The 1940s were unforgiving,
especially for two men daring
to love each other openly.
They lived in a modest
shack on the outskirts of town,
where the nights were filled with the soft hum of crickets
and the distant whistle of the midnight train.
Their days were long and grueling,
but they found joy in the simple moments.
Sharing a meal.
Beans and cornbread.
Tending to their small vegetable garden.
And reading to each other by the dim
light of an oil lamp.
Hi, James.
Hi, Michael.
I, I thought maybe my message was desperate.
No, no, no, I was dealing with some problems
at work, and I haven't had any free time.
I'm so sorry for not calling you back sooner.
Um, no.... that's...
That's okay. Um...
We can talk about it, uh, more over dinner.
If you
still want to get together this weekend.
Oh, yeah. Definitely.
I still want to get together this week.
You know, it's
so funny that I met you at the bookstore
and you were supposed to be off that day.
Well, I guess we were supposed to meet.
Oh, how did the gaming book help you?
Oh, yeah, it helped us a lot.
You know, um...
I, I'm really looking forward
to seeing you again.
You know, at the bookstore
I wasn’t even sure
if you were actually into guys. I’m...
I'm terrible at radio signals, but when you told me
you wrote gay novellas... I was so happy.
Oh, uh, I -I, I got a call.
I'm so sorry, I gotta go.
I will see you on Saturday.
That sounds great.
I'll see you then. Definitely. Definitely.
Okay.
Bye. Bye.
Hey, cousin.
What's going on?
Another gay romance story.
Who reads your books, anyway.
You coming over this weekend
to help me with the drywall?
I've been putting it off.
Waiting for you.
They're hiring where I work.
If you're interested.
I already have a job.
Yeah, at the Cozy Nook Book bookstore.
Did you come by to lecture me about my job?
Or about helping you with the drywall?
You know, let's do it next week.
And I've got company coming over this weekend.
Oooh... got yourself a fancy man-date.
You okay?!
You look like that
deer caught my headlights right before I hit him.
Totally messed up the hood of my truck.
What?
What's wrong with you?
Um, I guess I'm just not getting enough sleep.
You go away. Please.
I gotta get ready for work.
Okay.
Let me know about doing the drywall.
People still buy books?
We know you don't.
Cake...
Oh. Hi, neighbor.
Oh. Sorry, Mike.
I didn't mean to scare you.
I saw you pulling stuff in from the car.
I thought I'd give you a hand.
I wanted to stop by and tell you about the Munson place.
Thanks.
Um, Munson place? Yeah.
The Munson.
They lived there for a long time, and, well, until Mrs.
Munson was taken away.
You must know about that.
No, I can't say that I have. Oh.
Okay.
Well, the Munson's were together for, like, 30 years,
until one day.
I guess she just kind of lost it.
And she wacked him with an ax!
You can see what it did to the neighborhood.
Mmm. Well,
it totally destroyed all the home value here.
So, not that I'm complaining, but that's how
I got into my dandy of a house.
Anyway, it's up for sale now,
and I saw a couple coming out of there
the other day with a realtor,
but they looked like they were kind of
dark skinned, like maybe Indian.
Not the wo, wo , wo kind.
Ohhh, Dave, that's racist.
All I'm saying is
not the American type of Indian.
You got to be careful these days, Mike. Dave...
You really can't just.
Uh... I'm sorry.
I've got a lot going on right now, but thanks so much for your help.
Yeah. So, happy to help. Umm...
This is a great looking cake.
You -you having a party or something?
Yeah. Yeah, something.
Thank you so much.
Oh, okay. Uh...
Always good to see you, Mike!
Hello, Michael.
Hi mom.
What are you making?
I just some tacos for dinner tomorrow night.
Did you put cilantro in?
No, I don't like cilantro.
Really?
I've always liked it.
You used to like it, I'm sure. No.
Never did.
What's with the.
What’s with all the food here?
I stopped at the food bank.
Oh, you helping somebody out?
I'm helping you out.
I don’t need help, mom?
Well, I got to thinking
about how hard it must be for you lately.
Struggling with your job at the little bookstore
and trying to make a go
of the writing thing.
How's everything going with you?
Mmm.
I walked in there
last week on my way to get an anniversary gift for Sister Hanson,
and there was this
little old man behind the counter.
He couldn't even really see
the cash register keys.
His little sausage fingers trying to type them out
one at a time.
And, well,
finally, it was taking so long that the man buying the book
just up and threw the money on the counter and then flounced
out of the store.
Does that old man
know he needs to be retired?
Or that owner is not going to have
a bookstore for much longer.
My father would never have put up with that.
He knew how to run a company. Grandpa ran a corporate bank,
mom. Not a little bookstore.
These certainly looked better than your last batch.
Something's missing.
You didn’t put nuts in.
The recipe calls for walnuts.
Makes all the difference.
I'm allergic to walnuts.
Mom. Remember?
Oh. That's right.
You have so many physical issues,
I just can't keep them all straight.
Nuts would have made your brownies better.
And yes, you really should tell somebody
about that old man and the trouble he's having.
He should have retired long ago.
