Four Extraordinary Women (2006) - full transcript

[background ambulance sirens]

[music]

[song] "Caught in a down-draft

I'm swimming from a life-raft

I'm stuck in an avalanche

I'm swinging from a tree branch

I swear on my momma's

good grave life's strange,

'Cause only the good die young

The rest of us just change

'Cause now it's time to fly



time to rise

time to glide

In the air

away up here

In the clear blue atmosphere.

Now it's time to fly

time to glide

time to rise

Here outside in the esophere

Way up here in the atmosphere."

[music]

John [voice over] >> I remember
hearing when I was real little,

"things happen for a reason".
So when things happened that

made no sense, I would
try to find a reason.



It's strange because some
things actually don't make

sense, until you make
sense of them...later.

after the fact.

[music]

Hi.

Thank you.

[music]

I'm John...
Sharon, hi.

What?
Nothing...

You pulled my
chair out for me.

Yeah?
Somebody raised you right,

or you have older sisters.

Two.
One older, one younger...

Well, one sister really.

I guess it's two sisters.
You "guess"?

It's complicated...

I hope not for your mother.

It might have killed her.

Sharon >> Oh, come on.

Actually...

She died of cancer.

I'm...so sorry.

What about your mom?

Um...

sometimes, I just
wish she were dead.

[music, voices fade...]

[music]

Susie >> I don't understand...
John >> I didn't at first

either, but then it dawned on me

You have two more years here.
So?

Later today, when I get
the diploma, I can't see

myself setting foot
on camp

This part's over for me.
Did you know Ring Lardner

was a reporter in Chicago
when he was nineteen.

So theoretically, I'm behind.
I haven't seen the world.

Don't you want to see
the world in two years?

I thought we'd see
the world together.

I gotta go get
my cap and gown.

[footsteps]

Wasn't it something?

Four years, in the
blink of an eye, huh?

[footsteps]

John >> Dad, I'd like
you to meet Frank.

He's been my roommate
the last few semesters.

What happened to David?
Anne >> He transferred, dear.

Mary >> Like,
two years ago, Dad.

Anne >> Ohh...
thank you.

Nice meeting you.
Bill >> Nice meeting you.

John >> And this is my mom.
Frank >> Pleasure to meet you.

Anne >> Congratulations.
Thanks very much.

Are your parents here?
I'd love to meet them.

I think they found
themselves a spot in the shade.

Lucky.
I'll let them know

you asked after them.
You remember Mary?

Sure. How're you doin'?
Good.

John >> And this is Caryl.
Hi.

Surprised you made it, Caryl.
Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too.
Anne >> Caryl.

We're gonna go get ready.
Okay, comb your hair!

You never said you
had an older sister.

I don't.
Then who's Caryl?

[footsteps]

I thought you went
to the restroom.

I don't want to do
this around your mom.

You should go back inside.

I'll be done in a minute.

[footsteps]

Gotta love that...

It's a good thing we
could all do this for you.

[footsteps]

[ding, ding]
Anne >> There we go.

I would like to say something.

John...
Mom...

I am...well, we all are
feeling a great deal of

joy seeing you finish.
Not to mention

financial relief.
Mary >> And surprise!

Anne >> Not true, not true.
I think we should all raise

our glasses in honour
of a job well done...

Dad, fill her glass.
It's bad luck to toast

with water.
Oh, nonsense, no.

I'll have some wine, Dad.
[laughter]

Anne >> Okay.
Honey, we're all so proud

of all the work
you've done here.

And I love you.

Cheers.
All >> Congratulations.

Thank you.

[background music]

Anne >> Um...One more thing
I'd like to share, and

I know you're going to say
I really pick my moments -

but I think if I say it here,
on this happy day,

that you will all understand
that I can handle it,

and right now it's just part
of our landscape, that's all.

Recently I found
a lump in my breast.

And it's cancerous and
it has to come out.

And so it will.

Simple.

[background music]

Mary >> Mom, when did you
find it?

Anne >> Hey, I, uh...

I'd like some dessert.
I don't know about you.

Who's going to join me?

Cheesecake, they have
a mean cheesecake here.

[music]

Anne >> Oh, I think
we're out of light-bulbs.

I didn't know you were here.
Caryl >> Oh, I just had

a few things to wash.
I hope you don't mind.

