Away From Her

The Oscars are coming - February 24, 2008, in all of their blazing glory. However, this year, there will be an interesting topic buzzing that most typically do not equate with Hollywood and the Oscars. That is Alzheimer's...

"Away From Her" ,a Lionsgate production, has gathered the attention of millions. Julie Christie portrays Fiona, a woman whose mind is claimed by Alzheimer's Disease. Her husband, Grant (Gordon Pinsent), watches helpless as Fiona slips further and further away from him. Grant is forced to make decisions for Fiona that he never thought nor anticipated having to make. All the while, we the audience, watch helplessly as Fiona is transitioned into a care facility for people with Alzheimer's.

Sound familiar? This is a story that millions of people deal with every day - caring for their loved ones who have been diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer's. The story is so very poignant because it is real. Alzheimer's, one of many Dementia's, has no face because it could look like any individual age 65 and older. Any race...any gender...

If you haven't seen it, pick up a copy of "Away From Her", additionally starring Olympia Dukakis, online at Amazon or at your local retail outlet. For additional information on Alzheimer's and Dementia visit the Alzheimer's Association at http://alz.org/.

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!