I keep re-writing my tribute to Lynn Shelton, who tragically died on May 16th. I’m struggling to finish it because I don’t like writing about her in the past tense. My brain refuses to register that she’s gone, and I want what I write about her to be perfect. I was able to pay my respects to her film legacy through video editing. I’m a decent writer by profession (or, I somehow convinced people to pay me to write about stuff), and I am known to jaw a lot, so I should be able to scribble how we became friends and why her movies and friendship impacted my life, right? No, it’s not that easy because I’ve been down this road before with my dad. I couldn’t talk about him for six months after he passed. It’s still tough to believe he’s gone, so I’m still in the shock phase of grieving regarding Lynn’s passing. Just writing that sentence made me choke up.

When I work up the courage, I will finish that written tribute. Or, maybe this is it.

When she passed, the world lost a beacon who cared a lot about helping people (more on that in a minute) and an extraordinary filmmaker. Watch any of her films and you’ll see that she understood the human condition more than most filmmakers. Lynn was a rare gem. She made eight (8!!!!) movies on her terms; Lynn never compromised her creativity for a large paycheck. She was not a cog in the Hollywood machine, and it became a real honor to star in one of her films. What you see on screen is what Lynn wanted you to see. She wrote and directed stories about real characters with real dilemmas in the funniest and most intimate, endearing, relatable ways. Lynn left an oeuvre of work that will inspire future generations of filmmakers that, yes, you can make a career out of making movies your way. She did it eight times and would have done it eight more, but her life was unfairly cut short.

And that laugh. Lynn had a laugh and smile that lit up the sky. It’s devastating that she passed so young. She had so much talent in her bones and was just starting her second act in her booming career.

There is a reason why so many are pouring their hearts out over her passing. She was a good person. She was talented. She made her fans feel welcome. She made her colleagues feel loved and appreciated. She was kind to film critics regardless of what they wrote about her work.

Her kindness was impossibly cool. She could make anyone — a fan, film journalist, colleagues, family, anyone — feel appreciated and welcome to her world. She never met a stranger, and her love moved mountains.

When I made my video tribute, my second goal was to inspire people to re-watch Lynn’s movies and introduce them to a new audience. I think I met this goal.

I talked to Lynn enough where I feel comfortable calling her a friend. She reached out to me when I reviewed YOUR SISTER’S SISTER to thank me for my words about the film. There are far better reviews of this film, but she took the time to send a sweet note of appreciation. We kept in touch since, and I’m lucky to have shared some funny conversations with her. We talked on Facebook Messenger about a TV episode she directed or her latest movie, as well as mingled at Sundance and SXSW (where I was lucky to hear that laugh).

My last conversation with Lynn. Look at her response. So much warmth and heart to it. A true kind person.

I was unaware until last week of her endless passion and colossal involvement in her son Milo’s school, Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. Learning about this school and Lynn’s deep affection for it made me admire Lynn more than I already do for personal reasons, and I want to pay more respect, admiration, and contribution to her legacy and assist this school as much and best as I can.

So, I came up with an idea.

I love shirts that promote filmmakers, actors, editors, composers, and anyone in the film world. I was looking for a way to honor Lynn’s legacy further, so I reached out to Dallas-based artist Regular Projects, and he’s making 72 limited edition shirts in her honor for me and you — the mockups are below. I’m selling the shirts at cost (total for 24 is $288), so one shirt will be $12 plus $8 shipping, which will come out to $20 total in the U.S. (small box to ship and small flat-rate fee.), I think, and I’ll have to check for international, so email me at the bottom if you plan on buying one and live out of the states. All proceeds will be going to the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children to aid the Shelton/Seal Family Fund. 24 (edited, we now have 72!) is not nearly enough shirts; I know over 30 who want one, but unfortunately, I can only afford so much at this time. I hope down the road when life becomes stable again, and I can get more shirts made and contribute more to the school and the Shelton/Seal Family Fund. (EDIT: See bottom news for amazing updates on the shirts!)

Below are four designs Regular Projects made. If you have time, I would love your input on which option you like best. The one selected most will be the one I’ll have him create.

It will take about two weeks to make the shirts. When I get them, I’ll post on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook that they are available to buy. For every shirt that is purchased, the money will go straight to the school. I spoke with Sara Reyerson at NWSDHH, and she’s aware of the donation coming her way in a few weeks. We’ll be keeping in constant contact once the shirts go on sale. It makes me tremendously happy that I can pay it forward to a place that is doing good in this world and a place Lynn loved so much.

I hope you like one of the shirts and can get one, for Lynn.

UPDATE: ‪Awesome news to share. Someone very kind who wants to remain a private contributor is buying an additional 24 shirts, so we’ll have 44 shirts total with all proceeds going to the school‬. Thank you to the private hero for your contribution to something you personally know how much Lynn loved and cherished. This is really cool of you.

UPDATE 2: Updated pricing to include shipping.

UPDATE 3: WOW, another kind private donor for the charity shirts I'm having made in Lynn’s honor is putting in for 24 additional shirts, so we'll have 72 total as of right now for sale, and all proceeds will go to the school Milo attended. It feels really great doing something good for a place Lynn loved so much.

Updated 4: The shirt being made is Option 3! Thank you for all who messaged, tweeted, Facebooked, and Instagrammed, and commented here which you liked best. I really appreciate it. Regular Projects is currently making them and it’ll be about three weeks when they will be ready. I am learning to set up an online store for pre-order. This is my first time doing this, and I want to make sure I do it correct, please bear with me.

All proceeds from the shirts will go to the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children.

Lynn Shelton video tribute. <3