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Grandmother Granddaughter (03:00)
Manuel Munoz - Putnam Valley, NY
The house that Martha bought some 50 years ago is full of people. The film GRANDMOTHER GRANDDAUGHTER is a snapshot of Martha’s last days as she lives them out with her granddaugher and primary caregiver, Maria.
They are surrounded by great-grandchildren, some who live there and others who visit from time to time. For the past 14 years, when the first Parkinson’s symptoms were diagnosed the disease has steadily worn away Martha’s body but not her spirit. Her decision to remain in her home rather than be institutionalized was based on the quality of life she wanted and which her family was willing to give.
Near the beginning of the film, Martha sits in near darkness symbolically highlighting the waning vigor of her life. It moves to contrasting images depicting the boisterous play of children in the house.
“Close-ups” show her struggle as she confronts the grim reality of her disease in her old age. Here we can see the contrasting moods she encounters from dark despair to surprising moments of joy that are usually brought by the youngest members of this extended family.
At one point we see the rhythms of normal life as she rests in her room while her granddaughter prepares food in the kitchen just as Martha many years ago had prepared food for Maria.
Martha and Maria’s decision to live this way will increasingly become a social option as the baby boom generation matures and the public treasury is predicted to be less able to afford such care.
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Grandmother Granddaughter
This is a beautiful loving story. My situation with my mother is similar in that she too has parkinsons disease and lives in her own home with 24 hour care. It is wonderful to see that other people keep their elderly family members a part of their life rather than sending them off to nursing homes. Like you I am grateful for the strength I receive from God to do this for my mother.
Grandmother, Granddaughter
A beautiful and very touching documentary. There really ARE families like this one and, hopefully, they are less rare than we might tend to believe. Martha was indeed fortunate but so is her wonderful, noisy family--and what a legacy of love they have!
Grandmother, granddaughter
So heartfelt and touching. It's steeped in emotion and truth.
Documentary
Good work! The ending is also very good.
Beautiful
This gives a real picture of what it takes to tend to someone in Deep Age.
Gradmother,Granddaughter
A true documentary. Very intimate story.
Touching glimpse
This is a really beautifully done piece, both from the production and story point of view.
It is very inspiring to see a situation of a family with both the love and resources to able to do this. I think it is particularly powerful because it captures so much of the point of view of Martha. What a wonderful piece to have for members of the family to come, too.
Very Moving
This is very well done. Martha is very fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family. My favorite part was the "Thank you Jesus" comment.
Grandmother, Granddaughter
This is a definite keeper. It shows us so much, and it is such an inspiration.
It is completely true. I
It is completely true. I guarantee it. Thank you for your comment.
A beautiful little film
I want to believe in this story. If it isn't true, please don't tell me!