When our kids were little, we restricted their tv viewing so closely that for a long time they were unaware that there were any stations other than CBC and TVO (TV Ontario). They are still my favourite stations.
For many years we had dear Ely Yost hosting Saturday Night at the Movies. Sadly, Elwy and that show are no more. TVO is now showing documentaries on Saturday nights. While the very word documentary may sound too serious for a Saturday night, so far I am impressed. (I know, I am showing my age by actually watching shows as they are aired.)
Tonight's show, The Genius of Marian, was very moving. I have seen other shows about Alzheimer's and they were good but this was really special. This 2013 film follows 61 year old Pam White as she and her family cope with her decline. This family is just so caring, devoted and compassionate. One of the realities that the film reminded me of, is that Alzheimer's affects a person's physical abilities as well as their memory. And so her husband helps her to dress, among many other daily tasks. This beautiful former actor and model must now have someone with her at all times.
There is much to appreciate in this film: the home movies interspersed with current footage, the paintings of Marian, Pam's mother and the sensitivity of the filmmaker, her son Banker. In the intro before the movie, TVO's host states that, " in the end, it is above all, our humanity and common sense that is most helpful to people with the illness." Something for many of us to ponder.
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