That little old man happens to be the owner.
Well, then he should know how to run
a bookstore.
He's ran a bookstore for over 43 years.
He's... a year ago.
His wife of 46 years passed on.
All he has is that little bookstore.
The lonely old house that used to be happy.
We try to lift his spirits up to make him feel happy.
So I suggest you stop judging the poor guy in something you know
Nothing about.
I never...
understand why I upset you so much.
You're frustrated all the time.
You practically formed a witch hunt
to get rid of the new neighbors last year.
You don't like the minister's sermons?
And even the Mexicans, as you put it,
aren't even good enough for the house of God.
Do you hear the words that are coming out of your mouth?
What kind of Christian are you?
You should turn off the TV.
Go volunteer. Read some books.
We've got lots of great cookbooks.
Take up cooking.
I can't even tell you what's going on in the world.
You don't want to hear it.
Well, it's a mess.
And yes, I'm still pissed
about the neighbors.
Every generation says the same thing.
The world is getting bad.
But the world has
a way of figuring things out.
And it needs happier people
helping one another. Mom...
I am trying to build a happier life.
I suppose I do...
get worked up about things.
Your father always said
I could find a storm cloud in a blue sky.
He wasn’t wrong.
These really are better without the nuts.
Okay...
I'll be going.
Maybe...
Maybe I could stop by the bookstore
sometime.
That would be nice.
You know, we got lots of cookbooks
from all over the world.
Okay.
Goodbye, sweetie.
Thanks for the help, mom.
Oh, I love you.
I love you, too.
Sometimes I play pinball
down at the Burger Hut.
That's the closest I got to video gaming.
Well, like being a game designer.
It's fun.
I spend most of my time
just trying to see if it'll work.
Mostly long hours.
Get home to face
a freezer full of microwave dinners.
Oh no... do I have food in my teeth?
Crap.
I do, don’t I?
No, no.
No food.
You look great.
So um... how'd you get interested
in writing?
Well,
had been reading books for years,
so I thought I'd try writing some myself.
I got into old fashioned gay romance.
It came naturally to me.
Mom didn't get it.
She thinks I should get a real job.
Oh, God.
When I told my dad I wanted to be a gamer,
he walked over the car keys, took them off the hook,
and said, you can get these back when you get serious about your career.
It wasn't about the car.
It was that he didn't even know who I was.
What about your dad?
He died a few years ago.
I'm sorry.
He really appreciated my writing.
Just wanted me to be happy.
Well, you're a great writer.
I bought your book
and read it right after we met.
You sure you didn't accidentally
put it in your cart? No.
It's very good.
You had me at paragraph two.
I'm starting your second book next week.
I really appreciate you saying that.
Your stories are set in the 40s.
I mean, it's such a romantic time.
I think I must have lived in the 40s.
I have a strong sense of connection to it.
It's funny.
I've had this recurring dream on and off for years
about a man I meet in a
small town diner.
It's the 40s.
It's winter
and... in the dream,
we don't talk much.
We just sit together.
Understand each other
without words.
Like we’ve know each other forever.
Maybe...
maybe we're meeting again.
If it's us.
Maybe.
Um, uh... I'm not very good at, uh
speaking for myself.
I know that...
that this is our first date.
Maybe...
Maybe we could have more dates.
I'm just a poor book nerd.
I mean, you can think about it, and... - Yes.
I don't care how much money you make.
Life isn't about status.
I think dating you would be great.
Just like that.
After one date?
One date. 20 dates...
What's it matter?
When you feel like you've known someone...
... forever.
Yeah.
Hey, Mike.
How are you doing?
Whach’a planting?
You okay
Buddy?
Michael?
You don't look so good.
Had any water today?
Anything to eat?
I brought you some leftover stew
from last night.
Trying to get Ahold of you the last couple of weeks
about going fishing, but I haven't heard anything
back.
Need some help getting inside?
I know how to get inside.
Well, sure, sure.
Of course you do.
Maybe I can just sit with you for a while.
Would that be okay.
Stew...
Stew,
can you help me sit down?
Course.
Of course. Buddy.
I got you.
You're good.
Doing good.
So, anyway,
I brought you some stew from last night.
It's just,
carrots, potatoes, a little venison
I had in the freezer.
Call it stew on a pot!
Because, you know, I'm stew.
I promise
it's a lot better than my jokes.
I’uh... I went fishing a couple of weeks back.
Caught some real nice pike.
Thought about you
while I was out there.
Remember that trip we took in June?
A knife slipped out of my hand
right into my shoe.
And that night,
all those noises outside of our tent.
It was so dark.
Yeah. That was, uh...
That was that was a fun trip.
There you are.
Welcome back, pal.
You had me
worried.
Thank you.
Thank you, Stu, for
sitting with me.
I don't know what happened.
You know, if this is happening more and more...
you need to see a doctor.
You have to take this seriously.
I'll give my doctor a call.
See if I can set something up.
That'll be okay?
Yeah.
That was...
that was such a fun fishing trip.
And you... you got so panicked
when you stabbed your foot.
I don't know that I was panicking.
