Andrea Gibson Inspires With Heartfelt Documentary on Life and Love

A poignant documentary titled Come See Me in the Good Light chronicles the life and experiences of poet Andrea Gibson and their wife, Megan Falley, as they navigate the challenges of living with cancer. After three years of treatment for ovarian cancer, the couple chose to embrace life with joy and humor, despite the looming threat of death. Their journey was documented by acclaimed filmmaker Ryan White, known for his work with notable figures such as Pamela Anderson and Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

The couple’s experience began when a close friend proposed creating a documentary about their lives. White, along with producer Jessica Hargrave, traveled to rural Colorado to meet Gibson and Falley. Upon their arrival, Gibson greeted them with a darkly humorous remark, stating, “I guess you’re going to be here with me when I die. Welcome to my home.” This blend of humor and intimacy became a defining characteristic of the documentary.

Living Fully Despite the Diagnosis

In an interview, Falley reflected on their desire to convey the beauty in their situation, stating, “We had tried as writers… to communicate with our close friends and family what a beautiful time we were having.” She expressed frustration over friends not believing them when they described their happiness amidst the illness. The couple emphasized their commitment to finding joy in each moment, even as they faced the reality of Gibson’s diagnosis.

The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the festival favorite award, captures both extraordinary and mundane moments. It showcases how Gibson and Falley focused on gratitude and love, even as they dealt with the harsh realities of cancer treatments. Falley described Gibson’s mindset: “You don’t want to waste a second — and I was wasting a lot of seconds [before].”

Through poetry, Gibson expressed the longing for ordinary experiences, capturing the essence of their journey in works like “Tincture,” which reflects on the body’s yearning for another average day. The documentary serves as a testament to their shared determination to live vibrantly in the face of adversity.

A Legacy of Love and Connection

The film does not conclude with Gibson’s death but instead highlights their prolonged existence beyond their initial prognosis. Tragically, Gibson passed away in July 2023 at the age of 49, surrounded by friends and family. Falley shared the heartache of losing the ability to communicate with Gibson in their final moments, expressing a desire for a last conversation to ask, “How will you visit me?”

Despite this loss, Falley found solace in a love song recorded by a friend, featuring lyrics penned by Gibson about where to find them after death. The documentary has taken on new meaning for Falley as she now views it without Gibson by her side. “The first time I saw it without Andrea, earthside, let’s call it, I was just weeping the whole way through,” she remarked.

After screenings, audiences often share their own stories of loss, creating a communal space for remembrance and connection. Falley noted that the documentary allows people to revisit memories of loved ones they may not have discussed in some time.

In a touching encounter, writer Elizabeth Gilbert, who similarly lost a partner to cancer, expressed her happiness for Falley and Gibson’s journey. “Liz said something really beautiful to me, which was: ‘I am so happy for you both’,” Falley recounted, highlighting the profound understanding that can emerge from shared experiences of grief.

As audiences engage with Come See Me in the Good Light, they are invited into a narrative that celebrates life, love, and the enduring impact of connection, even in the face of loss.