I drove home in silence after seeing “Nebraska” for the first time. It didn’t occur to me until a few miles later that I hadn’t bothered turning on the radio. That’s unusual for me. I always have the radio on. Instead, I was deep in thought and teary-eyed. I suspect many people who have cared for an aging parent felt the same way after seeing the Oscar-nominated film.
Will Forte’s character, David, is like many of us – trying our best to help our folks do the things that will keep them going. Yes, caregiving is about making sure our loved ones make their doctor appointments. It’s about calling in their prescriptions and picking them up. It’s about buying their groceries and making sure their bills are paid. But it’s also about entertaining their quirky whims, even when you’re not sure it’s a good idea.
For me, “Nebraska” is a love story. It’s a movie that accurately and tenderly depicts a son’s love for his father. The father, played by Bruce Dern, doesn’t make it easy. Woody is a man of few words, a curmudgeon. He lives in Montana and insists on going to Nebraska to collect a $1 million sweepstakes prize he thinks he’s won. David finally agrees to take him giving them a chance to spend time together.
My Parents' Keeper 