Dad

Yesterday, on Father's Day, Mike and I watched the movie "Dad." If you haven't seen it, Ted Danson plays a high powered executive who receives an unexpected phone call while at work. His mother, played by Olympia Dukakis, suffered a heart attack and he is needed home immediately. Upon arrival, he realizes that his mother is not the only one in need of assistance. His father, played by Jack Lemmon, is declining mentally as well. The storyline is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Ted Danson's character realizes the amount of time he has devoted to his career has caused him to miss the more precious things in life...his parents and his own son. The storyline addresses three major themes:

1. Family reconciliation
2. Parental aging and the impact of mental and physical decline
3. Adult Children as caregivers

While watching the movie, I was able to relate to the stress of balancing work and caregiving. The anger I at times experience with the doctors who care for my grandmother. The fear that comes with being a caregiver and knowing that your loved one depends solely on you.

The movie Dad, is a hidden treasure. While considered "old" by today's standards, it was released in 1989, Dad is a "must watch."

Enjoy!