This is a still shot from the Mass Mutual commercial my son and I shot in October. We had a great time, I was shocked at how well he behaved he was. (I'm sure it was because they pretty much just followed him around and let him do his thing.) Pretty sure if he had to hit a mark, we wouldn't have had such great success.
Here is a link to the one minute version of the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzIg0vw8gNY
49 comments:
Katherine, to see you and your precious son in this unique piece(and to realize its really you two and true!) continues to touch my heart. I frankly dicovered your blog while trying to find out more about the commercial, and specifically the background song (which I still can't place), but wanted just wanted to let you know. Be well, Laura in PA
The video in your commercial got to me. I don't know why certain things have such power but this surely does. I've put the video on my facebook page. Hope that's Ok with you.
mike in OR
Hey, like your other two posters, I have to say the commercial was a mini testament to the true heroes-parents of special needs.
This commercial, hands down, is one of the most beautiful I've seen. It never fails to touch me and I never fail to watch it when it comes on during a station break. The amount of love and compassion you are able to convey in a couple of minutes is astounding. You're little boy was wonderful in the ad as well. The both of you have done a great service not only for MassMutual but for all parents of special needs children and those of us who don't. Well done!
This commercial, hands down, is one of the most beautiful I've seen. It never fails to touch me and I never fail to watch it when it comes on during a station break. The amount of love and compassion you are able to convey in a couple of minutes is astounding. You're little boy was wonderful in the ad as well. The both of you have done a great service not only for MassMutual but for all parents of special needs children and those of us who don't. Well done!
Your video got to me...the song in the commercial is soul stirring. All the best
Your commercial is truly inspiring. Your look at the end says it all: yes, it's difficult but I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. All the best to you both on your journey!
(If Mass Mutual has shared the artist and title of the lovely back ground song, please share - it seems half the internet is looking for it!)
:)
I'm crying!!! Just saw this on CNN and had to say thank you. My son is special needs too!! Love this!
Hey, nice site you have here! Keep up the excellent work!
Special Needs Care in New York
This commercial is so beautiful and moving! Please share the name of the song and artist that plays in the background!
The artist sounds like Bon Iver, but I'm not well versed enough to place the song.
I also have been looking for the artist of this tremendously moving series of ads. Over at http://bit.ly/massmutualsong they say it is Flume by Bon Iver. It is obviously not the same version as the video, but it does seem like it is a re-recording of their song.
Katherine Norland, I also wanted to commend you and your precious son. I don't see how anyone could watch your video and not be moved.
It's production music and you will never find out who sings it or be able to get it. Mass Mutual buys a license that allows them to use the music royalty free. It is not Bon Iver, I wish people would quit saying that. It does sound very indie tho.
My mom told me about this commercial so I looked it up online.. She said look it up it reminds me of you and Mateo(my son).. And i can relate 110%!!! Our son has CP, had a nicu stay of 92 days was born at 27 weeks... Everything from teeth brushing to tucking into bed to bathing to putting on afo's.. It's like I saw a video of myself and my son.. You have a beautiful son thank you for sharing your story!!
I'm so happy you did this Ad
Katherine, loved your commercial and seeing what a wonderful mother you are to your son. I work in a NICU and I always say the parents that do this at home without doctors, nurses, therapists, alarms, monitors, etc are the real heroes. I love that you end with "I wouldn't trade him for the world" - so true. Lisa in FL
Katherine, loved your commercial and seeing what a wonderful mother you are to your son. I work in a NICU and I always say the parents that do this at home without doctors, nurses, therapists, alarms, monitors, etc are the real heroes. I love that you end with "I wouldn't trade him for the world" - so true. Lisa in FL
Ms. Norland, I loved your commercial and I loved the love you express to your son. I can relate having similar parents who raised a short statured son in the 1960's when informed thought on disabilities was not yet in the American lexicon. I also liked the fact that your husband (I presume) was also pictured. What I was a little confused with though, was with exactly "what" Mass Mutual has to do with anything. What aid do they provide, how do they administer it, etc? I think a bit more in the commercial about that would have been enlightening. All the best, Tom in NYC
Peter Parker, the text from the YouTube video says it all, "Who matters most to you, says the most about you (SM). This mother has a child with special needs who matters most to her. At MassMutual, our customers matter most to us."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzIg0vw8gNY
Ms. Davis, with all due respect, you just told me nothing.
