top of page

BEFORE THE DOOR CLOSES

Documentary | 60 min | Tomorrow Pictures Inc

Director/Producer: Fr3deR1cK | Producer: Ellen Barnard

​

My longtime friend, Dr. Bob Simmermon,  is a man of words. Of good conversation, thoughtful discussion and lots of laughter. HIs wife, Judy, calls it "Bob Magic". Last year, he asked me to record  some interviews with him over a few weeks near the end of his life. He wanted to talk. In his own words. It was urgent.

​

I agreed, and we sat down to talk on several different occasions, with him on camera. Facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, which he had recently revealed to me, he had decided to write his final chapter and set a date for the end.

​

We didn't really have a specific agenda, just to talk, to remember, to share some stories and his thoughts.  We were the  filmmaker and the psychologist, the man of many words. But in these moments, we were mostly colleagues and old friends, trying to sort out the age old question - what is the meaning of life? what do we leave behind? And is it enough?

And while the disease that was progressing rapidly certainly was in the studio with us, so unfair and heartbreaking, it also was the reason Dr. Bob had the opportunity to do what most people do not - to know it was time to say a few things he wanted to say before the door closes. 

​

After agreeing that all lives are stories waiting to be lived, I asked him what was his favorite story, and he replied, "My favorite story? Well, my favorite story, I think, is my life."

​

The film, takes us on a journey to examine that  life through an intimate lens of a husband, father, friend, professor, psychologist, thinker, writer and lover of story, who has made the decision to end his life on his own terms. It's Bob's love letter to his life and the people in it, and it is our love letter to him. And what could be more fitting, than this storyteller, this lover of language, having the last say. And leaving us his story, his way.

I was born in Noblesville, IN, a small Midwestern farming town where my family has had a presence for over 100 years.

beginning
Screenshot 2024-05-17 at 2.27.38 PM.png

"I couldn't ask for better & I helped to leave a lot of stories."

And at the end of it, I couldn't ask for better and I helped to leave a lot of stories.

middle
Screenshot 2024-05-17 at 2.58_edited.jpg
end.

I, Robert Simmermon, request an accompanied suicide with the help of Dignitas. I am fully aware of what the future holds in store for me and how the continued progression of the disease will remove the joys that now still remain.  The decision for an accompanied suicide has been carefully thought out and I am 100% sure that this process is right for me.

Robert Simmermon's "ball of light" transitioned into the universe on May 31, 2023. This film is dedicated to him, his wife Judy and their family. It's also dedicated to the many people impacted by Alzheimer's disease.

UPDATE FROM THE FILMMAKERS:

Before the Door Closes is in post-production. Tentative release early 2025.

Your donations make the work we do to raise awareness through story and media for good possible. Thank you. 

SUPPORT THE FILM 

qr-code.png

SIGN UP FOR MAILING LIST HERE

SHARE

What's YOUR STORY

Thanks for submitting!

For resources about Alzheimer's disease and available support 

bottom of page