Poet Andrea Gibson Embraces Life Through Cancer Journey

Three years into treatment for ovarian cancer, poet Andrea Gibson and their partner, Megan Falley, chose to celebrate life despite the looming threat of death. Their approach confounded friends and family who struggled to understand the couple’s joy during such a challenging time. Falley recalls, “We had tried as writers… to communicate with our close friends and family what a beautiful time we were having.” Their unwavering commitment to each other inspired the creation of a documentary that captures their journey.

The documentary, titled Come See Me in the Good Light, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has since become available on Apple TV+. Award-winning filmmaker Ryan White, known for his work with celebrities such as Pamela Anderson and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, was introduced to the couple by a close friend. White and his producing partner, Jessica Hargrave, traveled to rural Colorado in 2023 to meet Gibson and Falley. Upon their arrival, Gibson greeted them with a blend of humor and sincerity, stating, “I guess you’re going to be here with me when I die. Welcome to my home.”

Documentary Reflects Love and Resilience

The film documents both the extraordinary and mundane moments of the couple’s life, emphasizing their determination to embrace joy and gratitude. Falley describes how they navigated the challenges of the illness together, saying, “It would have been a terrible disservice… to bring Andrea down in any way from that place that they were in.” In one of Gibson’s poems, titled Tincture, they reflect on the desire for ordinary days, stating, “the body prays / how it burns and begs for another average day.”

Over the course of a year, White captured thousands of hours of footage, distilling it down to a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with viewers. Falley finds comfort in knowing there is a wealth of documentation of their love. “I know that I will see things that I don’t remember happening, which is such a privilege,” she notes.

Gibson surpassed their initial prognosis, allowing them to experience the documentary with an audience before passing away in July 2023 at the age of 49, surrounded by loved ones. Falley recounts the emotional difficulty of Gibson’s final moments, particularly the abrupt loss of communication. “That was really hard for me because I wanted a final conversation to ask: ‘How will you visit me?’,” she shares.

The Impact of Shared Grief

After Gibson’s passing, Falley has had to navigate the emotional landscape of watching the documentary alone. “The first time I saw it without Andrea… I was just weeping the whole way through,” she explains. The film’s conclusion has sparked meaningful conversations, allowing others to share their personal experiences of loss. Falley notes that viewers often reveal stories about their own loved ones, creating a moment of connection and remembrance.

Following a recent screening, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of All the Way to the River, approached Falley to share her own experiences with grief. “Liz said something really beautiful to me, which was: ‘I am so happy for you both’,” Falley recalls. This moment highlights the profound impact of shared experiences and the ability to find solace in understanding among those who have faced similar realities.

The documentary Come See Me in the Good Light serves not only as a testament to Gibson’s life and artistry but also as a powerful reflection on love, resilience, and the human experience in the face of mortality.