You don't have to be
doing my laundry.

Oh.
These are yours.

I hope that's okay...
Well, of course it is.

You don't need to ask.
Is this all you have?

Well, I fell asleep on
the couch a couple of times

and I haven't had
a chance to go home.

Don't you know how welcome
you are by now, Caryl?

I wanted to ask
you something.

I, um...

I have to leave my apartment,

and I can't go home.

And I was kind of hoping...

that...

maybe you'd want me to stay.

More than you know.

[footsteps]

John [voice over] >> I'd never
seen mom in a way, before.

I didn't think
anyone was home.

Hi, stranger!

I didn't hear your car.
Hey, Mom.

Hey...

Hi.

[music]

Mickey >> How fast are you?
Fast, sir?

You really need to cut
out the "sir" business.

In fact, the whole "aw, shucks,
look at the big buildings"

bit went out with Menudo.

Can you type fast?

When there is
something to write.

[rustle of papers]

Cat statistics...

More people own cats in
the Village than in any

other part of the city.

That's got to be worth
1,500 words, right?

Type fast, I'll read,
and we'll talk about more.

[door clicks open and closed]

[footsteps]

[whispers] >> Mom...?

Hmmm?

I wasn't waiting up, I swear.

I couldn't sleep.

You know, I get so tired, and
then my mind starts racing

and I...
Look.

She looks so sweet like that.
Even with her taste in clothes.

She came right home after her
night classes to sit with me.

How was your evening?

Can we talk a sec?

Is everything okay?

Yeah, yeah.
I just...

We haven't had a chance to
talk the past few weeks.

and I wanted to...

wanted to...
I dunno...

I wanted to ask you something.

Caryl >> Oh, hi, John.
Hey.

I must have dozed off.

Why don't you go upstairs,
and get some sleep, honey.

Can I help
you with anything?

Oh, I'm fine, thanks.

I'll take that.

Good night.
Good night.

Ahem.

She is such a blessing.

What did you want to
talk about, honey?

I still have a little
bit of money saved up from

working last summer.

Um...

I know my timing's bad...

but with Caryl here,
and Mary...

Yeah...?

I think it's time I found
a place of my own.

Except for college,
I've been here in this house

my whole life.
I wanna live on my own.

Pay my own bills,
cook my own dinner...

Let's not get excessive.

Seriously, Mom.

Don't you think it's time?

What?

What?
I was thinking about

something I read this morning.
Something about "change",

about being open to change.

I'm sorry.

Oh, no, honey.
I knew you were going to ask me.

I just can't say I was
looking forward to it.

[music]

John, some kids
never leave the space

they grew up in.

But that's not you.

[music]

[footsteps]

Is someone there?

[music]

John [voice-over] >> I dated.
A lot

[laughter]

For some reason, I used to
tell them that I was alone,

with no family,
no baggage, no obligations.

[music]

Then I met this girl
I really liked. Gwen.

She was a reporter like me,
except she grew up in the city.

[phone rings]

Hello.

Mary >> ...Well, it hasn't
gone to her lymph nodes,

thank goodness, so,
she's 'stage one'.

It's not like Mom's...

Let me call you back...

Yeah, let me...
I understand.

John, it's just that it was
first Mom, and now it's Caryl.

You should be here.

Tell Mom...
Yeah, tell her I will.

I'm going to have to
call you back.

So, what do you think?

[music]

Gwen >> Well, the
article's fine.

But, did you ever think
you could

You know, more?

[music]

[phone rings]

[recording] >> Hey,

Mary [on phone] >> Caryl's
going for her biopsy tomorrow.

I need to talk to you.
[beep]

John [voice over] >>
I couldn't bring myself

to pick up the phone.

Take a look at this...

In and out of foster homes.

the last eight years or so.

Where is she now?
You tell me.

Her name is Johanna Wilson.
Her mother died of AIDS

two years ago.
She never knew her father.

The last story I wrote
was about street musicians.

I write character pieces.

I don't know anything
about foster care.

You should.

Eight years?

Of hell.

You don't need me to insist.

[music]

Anne >> I just wanted it
to be a surprise for her.

What happened to
all my stuff?

Oh, it's mostly in the
garage, except for those

magazines I threw out,
for obvious reasons.

