it is a story told by not just a great man but a surviver.
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Andrew and April Showers crew/cast,
What a wonderful Saturday it was seeing you all at the conference, party & filming. Hearing you talk about how you pulled this all together is just short of a miracle to me. The fact you were able to start with nothing and bring so many great people together and make this work was amazing. It was not only a filming event but a true celebration of human spirit. It felt so good and I only regret the evening had to end. In addition you continue the campaign. When everyone else might have packed up and went back to Hollywood I see you on the local Monday night news talking to students,encouraging others to help provide aid to those less fortunate and pushing for tax incentives for film makers in Nebraska. If there are still any nay sayers out there you truly have got to get a clue.
It was great and you will always have a place in my heart
The best of luck in all your future adventures
Dan
April 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Andrew,
I am not sure if you remember me or not, I went to Columbine with you and was in forensics with you my freshman year (1999). I can not wait until the movie is released on DVD, since there are no showings in the Denver area. It is amazing where the events of our past take us. You followed your dreams of film, and I am in nursing school right now with asperations to attend medical school there after. More than any thing I wanted to say hello and wish you the best in your future plans. My thoughts on Monday with be with you and all of the people that have made it to today, and those that we lost. Good luck
Joe D.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I wrote a tribute song called Mystery of Columbine and would be happy to share it with anyone interested. I can send it to you in mp3 format.
John Arthur Foster
April 27th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
One of my best friends and I saw the movie today, and we were both completely moved! We sat there at the end of the movie just shocked. It was such an amazing movie and surprised us both at how well it was put together. The movie had me on the edge of my seat, gasping, and crying. I felt emotional for the characters, and I think that is the true test of a great movie.
The movie made me think a lot this evening on how I would deal with that sort of situation. I thought through every case and was trying to figure out how I would react. I finally realized that nobody understands the true feelings unless they have been there! I have had many difficult things in my life, but nothing compared to that!
I know that every person deals with horible things differently. The one thing that I would really want people to know, however, is that no matter how difficult life gets, somebody has it worse. There is, also, somebody who loves you! Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, wives, husbands, children, friends. Whoever it is, somebody loves you! Don’t waste it, and don’t forget to let them know! This movie has proved that to me, and I will always remember!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful film and story with everyone. It has truely touched me!
Jordyn
May 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Hi Andrew. We met on a Columbine panel about one month before the 10-year anniversary. (How long ago that seems, and how hectic things became.)
After the panel, I barely had time to mention that I appreciated your insightful comments. I now see that your film was the number one independent movie on itunes.
I wanted to say congratulations. I have also read that you are having some travails getting the movie into certain theaters. I probably don’t need to tell you how important it is to persevere if you think you have something to say, no matter how many people tell you no. I probably went through 50 publishers over 10 years in an attempt to get my Columbine book published. Publishers told me things such as, ‘No one cares about Columbine any more.’
But I think the interest in your film, and the messages on this board, show that people do care about Columbine (and other school shootings, and how we deal with tragedy) especially when done in a thoughtful manner. And the broader lesson here is if you feel you have something to say, keep fighting, even if 100 people tell you no. I hope we can meet again some time.
Jeff Kass
Author of Columbine: A True Crime Story, a victim, the killers and the nation’s search for answers.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Hi Andrew,
My name is Michael. I’m almost 13 years old and I go to a Christian school in Waverly,Ohio. I’ve heard so much about youre movie and I’m dying to see it! Sadly, since its rated R my parents won’t let me see it until I turn 13 next month…so until then im just looking on the website.
My school play this year is called “It’s Not Too Late” and its based on the Columbine tragedy(It is written by Dick Lentz and if you havn’t heard of it you should definintly look it up on http://www.christplay.com). I am playing Jason Holmes who in the play in the shooter. When I found out that our play was based on Columbine I decided to do some research on it and what I found out about it was VERY emotional. I found out alot about it like about Cassie Bernall and Rachel Scott.
I didn’t aactually know that you were a Columbine survivor. If you reply I wonder if you mite sharing your story with me so that I could tell my school drama club(we are putting on the Columbine based play). I’m sure that they would like hearing it.
Columbine is a very emotional story. Im glad that you made this movie because it teaches us about school violence, why its bad and why we should stop it. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
Sincerely, Michael J.
P.S. My e-mail is mjmichaelr0@gmail.com I would very much like to talk with you more in the next few days.