Okay, well, I mean, maybe a little.
All the blood...
Okay. That's -that's just our little joke.
Yeah.
Hello
Michael.
Thank you for your patience.
I know it's uh... difficult waiting.
I got your report
back, and I reviewed it very carefully.
And, I uh... (anxious) I have the difficult news to tell you that the results indicate
that you have a condition called early-onset
Alzheimer's.
I... I don't understand.
I can't.
I can't have Alzheimer's. I'm...
I'm not old.
It's uncommon,
but it does happen to people under 65
and sometimes under 50.
And unfortunately, Michael,
you have
all of the signs of it.
Now, I'm not going to lie to you.
This is going to be a challenge.
And I'm sorry, but
it will progress over time.
He may experience memory loss, confusion,
difficulty remembering words,
difficulty talking or coming up with those words.
Mood swings.
Trouble
walking.
And eventually, severe... memory loss.
I'm going to, uh...
have someone call you
and set up a session with a counselor.
I don't need a counselor.
Michael...
I know that this is overwhelming,
but it's important to have support.
Now, a counselor, can
help you with what to expect.
Make a plan.
Just have someone to talk to.
You don't have to do this alone.
Am I...
Am I going to die?
Michael, the...
average life expectancy is, six years.
But I mean,
there are cases where people live 15, 20 years.
It's just, uh,
it's not very common.
I'm sorry.
We're going to, uh...
start you up with a group of medication
to help with, uh...
To help with your mental function.
And slow the progress of the disease.
Michael,
I'm sorry.
This is... this is overwhelming.
These will be oral medications.
That’ll help maintain cognitive function
and reduce behavioral symptoms.
And we'll get you started in an intravenous infusion
that has real promise...
of slowing the progression.
Why?... I’m not supposed to go.
I wanna stay... with James.
We had a happy life together.
I’m not supposed to go...
What do I do?...
Look, I know this is a lot to process,
but I'm here to help you.
One step at a time.
I'm just trying to make sense of everything.
It all feels so unreal.
You're not alone, Michael.
There's a gradual progression of this,
but there are things that we can do
to help slow it down. And uh...
help maintain a good quality of life.
I just don't want to be a burden on my...
my mom or James.
You're not a burden, Michael.
And with proper care and maintenance, you can still be
an active part of their lives.
Have you told them about this, Michael?
I haven't told them.
Communication is key.
It will help ease your worries.
It'll help ease their worries.
It'll help them best understand how to help you.
Routine is your friend.
Try creating a daily routine
where you do things that will
help you with memory loss
and less confusion.
Try creating a calendar of activities.
Do things like reading a book.
Puzzles.
Those things will keep your mind sharp,
but also do activities that make you happy.
It's just hard not to feel down.
But you have a team, Michael.
You have friends.
You have family.
You have professionals like me
all working together to help you.
You’re still you, Michael.
And that's
what's most important.
Not too long ago,
I was going through a really hard time.
And I met somebody,
and they helped me.
See a new outlook.
It was in Cherokee spiritual advisor.
And I know that's not in everybody's wheelhouse or something
they would do.
He saved me.
By helping me find...
some inner peace.
Only if you're interested.
I'll write his number down for you.
You okay, sweetheart?
Something wrong?
No. Stop!
I'm sorry.
You're so...
You're so wonderful to me.
If you find yourself
thinking that, you might feel trapped.
I just want you to know that
it's okay if you want to change your mind
about us.
Michael...
what are you talking about?
I'll never change my mind.
I’m not going to leave you?
Do you want me to leave? - No.
No, I don't ever want you to leave me.
I love you.
You're my everything.
Hey. If there's something
weighing on your mind.
You can tell me.
I don't want you to ever think
you can't talk to me.
Okay?
M-huh.
I'm here for you.
Always.
Michael, I want you to close your eyes...
and take a deep breath.
Now, tell me what you're feeling now.
Don't think about it. Just speak.
I'm scared.
Angry.
Confused.
Why me? Why?
I had a life ahead of me.
And now it's all slipping away.
Open your eyes, Michael.
You're asking the big questions now.
And that's where healing begins. But...
first, we need to shift your perspective.
You see your diagnosis as an ending.
But what if it's a beginning?
But I'm dying.
My mind, it's...
It's betraying me.
Feel that stone.
Really feel it.
That stone has existed for thousands of years.
It's been shaped by time, by the elements.
Just like you and me.
We're all part of something
much bigger than ourselves.
But what's the point?
Why am I here if I'm just going to fade away?
The point is to recognize the miracle of your existence.
Every moment is a gift.
Your life isn't defined by its length,
but by its depth.
But I'm so angry.
I don't want to leave James... or my work.
The anger, that fear...
It's all valid, but it's also an anchor weighing you down.
Michael.
There was a time when I was lost.
Angry at the world.
Just like you are now.
My husband, Tom was diagnosed
with an aggressive form of cancer.
We had our whole lives ahead of us.
Suddenly,
everything changed.
What happened?
We fought hard for two years.
We battled the disease together.
But in the end,
I lost him...
and I lost myself.
I was consumed with grief and anger.