I asked Ms. Norland what Mass Mutual does in the course of business, "specific" to the theme of special needs children and parenting.
I think what people are feeling is something so rare, a display of pure love and affection in such a way that it penetrates into the viewer's heart. The display of love isn't rare but the gift of being able to feel the love you have for your son is. What a gift the two of you have given to thousands if not millions of people. I can only believe the gift will be given back to you and your son in many wonderful ways. Thank you...
The spot you're in chokes me up every single time. I hope you guys are doing well and wish you all the best in the future.
Randy Diplock,
Toronto, Ontario
The spot you're in chokes me up every single time. I hope you guys are doing well and wish you all the best in the future.
Randy Diplock,
Toronto, Ontario
I just watched this commercial for the first time an I think my husband even had tears in his eyes. We are the parents of a SN child and it was so beautiful to us!! :)
Is that like a blue and green eye you have?
Anyways, I can't stand the commercial mainly because of your voice. It grinds on me. ewwwwwww.
I have seen the commercial many times, and it upsets every time. I am a NICU nurse and I love the work I do. I have many years of education and I am a professional. When I heard "every nurse in the NICU wanted to WATCH him", I was furious. I am sure that he didn't need a babysitter during those 118 days. NICU nurses provide specialized care to infants and families that requires training and dedication. I am sure NICU nurses watch this commercial and want to scream.
I have seen the commercial many times, and it upsets every time. I am a NICU nurse and I love the work I do. I have many years of education and I am a professional. When I heard "every nurse in the NICU wanted to WATCH him", I was furious. I am sure that he didn't need a babysitter during those 118 days. NICU nurses provide specialized care to infants and families that requires training and dedication. I am sure NICU nurses watch this commercial and want to scream.
Wow, that commercial was like watching my wife and youngest son. I was pulled in instantly, sat down and cried. It hit me so hard. I am ad advertising writer and creative director, and I can honestly say that is one of the most powerful commercials I've seen. Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. But tinged with hope. (Or maybe that's me reading into it.) Anyway, just thought you should know. - Jim @d_muthaship
Wow, that commercial was like watching my wife and youngest son. I was pulled in instantly, sat down and cried. It hit me so hard. I am ad advertising writer and creative director, and I can honestly say that is one of the most powerful commercials I've seen. Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. But tinged with hope. (Or maybe that's me reading into it.) Anyway, just thought you should know. - Jim @d_muthaship
Why is it many people are giving compliments, asking direct questions, and just being nice but Mizz Norland hasn't responded once to anyone? Maybe she did directly, but who's to know? From what we see, it looks like residuals make people look the other way. Not even a public thank you . Boy...sure can learn from people, no matter if their manners are good or poor. Or just plain rude.
There is always one. Maybe the wizard still has an extra heart lying around for you!
This commercial touched my heart for personal reasons. I've searched a long time for the music playing during the commercial. I found many sites that claim to know what song and artist is it but they are all wrong. I finally found the answer and will paste it here. "SO much searching, finally got this from a YouTube commenter:
"I emailed MassMutual about the song. (Yes, I AM that lame.)
Their reply:
Thanks for reaching out to us … we’re always happy to see that our communications catch someone’s eye (or ear). The music for our current commercials was actually commissioned specifically for our campaign, so unfortunately it isn't commercially available. We've had a number of positive comments on the music, however, so perhaps the firm that created will take heart and release a CD!