I wanted her to have a nice
place to do her homework.

She comes here most of the time
after her night classes now.

She likes quiet for studying.
I mean, who doesn't?

[Anne hums]

Okay, so what do you think?

[Anne hums a tune]

What is that
you're humming?

[sings] "Are you going to
Scarborough Fair?"

Do you remember that?

I think it's a little
before my time.

I used to sing.
I used to sing a lot more.

Kinda makes all the
hard work easier.

[Anne hums]

Hey, is Caryl...?
She's okay?

With the chemo?

Well, she's tired a lot,
but she knows the drill, so...

[hums]

So I'm working on this
piece for the paper, and...

Your generosity amazes me.

[sings] "Remember me to
the one who lives there...

She on

She once was a true
love of mine."

Doggone it.

[music]

Mrs. Montain?
Who's asking?

John Stevenson,
West Village Weekly.

I was wondering if I could get
a few moments of your time.

This about Johanna?
Yes, it is.

So you're going to, what?

Ask me a few questions about
my sister, and then write

whatever you want?

Make her sound like
a monster and such.

I wanted to hear your
thoughts...to be fair.

You wanted to be "fair"?
What do you know about fair?

The paper prides itself...
The "paper"?

What about you?
Where are you from?

New Canaan.
New Canaan?

Sounds biblical.
Where's it at?

Connecticut.

Do you have any
children, Mr. Stevenson?

No.
But do you have family?

Of course.
I have four of my own, but

I was going to take Johanna in.
My sister's baby, right?

But the city wouldn't
allow me...

There are certain things I
won't talk about to a stranger.

My sister knew she had
a problem, a disease.

From living the life you live,
sometimes it's unavoidable.

But that little girl,

she never gave up...

house to house,

pig to pig...

Haven't you ever been
faced with something

that's bigger than
your own needs?

[music]

You okay?

John?
Yeah.

You haven't been
sleeping much lately.

How old do you think she is?

I thought you said
she was twelve there.

If you were judging from her
eyes, you would say she was 50.

So she's keeping you awake?

I don't know.
Because I thought

it had something to do
with the answering machine.

Just before, when you
went out for coffee.

Who's Mary?

Just by the sounds of it
I'm guessing she's your sister.

Hey look, this story that
you're writing is designed

to make you feel guilty, to
make the reader feel guilty.

But I think that you're
the one who feels guilty

about something else.

You're going to tell me
how I'm feeling now, Gwen?

Is that it?

No.

Besides how can I do something
you won't even do for yourself?

This is, what?

Yeah.

I'm leaving.
Because every time we talk

about your background,
you just end up shutting off.

I wish you'd tell me what
you're so afraid of.

[footsteps]

Your other sister, Caryl,
she's obviously very sick.

And your family needs you...

and your time.
Okay?

What's the harm
in telling you that?

She's not my sister.

Ohh...
don't...

I have been with liars before.
I am not doing it again.

She's not my sister.
You don't know what

you're talking about.

Don't leave!

[slam]

Fine.
Okay.

But do me a favour,
do us both a favour,

and just tell me the truth.

Okay...
damn it.

[footsteps]

[slam]

[footsteps]

[beep]

Mary's voice >> John...

are you screening?

You know, you should
really call...

for Mom's sake.

Honestly, for mine, too,

and Caryl.

Okay, bye.
[beep]

[music]

[honk, honk, honk]

John >> HEY! CARYL!

Caryl >> Hey!

[music]

Well, this is
a nice surprise.

What's with the lift?

I know you come into
the city for night school,

so I just...
I don't know.

I hadn't seen you in a while.

I'm okay, John.

Hey, thanks for your room,
by the way.

Mom's idea, actually.
Yeah, but it's still

your room.
Good point.

Hey, I'd offer you a piece,
but it's nicotine gum.

The higher powers have
given me the message -

it's time to quit.

I wanted to thank you...

What for?
Mom.

Helping with Mom.

You don't have to.
She gives as good as

she gets, your mother.

Still...

Wel

Well, you're welcome.

It's this one.

I'm sorry...

No, don't be.
You think you're

the only one that looks?

I just wish people would ask.

I would've done the
same for you, you know?

If anything, heaven forbid,
ever happened.