I couldn't understand why this happened.
I turned to alcohol,
pushed away my friends and family.
I was dying inside long
before my body gave out.
What changed?
One night,
after drinking myself into a stupor,
I found myself on the edge of a cliff, ready to jump.
But something...
Something stopped me.
Maybe it was the wind.
My spirit guide, my ancestors reaching out.
But in that moment, I realized I had a choice.
I could let the pain destroy me,
or I could use it
to grow, to help others.
It wasn't easy, but I chose to live,
Michael.
Really live.
I sought out the wisdom of my elders.
Re-connected with my medicine... and the earth
and slowly I found my way to healing.
True healing comes from restoring harmony
with ourselves, with the natural world.
Sometimes the deepest wounds
can become our greatest source of strength
and wisdom.
If I can find meaning and purpose
after losing the love of my life,
you can too.
Your path is different than mine,
but the choice is the same.
Will you let this diagnosis define you?
Or will you use it to live?
Truly live, Michael.
Nothing ends.
Energy transforms.
But how do I find peace
without losing myself?
By realizing that your self is more
than your thoughts and your daily routines.
It's the love you've given,
the lives you've touched,
the ripples you've created in the world.
Those things go on long after we're gone.
In my tradition, we believe that every soul
comes to this planet with a purpose.
A life contract, if you will.
Sometimes that purpose isn't what we...
what we planned, what we expect
or planned for.
And you think this disease...
is a part of my purpose?
I think it's presenting you with a choice.
To live more fully, to love more deeply.
To let go of what truly doesn't matter.
That's why I'm here, my friend.
We'll walk this path together.
I want to be together with James.
I really do love him.
He, um... he proposed to me a few nights ago.
I would be happy
if it wasn't for the fact that I...
I didn't tell him the truth.
I could have,
but all I could say was yes.
Michael...
Sometimes when something like this happens,
it can rob us of our most basic
sense of agency and personhood.
I know you're tired.
You must be
exhausted.
But if you're looking for a sign,
if you need permission,
let me be that sign.
Let me be the person to give you
permission, to go.
Go forth.
Go ahead.
Go for it, Michael.
Okay.
So, how's Winnie doing?
He's doing well.
He's going to open his own barber shop.
So, anyway, Professor Stanley and I, we're
looking for this old case of vintage port.
And we come across this really old
beat up crate hidden right there under the stairs.
And it was dated 1834.
So we're going to take it back to the college and open it up.
Might be a worthwhile find inside,
or it might be a scary old monster from 1834.
Boy, that sort of would suck.
Could you imagine? It's got my arm!
It was in my face off!
Sounds like you do that a few. Hey.
Oh, hi.
Henry's told me you're a very good writer.
I wouldn't say very good.
He's a very humble guy.
How's the new book coming?
I'm still trying to figure out some of the characters.
Oh. What's the title? I’ll keep a lookout for it.
I haven't quite figured that out either.
Well, have to stop by the bookstore next week.
Pick up one of your books.
Well, if you'll pardon me, I gotta get ready.
Hey, so, how's
the other science fiction writing going?
I find every excuse there is to put it off.
I know I should be trying to write
every day.
I've just got to stop the nonsense.
I feel like I've lost interest in everything.
That sounds like depression.
Yeah, well, I wake up almost every night
with an anxiety attack.
Please don't tell anyone.
But I actually went back to work part time
stocking auto parts at King's Auto.
I'm supposed to be this somewhat
successful writer, and I can't even write one book a year.
I put so much pressure on yourself there, Henry.
It's going to come naturally.
Right. What you're most passionate about.
Yeah.
Would you mind having coffee with me sometime?
I'd like to get your opinion on some ideas.
Sure, man.
Of course, I'd be happy to.
I am happy, really happy for you and James.
Just talked with him earlier.
He seems like a wonderful guy.
Hey, we've got to get you married.
Let's go. Oh.
We are gathered here today
to celebrate the union of Michael and James.
Today, they stand before you
to declare their love for one another.
This moment is a testament to their journey together.
Filled with love, laughter and shared dreams.
As they exchange their vows.
Let us all be reminded of the beauty of love
and the hope it holds for the future.
Michael and James, please hold hands
and look each other in the eyes.
Those hands will build your future.
Support you in times of need
and hold you in moments of joy.
May we have the rings? And please
exchange your vows.
Michael...
You're my best friend
and my greatest love.
I promise
to stand by you.
To support your dreams.
And to cherish every moment with you.
Together
I vow to love you with all my heart.
To be your rock in times of need.
James...
You are my light, my home.
With you I found a deep and pure love.
I promise to honor and respect you.
To be patient and kind.
And always communicate openly.
I love you
more than words can express.
James and Michael,
having declared your love for each other
in front of your friends and family.
It is my honor and privilege
to announce you married.
You may now kiss.
Thanks, Aunt Joan.
Looks great.
The wedding was wonderful.
You guys kissed?
Yes. We did.
Too bad you missed it.
I couldn't make it.
I was on my way back from Bentonville.
That's in Arkansas.
I had a job interview at Walmart headquarters.
