Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

I just watched a beautiful movie called Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, starring Dame Joan Plowright, and super sexy Rupert Friend. It's about an elderly woman who goes to live in a hotel called Claremont that is for retired and elderly folk. She is lonely and the other folks in the hotel think that the grandson she speaks of is mythical. One day, out and about, she falls and young, aspiring writer (with most mesmerizing eyes) named Ludo comes to her rescue. They develop a rapport that leads them to a sweet friendship. He, never knowing his grandmother, and her having a grandson that doesn't call as often as he should.

As she announces to the other elderly hotel guests that she has a young guest coming for dinner, they automatically assume that she is referring to her grandson. She doesn't deny it, and he becomes a regular guest of Mrs. Palfrey at the hotel. They share stories, he writes a story about the experience. She dies. Her family was only there after her death. Ludo was the last to see her, the last to share in her life, and the last to learn the important lessons that her life lead her to.

The reason I am writing about what could be a sad story is because I see the beauty in it. It's a touching account of an elderly woman who was lucky enough to spend her last days with someone that was open enough to listen to what she has to say, and to absorb the lessons she has to teach. They were companions. He was lonely, she was as well, and together, the days passed with light instead of darkness.

I can't help but wonder what my Nana's last days were like. I find myself thinking about her often and I can't help but feel guilty about not being there as often as I should have, and not calling as often as I could. She had so much knowledge to share, and lived such an interesting life. She gave me my entrepreneurial spirit, and kept me inspired with the story of her struggle growing up Cherokee. I miss her terribly, she was a beautiful woman. I know she forgives me for being away so much, but more importantly I wish I hadn't missed out on what else she had to share! Call your grandmother!!!!!