My Journey with Sumi*
by KC Mehta
June 14, 2020
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a film is worth a million.
I came across a deeply honest and moving film.
Today Was A Good Day
depicts the joys and struggles of caregiving. It looks inside the day-to-day lives of three southeast Michigan caregivers as they embrace the roles and responsibilities of caring for an aging parent. I had met Roger, who is caring for his mother in the movie, a few times at Wayne State University’s caregiver meetings
After watching, one thing became obvious: Taking care of loved ones due to duty or obligation can only go so far. For all three caregivers, it is their love, compassion, patience, humility, humor and above all, inner calling that keeps them doing what they do.
The people in the film are in the early to mid stages of their disease. Sumi is in the late stage of Alzheimer's where she needs round-the-clock assistance with daily activities. She has lost awareness of recent experiences as well as her surroundings and she is not able to communicate her needs, discomfort and pain.
For me this was an emotional film, and I had to reach for the tissues while watching.
"There are only four kinds of people in the world:
Those who have been caregivers,
Those who are currently caregivers,
Those who will be caregivers, and
Those who will need caregivers.”
- Rosalynn Carter (wife of Pres. Jimmy Carter)
*Sumi was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s at age 59. KC, her husband of 40 years, shares his caregiving experiences to increase awareness of Alzheimer's and help others find solace. Contact him at
kanumehta@gmail.com