Thanks for doing the cooking, mom.
Oh, it was nothing.
Anyway, I got to ride on a nice plane.
Did he have some of those
little peanut snacks on the plane?
No, but I did get to sit by a crying baby
and a drunk woman.
And I had one of those foreign flight attendants.
He must have been from one of them,
Zimbabwe countries or something.
His accent was so bad.
But it was a free ticket...
and the drinks were free.
I had three of them.
But he was such a doofus.
I don't understand why they can't
hire English speak’n Americans.
Well, maybe he had a chance
to earn a good income.
Maybe he had a chance at a better life.
Maybe he was poor
and had dreams of a better life.
Do you ever think about the things you say?!
About the way you treat people?
What are you talking about?
Joan,
this is just delicious.
Thank you.
I don't get the chance to cook for a group,
so I thought this lunch would be fun.
I don't know what they put in food these days,
but it doesn't taste like it did years ago.
It's all the laboratory made ingredients going into the food.
Well I had stomach problems for years
and then I went organic and it cleared up in a few weeks.
You know Michael's dad had that problem
and Michael is just like his dad.
He was always having stomach problems.
I'm sorry honey, I gotta get going.
I won't be too late. But when I get back,
we'll stay up and watch all movies.
Great seeing everyone.
I am so sorry.
I can't believe it, but I gotta get going.
We had a sudden game release coming up tomorrow and couldn't have been worse.
timing.
Thank you so much, John.
We'll see you later.
Love you
husband.
I love you, too, husband.
He can't even stay for your wedding day.
We already talked about it earlier.
We see each other every day.
He just
needs to be there and make sure everything runs smooth.
Sounds like a bad
start to your marriage, to me.
You know,
I think I'll make a quick peach cobbler.
Do you have any canned peaches?
Michael? Yes, mom.
I'll get some from the garage.
Thank you.
That was just rude.
Your cousin is always trying to be your friend,
and you can't even be nice to him
for one day.
Doesn't Michael have a ghost?
He sure does.
I stayed over one week when I hurt my leg.
The noises I heard in the middle of
the night were enough to send me home.
No more staying over here for me.
Aunt Joan was telling us about your ghosts.
Oh. It's harmless.
Just likes to cause a little mischief sometimes.
I don't think you should have that carefree attitude, Michael.
Satan presents himself in many ways.
It's not Satan, mom.
Satan is just a myth.
Like the old man in the sky judging us.
He most certainly is real.
If the
sins of man were forgiven by Jesus being killed,
what happened to the sins of man
before Jesus was killed?
Did we go to hell?!
Would a loving God send us
from a perfect Paradise
just to test us on earth and punish us
if we fail?
It's a grand lie.
It's not real.
We're all entitled to our opinions.
Aunt Joan, do you really believe
that your brother was punished by a religious god and sent to hell,
just by being depressed and taking his own life?
He was only 14.
When I was little,
my Pentecostal dad told me that my dog wouldn't
go to heaven because heaven
is just for humans
Do you have any idea what that does to a child’s mind?
what that does to a child's mind.
I cried for a month.
Well, fuck that!
I wasn't going to have a thing to do with religion
from that moment on.
I'm sorry Aunt Joan.
I didn't mean to upset you.
It's just...
well...
Your brother was struggling,
and he deserves compassion,
not condemnation.
Well, good luck with your marriage.
A large age gap like that...
It's not really good for a couple.
Oh. That's ridiculous.
His father and I were 16 years apart, and we were in love
our entire marriage.
I'm going to get some sugar from the garage.
Okay.
I'm just saying,
two men living
in a nontraditional relationship...
Nontraditional
My foot!
The only reason they call it nontraditional
is because those people
have the upper hand in society.
They decide the rules for everyone.
Gay men and women have been treated less than human.
And they've been here since day one.
How long can it last?
Hoping his little story
books are gonna make him famous,
and thinking he can be in a relationship
with some big city guy with a successful career.
Shut up,
Wyatt.
Don't you ever say that to him.
He's my child, and I want him
to have every chance at happiness
that his father and I did.
I wish your uncle were here to handle you.
Is there any pie?
That you.
Steve Winters here with another weather update.
We're entering week
three of what I'm officially calling the Great Atmosphere Standoff.
We’re looking at sustained rain and gusts
up to 40mph for the next fortnight.
The temperature remains in the low 40s
in what I’m calling
a Meteorological purgatory. Too warm
for snow angels, to cold for actual angels.
For more of the latest weather, join us 11 on KFNN news channel.
Let that light of God's love shine!
Through your heart’s today.
Let the holy spirit
come on in to your heart.
Shut up!
Hello.
Hi, husband.
I'm on my way in about 20 minutes.
We’ll stay up and have our wedding night.
Yeah,
sounds wonderful.
Sweetheart?
Michael?
What's wrong?
Are you crying?
Oh, honey,
I messed up not being there with you tonight.
I, -I'm so sorry. I...
It's... just the rain.
It gets depressing sometimes.
And I also
had a little too much to drink.
Okay...
You know, I'm leaving right now. Okay.
I don't want you to be upset, okay?