Whatever.
That's the way it works

with family.

Love is not debt, John.

Your mom taught me that.

[music]

[splashes of water]

[clinking of dishes]

Bill >> John?

[footsteps]

So how long are you
staying this time?

I just drove Caryl home.
Hm.

[clatter of dishes]

Bill >> You know, there's
a nice little Italian place

just opened up on Rivington.

Certain nights I tell your
mom, "go ahead, order in."

But, uh...
Well, you know your mom.

Why are you so late?

Aw, there was a disagreement
with the electrician, so

a couple of the blueprints
had to be changed.

Mom said 10:00, 10:15
is your usual time now.

Says she's usually asleep
when you get in.

She exaggerates...

Does she?

Yeah.
It's because she's angry.

It's a normal response.

Thank heavens she's
r

In remission.

If she wants to be angry at me,
I'll take one for the team.

That's big of you.

Maybe you're angry, too.

We have two women in this
house right now that might

need a little extra...
Hey! I was home earlier.

And there was no one else here.

Your mother goes with
Caryl to the hospital.

And sometimes they
just go on a walk.

"Medicinal walk", that's
how your mother puts it.

And I think,
"okay, a good deed."

But even a good deed has
a beginning and an end.

[loud clatter of dish]
And where do you go?

WHERE DO I GO?
I GO BACK TO WORK!

Don't you
think we owe them?

Owe who?
Caryl, for one.

Months she took care of Mom.

Said nothing about it, and
asked for nothing in return.

We gave Caryl a roof
over her head when all

those problems with
her mother began,

food, shelter...just like she
was part of the family.

Was?
Is.

Maybe now's not the
right time for you to...

Do what?

[chair scrapes]

For me to what?

It sounds like
you're daring me.

I'm not daring you.

I'm just curious.

Maybe now's not the
time for me to what?

To do one of your
disappearing acts.

[Bill chuckles]
This is funny?

I was just wondering if
you're meaning to lecture

me or yourself?

You couldn't possibly know what
these women are going through.

It's about them,

about their bodies.

Not you.

[dish clatters into water]

[footsteps]

Mickey >> No.
I'm just saying, "no", okay?

No retraction.

I'll put you through
to Legal if you want.

Yeah, I don't know why they
put you through to me either,

but if that's what you want...

[footsteps]

I know...
yeah...

I want off the payroll.

What?
I want to work freelance.

Freelance?

There's no stability in that.
When you came here, you told me

you wanted stability,
a column maybe...

Right now I want the time,

and I want to choose
where I spend it.

Look, I'm sorry
about your mother.

I'll still bring you
the ideas first.

You'll still get articles.

John...

But nine to five is over
for me right now, Mickey.

You should take your call.

[footsteps]

Well, Mary has
decided on Duke.

That's a good school.

You could've gone there, too.

I know.

That bother you?

Maybe once, a little.

Perspective's easy
to come by now.

I'm good with what I got.

You feeling tired?

Mmmm...

It's going to make
a liar out of me.

What is?
Duke.

I don't think I understand.

Oh, I made Mary a promise.

I told her I'd be
at her graduation.

And you'll keep that promise.

Hey...

Look at me.

We will.

They found another lump
this morning when I went in.

Ohhh....

Why didn't you say anything?

I just wanted to be alone
with it for a while, I guess.

[sigh]

Does it bother you when
I talk about Mary?

I was thinking about you.

Well, maybe it's time you
start thinking about yourself

a little more, young lady.

Sure.

A good nature is
hard to come by.

Don't underestimate that.

[music]

Anne >> So what time?

Mary >> Midnight, at the latest.

And you'll call when
you're on your w

Cross my heart.
All right.

John >> It used to be
eleven for me.

Well, kids are smarter now.

I'm so glad you've
been coming around.

Do you want help
with anything else?

No, it's okay, I'm going to
wait for Caryl, honey, thanks.

[footsteps]

[clicking of computer keys]

[knock, knock]
Hey. Did you have fun?

Yeah. The movie was okay.

I so rarely come in here now.

It doesn't seem the same.

Mom told me about Duke.

Yeah, well, I figure one
year off is enough, you know?

Unless I'm looking to be a bum.

Dad says, one year's for
learning, two years,

you're a bum.

One of his old sayings
that he made up.

