Something we all share in common as humans is that we must occasionally face heartbreaking circumstances beyond our control. From aging parents to our own heath issues, sometimes the difficulties surrounding us can seem overwhelming. But with adversity comes the opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of ourselves and those we love. Looking around we are surrounded by inspiring examples of people who have done just that. Sometimes we just need reminding.
This special program, To Live & Let Go, highlights a few of these amazing stories. Part One of the special features the Academy Award-nominated documentary Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, a profound and occasionally humorous look at a notoriously difficult disease - Alzheimer’s - and at a daughter who must come to terms with her mother’s illness. Also screening as part of this special event will be With Eyes Wide Open: Grief and Healing, a deep conversation with everyday people sorting through their experiences of loss and grief. Joining us in the studio to discuss the issues brought up in these films will be Frank Ostaseski, the founder of the Metta Institute, a program that trains professionals in psychological and spiritual care for the dying. Ostaseski guides the conversation in With Eyes Wide Open.
ABOUT THE FILMS:
Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter
With profound insight and a healthy dose of levity, Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, chronicles the various stages of a mother’s Alzheimer’s Disease and the evolution of a daughter’s response to the illness. While at first she fights against her mother’s forgetfulness and obsessive behavior, this dutiful daughter must realize that the changes are incurable and start down the hard road of acceptance. Internationally acclaimed, Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter is a Peabody award-winner, screened at the Sundance Film Festival and was also nominated for an Academy Award. Neither depressing nor medical, it is ultimately a life-affirming exploration of family relations, aging, change, and the meaning of memory and love.
With Eyes Open: Grief and Healing
With the guidance of hospice founder, Frank Ostaseski, seven people who have lost loved ones or who face terminal illnesses come to discover the transformation and healing that can sometimes come in grief's wake. Individuals like Paul, who is battling Hepatitus C, and Cathy, who lost her husband suddenly two years ago, discuss their experiences --covering topics from fear of physical pain, to isolation and anger. The episode ends with a ritual as the individuals convey a written message to those that they love.
To watch part 2 of this series, click here.
LEARN MORE:
For more information on Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, visit American Documentary online.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Commonweal
Institute for the Study of Health and Illness
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