Just make some coffee and I'll be home
soon, okay?
I’m sorry.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
I love you.
Michael?
Mike.
Hello?
Michael?!
Michael?
Sorry.
It’s all right. I love you.
It's so good to see you.
You know, I got to say, I'm
so sorry that I didn't make it after the wedding,
but I was really not feeling well.
Well, I completely understand.
I'm just glad you could be here.
Are you feeling better?
Jesus loves me. Yes.
Fit as a fiddle! Yes!
Oh, yes.
Oh, I hope it wasn't
too long of a drive for you, though.
Oh, I have something for you.
Oh...--There you go.
You didn't have to do this.
You know, I got home, and I looked inside the pocket,
and there, here was...
the wedding gift was right there inside.
And I only wear this for special occasions.
Happily Ever Laughter.
Wishing you a lifetime of fun and love.
That's very sweet. Thank you.
Oh. Uncle Jim,
I don't understand.
Is’for your future, for you and James?
Oh, Uncle Jim... wha...
what would we do with this?
This is very generous.
I don't know if I can accept this. Michael...
You're my only nephew.
And where in the world am I going to spend it?
This is just too much.
I saved it for years.
There's nothing I need.
I'm not an adventurous guy.
I don't travel.
I don't have any kids or a husband.
All I do is stay at home and watch jeopardy!
You know,
I had great memories of those times coming over and watching it.
And those TV dinners with aluminum.
The aluminum foil,
45 minutes to heaven.
Oh, yeah.
And you get to the apple pudding,
and by God, by that time,
you've already got into the Wheel of Fortune.
Oh, I
only have such happy memories of those times.
Certainly made up for those really ugly, awful ones
that I wanted to forget.
You know,
I remember a young man
with tears rolling down his cheeks
over a neighborhood boy
that knocked on your door.
Oh yes, Jeff Fox.
I never forgot that name.
Called me a homo.
All the kids at school laughing at me
and picking on me.
But then I came over
and you just reminded me
to not listen to them.
To be true to who I was.
You reminded me of that.
This... is really generous of you.
I just...
I can't take it.
Michael...
You're starting a new chapter in your life
with James...
and you're going to have a beautiful life together.
You know?
I lived in a different past.
I was brought up
with all that gay prejudicy, of...
“oh, there's those kinds.”
You know, like we were sinners.
Changing the fabric of America.
It was hard... as a young gay kid.
I did my chores on the farm.
I went to school, attended church.
But, I'm so proud,
that you found your soulmate, James.
You know, I never had a husband...
or a boyfriend.
What? Yeah.
I took care of our relatives.
I watched them date,
get married, have kids,
and then I thought, oh, I'm
going to be the new Superman.
I'm going to be normal.
But what happened was... I grew old.
I'm still alone.
And I'm still thinking...
he's watching.
And then it happened.
One summer day.
There he stood.
A sweet man in a cornfield.
And we had a great conversation.
Talked about irrigation.
And I didn't know the irrigation
was going to get me to the movies,
a theater and the county fairs.
But it did.
And then it got to me.
I thought and knew that he wanted more.
And of course, I got scared.
I sent him away.
Michael...
I'm not a well man.
I have bladder cancer.
What?
I'm okay.
I got enough to get by
with Social Security and savings.
He gave me two years... maybe less.
But I want you and James
to get that house
that you've always talked about.
It’ll make a great down payment.
I’m, so sorry.
Don't be.
God works in strange ways.
You never know why things happen.
But there's always a reason.
I've learned one thing.
Life is short.
And don't take anything seriously.
Now there's something I have to tell you.
Hi, sunshine.
Farmer's Almanac says it looks like
we're going to have a few big storms between
December and February.
I'm sorry.
I'm missed seeing your uncle.
Yeah,
he was the only one I could ever talk to when I was young.
Gave us a wedding gift.
Oh. How sweet.
Was it, uh...
chocolates or flavored coffee by chance?
He wrote us a check.
To help buy a house.
Oh, wow.
What a sweet guy.
Maybe one day we'll have enough saved.
He gave us $18,000
for a down payment.
Oh my God!
Bu... that's just, wild.
Really?!
Okay, I have to call him.
Oh, hey...
and guess what?
It looks like...
I'm going to be working more from home
as soon as I work out the details.
Isn't that great?
You okay, sweetheart?
What's wrong?
Michael...
Well, did I do
something?
Did I forget something?
No... no.
You're great.
You know how sometimes...
I don't always seem like myself.
I’m...
forgettign things, alright...
I get frustrated suddenly
or confused. I'm...
You take those allergy pills.
I know, they give you brain fog
sometimes.
I have
something, called early onset Alzheimer's.
What?
It affects people under 65,
but most commonly between 40 and 50.
It's very rare.
And, uh...
there’s no cure.
And I've known for the past three weeks,
and I didn't know how to tell you.
I know...
I know this is a terrible
way to start a marriage.
And I love you.
I love you with all of my heart.
And I won't blame you...
I mean, you if you want out.
I'm so sorry.
Open your eyes, Michael.
Tonight we're going to explore the elements.