Thanks again for your interest." So there you have it.
Hi Folks,
Thanks to all for the beautiful comments about my son, wife and the commercial. Unfortunately my wife isnt too tech saavy, so she hasnt been able reply to your comments. I suggest that if you have a question about the services that Mass Mutual provides you can visit http://www.massmutual.com/planningtools/additional-resources/special-needs/special-care. We have life insurance and are looking into a special needs trust through MM. Thanks Rob, the husband.
I had wondered whether the people in this commercial were members of an actual family. All are so lovely (including, based on the photograph, the husband) that I was unsure, though the relationship between the woman and child seemed far more comfortable than it would have been had they been strangers to each other. I'm glad to know the players involved weren't actors. Yes, like others have said, this advertisement makes me cry. Mass Mutual and their advertising agency made a wise decision when they chose real people who have a genuine relationship for this commercial.
Rather, I should say that I'm glad the players weren't actors in THIS commercial; I'm aware that Ms. Norland is an actress in other projects. Anyway, it's a wonderful and moving commercial--a comment I seldom make about what's produced by the advertising industry (despite my love for "Mad Men"!).
The first time my husband and I saw your commercial we stopped dead in in our tracks we looked at each other and immediately started crying it's as if you filmed a Day in our lives.
We cried when you put his orthotics on Yep we have them to. We laughed at the nightly battle to brush teeth. But the single line that stands out is you wouldn't change it for the world.
Our three year old was recently diagnosed as special needs and our world has changed.. Yet we wouldn't trade it for anything. Everyday has ups and downs and we have a long road ahead as you know your commercial protrayed our blonde hair blue eyed son down to a "T" you nailed him. We still can't believe it. Great commercial I would love to send you a clip of our boy
Katherine, each time I see the commercial, it warms my heart. Our son had CP and has grown into a fantastic young man, just started college 2 weeks ago. CP has not held him back, it is in his left arm/hand, and walks with a slight gait, but has played 3 sports and go kart raced competitively for 3 years, we started out like your son, special braces etc.Thank you again and God Bless your family
One quick comment on your special needs child commercial - as a registered nurse I can assure you that nurses in the NICU don't 'watch' their patients. Maybe babysitters 'watch' children, as in 'can you watch him on Friday for two hours while I get my hair done', but nurses care for, assess and treat patients. Observational skills are an important part of all healthcare workers' jobs, but just one small part and usually accomplished while carrying out an assessment or other hands on care. Nurses have incredibly huge workloads and often have no time to eat or use the restroom, much less 'watch' patients. Show some respect to the nurses who cared for your son. Just saying...
cynthia, lighten up. It was a commercial. Its about the challenges of being a parent of a special needs child that cares for the child 24/7. Katherine, great commercial, great Mom. You are a hero. I'm sure the nurses that cared for your son all those months didn't think twice about getting credit for what they did like others do.
Cynthia...yes lighten up. The word watch and watch for is synonymous with "care for" in many cultures and regions even within the US. You are making way too much of a commercial that actually brings attention to special needs kids...the mom was actually showing her gratefulness to the nurses who took what seems like a personal interest in Charlie. We all appreciate the work of medical professionals but don't act like it's all volunteer work either...ijs
I'm really late to comment, but, well, I saw the ad again tonight -- as I've been seeing it periodically for the last two years. I always feel moved by it, maybe even a little shaken (but in a good way). The first few times I saw it, I knew intuitively that I wasn't watching Hollywood actors pretending to be real. Something in the way you interacted with him obviously couldn't be faked. It's called "love," and it's wonderful to see.
And watching it for two years, I've been asking myself: "When are they going to do an update?" It would be so great to see how he's changed -- how much he's grown! Something for Mass Mutual to consider.
All the best to you and Rob and the little heart-stealing star of the show. Live long, be well.
Katherine you are a true hero. Your son is sooo beautiful! God Bless you and you son!
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