Today Was A Good Day

As I have stated many times, one of my goal in writing My Journey with Sumi is to increase the awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, and as they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I can extend and say a film is worth a million words.

This week I came across a deeply honest and moving film about the joys and struggles of caregiving. A look inside the day-to-day lives of three southeast Michigan caregivers as they embrace the roles and responsibilities of caring for an aging parent.

After watching the film, one thing became obvious that taking care of loved ones because it is duty or obligation, could go so far. I realized that for all three caregivers, it is their love, compassion, patience and above all, inner calling that keeps them doing what they do.

Three people with the disease shown in the film are in the early stages of their disease. Whereas, Sumi is in the late stage of the disease where she needs round-the-clock assistance with daily activities. She has Lost awareness of recent experiences as well as her surroundings and she is not able to communicate her needs, discomfort and pain.

I met Roger, who is taking care of his mother in the movie, few times at the Wayne State University’s caregivers meet over the last few months. For me this was an emotional film and had to reach for the tissue box while watching. Please watch it when you have quiet 25 minutes.