Earth, air, fire, water.
They're all around us.
And within us.
What's on your mind, Michael?
I've been thinking about James.
I'm scared of leaving him, but I'm...
I'm scared of him seeing me deteriorate.
That fear comes from love.
It's a powerful force.
Water teaches us to flow,
to adapt.
Create a ripple.
I'm so afraid of the changes,
I'm going to be going through.
My relationship...
with James...
will change.
I'm not going to be the man he knew.
Change isn't always loss, Michael.
Even if you do, change
can also be about transformation.
How do I make the most of the time
I have left with him?
By being present.
Fully present.
Quality over quantity,
Michael.
Close your eyes.
Listen to the beat.
Let it become your heartbeat.
James's heartbeat.
Now see
James.
Not as the man he is now,
but as the man he'll become.
Strong, compassionate.
Carrying your love with him everywhere he goes.
I can see him.
He's so beautiful.
That vision...
that love.
It transcends time,
Michael.
That's the fire element.
Passion. Transformation.
The spark of the divine in all of us. Yes.
I want to
I want to write to him.
I want to,
I want to write something that's going to help him
through the difficult times.
To give him strength, to remind him of our story.
An excellent idea.
Where it's a powerful medicine.
And this,
represents Earth.
Grounding, stability.
It's the physical world we inhabit, for now.
I'm still afraid of forgetting,
of being forgotten.
Listen to me, Michael.
You are more than your thoughts
and your memories.
You are more than this body, this mind.
You are a spark of the infinite...
having a human experience.
Your impact on this world,
on James. On those you love.
That doesn't end.
It ripples outward, touching lives.
You'll never even know.
Promise me something.
Promise me that every day
you and James will share a minute
of pure joy together.
One moment where you're both fully
alive, fully present.
Don't be afraid to say I love you.
Gvgeyu
That's how we say it in Cherokee.
Gvgeyu. -Gvgeyu
Remember, Michael,
Every moment is precious.
This journey you're on.
It's not about ending, but, about transformation.
What do you mean by transformation?
Nothing really ends, Michael.
We never truly die, Michael.
We transition.
Our earthly consciousness simply transitions
from one state of being to another.
You mean like an afterlife?
Yes, but
it's not some distant, far off place.
It's a continuation of our journey
here on Earth.
What's it like?
It's a place of peace.
And renewal.
Imagine feeling like you're in your 30s again,
but without all the pain and sickness.
It’s earth as we know it.
But in its most perfect state,
Beauty and love.
But. But what about James?
What about the people we leave behind?
Your love for them doesn't end, Michael.
In fact, many believe,
we can visit them,
send the messages of love
and comfort. And one day,
you'll be reunited.
It sounds less like an ending.
Because it isn't an ending.
It's a new beginning.
Your task now is to live more deeply,
to love more fully.
And you and James,
you're on this path... together.
We're all just...
walking each other home, my friend.
Thankyou.
You're most welcome.
Hey. Hey.
Ready for our walk?
You know what I was thinking?
Maybe we could start our Christmas
decorating this weekend.
Yeah.
Yeah, I could use a little Christmas.
Come on. -Hey...
If, um...
When the time comes...
and I'm not here...
I won't be dead.
I'll just be there
in all its beauty.
Our permanent home, as we can call it.
We'll be together again.
You're just gonna have to tough it out here...
and help me.
I know it seems like a long time,
but life goes by fast on this side.
Hey... hey...
What if we buy the old Munson
house down the street?
What?
It's got a great price.
And we've got the down payment.
If you feel the same.
If you want to.
Yes. -Yeah?
Yeah. Yes.
Yeah.
We're buying a house.
Yeah, we're buying a house.
We’re buying a house.
Stu. Hi, James.
Time for a cookie and coffee?
Seems baking is the only thing keeps me sane
during the holidays.
Come on.
You know, the first Christmas was the hardest.
After Sarah died.
I would just sit. Sad.
Angry.
Confused.
How's Mike?
Good days and bad days.
Today was...
He couldn't
remember where we put the Christmas boxes.
It's progressing so fast.
And you?
How are you holding up?
I look at him, and...
I can already feel him struggling.
I just didn't think it would get so bad
so fast.
And I'm terrified, Stu.
I'm so scared.
You know,
Sarah told me, that there at the end...
don't you waste one moment
worrying about losing me.
Love me now.
Took me two years
to understand what she meant.
How do you... -Handle it?
You don't.
You just love harder
every single day.
You know, from the moment
we got that horrible phone call,
till she drew her last breath...
was six weeks.
You've got something we didn't.
Time.
Time to make more memories.
Time to hold him closer.
I just found him.
Now I'm going to lose him.
What if he forgets... about us?
Then you be his memory.
You be as anchor.
Just like you have been.
And... you've got us.
Your chosen family.
We're not going anywhere.
I just feel so alone.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know the feeling.
But you're not.
And neither is Michael.
Call me any time.
Even if it's just to sit in silence
and eat crappy cookies.
And James,
the greatest gift that you can give Michael
and yourself.
It's exactly what you're doing now.
Being here.
Let me finish this.
I want to surprise Michael.
We gather here,
blessed by this abundance
and each other's company.
We're grateful
for the love and strength of this family.
And for the spirit that guides us
through both joyous and challenging times.
May we have hope in our hearts.
And find peace
in our shared moments.
Let us be mindful
of all of life's blessings.
Amen.
All right.
Let's dig in.
I am starving.
You know, I used to cook such big meals.
Your father loved my cooking.
I would say to him let's go out to eat.
And he’d say
why go out when the best cooking is at home?
I think he just didn't want to spend the money.
He sure was crazy about you.
He used to tell me all the time
about how proud he was of you.
He only wanted you to be happy.
He didn't want us to put any expectations
on you.
But I'm afraid I did.
Did I tell you that your
father visits me quite often?
He comes to me when I'm sleeping.
It's as real to me as us sitting here.
What happens in the visit?
Oh, well,
like last week, I was lying in bed.
He was lying on his side of the bed,
talking to me like it used to be.
And then I wake up, and I am.
I feel so good for the rest of the day.
He tells me not to
fret or worry.
Says he's building our house.
What house?
When we first started dating, I told him about a house
I saw in an old Doris Day movie.
And he said that one day he was going to build it for me.
But with one thing or another,
we settled in another house,
raised a family and life went on.
From what he tells me...
anything that you want to do
or see in the afterlife,
you just have to think it.
You can walk down the street
in the springtime, in Paris in 1920.
Talk to all of the pets that you've ever loved.
They understand every word.
He says that he is not rushing it.
He says that he wants everything
to be perfect for when I get there.
Are you doing okay, sweetie?
Can I get you anything?
No, I'm doing good, mom,
thanks.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
my boys.
How's it coming?
I'm excited to find out how it ends.
It's good, I think.
Of course it's good.
Do you want me to read you the last part?
No. I want to be surprised.
Hey, you know what?
What?
You're my everything.
I love you.
I'll let you get back to it.
I'll get back to heating leftovers. Oh.
Hey! Yeah.
How about you read me the last part?
Yeah.
As summer faded into autumn,
Samuel and John made a pact
under the harvest moon.
No matter what storms may come,
they would face them together.
Their love was a shelter.
A fortress built not of stone,
but of shared dreams,
Quiet understanding
and unwavering commitment.
In a world that sought to tear them apart,
Samuel and John had found something
rare and precious.
They had found home...
in each other's arms.
The end.
What happened to my lights?!
I've done it.
Yes you did. Well, I didn't mean to cut it.
You did it on purpose.
I did not do it on purpose.
You did too do it on purpose just because I stepped on your old
sad Santa.
Ah hah! Then you
stepped on him deliberately, huh?
And you cut my lights deliberately.
I did not do it deliberately!
Look Viv, if I want to ruin your tree, I could
cut it if I want to.
Oh no, my, Lucy...
Oh my God.
And you know what's going to happen next,
right?
She's going back after Lucy's tree. Ohhh!
Oh, see! Oh, look.
This is not all.
It’s not gonna work for either of them.
Wow. We thought
we had a hard time decorating our living room.
They had it
way worse. -Wow...
Oh, my God...
What?
It's snowing.
Oh! So beautiful.
I can't believe it's snowing.
So peaceful.
It's perfect.
Snowing on Christmas.
It's Christmas?
Yeah...
it's Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas James.
What good is this
life God give us anyway.
I must of asked a thousand times.
Why get out of the bed
another day.
I can't control the hands of time.
One moment,
so, dear,
the next minute you're here,
the missing piece that, made it all clear,
It hit me like the snow falling from inside.
It struck me like the lightning
from the sky.
It came to me in a
voice so sweet and s clear and true.
What I've been searching for all my life.
It's you.
I know it's part of the plan
anyway.
To surrender it all in time.
Is it too much to ask to live a day?
When I'm just glad to be alive.
So bitter sweet.
But nothing can compete
with your sweet love.
That that made me see.
It hit me like a snow falling on pumpkins.
It struck me like the
lightning from the sky.
It came to me in a voice so sweet and so
clear and true
What I've been searching for all my
life, is you.
One moment so dear.
The next minute you're here.
The missing piece that made it all clear.
It hit me like the snow falling on pumpkins.
It struck me like a light.
It hit me like a snow
falling on comets.
It struck me like the lightning
from the sky.
It came to me in a voice so sweet
and so clear and true.
What I've been searching
for all my life.
It's you...
It hit me like the snow falling on
pumpkins...
So you know.
You're my favorite, favorite nephew.
And don't say it's
because you're my only nephew.
You always say that.
That you know that I love you dearly.
So I just wanna ask you a question.
Is there anybody in your life?
Well, there's this one guy.
That I met at a bookstore.
I wasn't even supposed to be working at the time, but
we were talking for hours and hours
and he's coming over for dinner this weekend.
Oh, good.
Oh, that'll be beautiful.
I'm nervous. I'm a little scared.
Oh... no. Don't be.
Don't be scared.
You’ll follow your heart.
And things will all be good at the end.
And I think that...
I think the world is your oyster.