Do you regret it?
The year?

No, I wasn't ready to go
when I graduated, and...

I figured I'd better stick
around, you know?

Now, I just feel guilty.
About staying home?

About wanting so bad to go.

You shouldn't.

I'm around now.

I know.

You know, John, I just
think Mom and Dad were so

happy that you had a job.

You have no idea how often
I've heard the term

'gainful employment'.

I don't even know
what that means.

The way Mom looks...

I think the chemo
added ten years.

I'd come home and the way she
looked, it didn't make sense.

Like I was missing something.

I want her to know that I
wasn't trying to miss anything.

That I cared.

She knows.

Yeah, maybe, but I'll tell
you, it does nothing for guilt.

Well, that's a family
trait, I suppose.

I remember once you
told me you wanted to be

a war correstpondent.
You were 15.

I laughed at you.

Those guys were
untouchable in my eyes.

The middle of anything,
battlefield, it didn't matter.

They just did their job.

Yeah.

There's a battlefield here, too.

Cancer.

Except we're not untouchable.

[music]

What?

For a moment there
you looked just like Mom.

Except for the hug.
That was you.

John [voice over] >> I wanted
Mary to go now, just as I had.

I wanted her to find her
place out of this house.

I wanted, somehow, to do
for her what she and Caryl

had done for me.

[click of car door closing]

[footsteps]

[door clicks open and closed]

[footsteps]

Hey.
Hey.

Where's Mom?
Asleep.

She said she'll eat later.

More and more,
she needs to sleep.

What does that mean?

I'm the opposite, more
and more, I want to be awake.

Oh...are those from Magnolia?

Yeah.
Those are my favourite.

[footsteps]

[music]

Hi, buddy.

Hey.

Anne >> Hey, you know what?
[Anne clear her throat]

There's a nurse that works here.

She's very officious.
"Officious", is that right?

Yes.
Remember that?

S.A.T. word.

Anyway, she's got
a lot of style.

And she's really pretty.

I'm giving her
your phone number.

You just said
she was officious.

Oh, yeah...Well, you
don't have to marry her.

Still trying to
take care of me.

[music]

Do you think I'm going
to die like they said I am?

I'm not ready to.

So don't.

All right, I won't.

What do you want
for Christmas dinner?

How about a baked ham.

You've got a knack for that one.

I do.

You really do.

Well, baked ham it is...

[music]

Mmmmm...hmmm...

How are you feeling?

Never better.
[she chuckles]

[then clears her throat]

Listen...

During the biopsy,

during the procedure,
they found a tumor.

It was a little more
than they expected.

[music]

Oh, God...

They said they told you,

that they explained
the 'one step'...

Oh...!

It was a radical mastectomy.

They told me...
They...

I didn't think it...

It's my body.

It's my body!
[sobs]

[music]

My body!

[sobs]

[music]

[laughter]

John >> All right, I want
everyone to raise your glasses.

Go ahead,
go for it, Mary.

Anne >> Ahem.

To my mother...

And Caryl?
I was going to say,

and to Caryl.
Thank you.

Two women who...

[background carol]

Two extraordinary women.

Here, here.

Mom, who keeps beating
the odds,

who cooked us a good meal,

no, a great meal,

and who's going to make
a great Grandmother one day.

[background carol]

Cheers.

[clinking of glasses]
All >> Merry Christmas.

[background music]

Anne >> What is that?

Bill >> Let me help
you with that.

[clatter of spoon]

Anne >> Honey...

Oh, my gosh.

It's beautiful.

Ohhh....

Look at that.

[exclamations]
John >> Nice, Dad.

Caryl >> Oh, that is beautiful.

Mary >> Dad, that's so sweet.

Anne >> Thank you.

Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.

[kisses]

[background music]

And many more to come.

[music]

Mary >> Do you feel like
you have to do that?

Do what?
You don't have to clean up.

I mean, I can do it, I can do
it with John in the morning.

Oh, sometimes it helps
if I keep busy.

You just look...
What?

You can say it.

You look tired.

Here, why don't you sit down.
I'll make you a cup of tea.

[footsteps]

[sigh]

At home, I used to clean up.

When I was growing up.

It was a way of being there,
and not really being there

at the same time.

You know what I mean?
Yeah.

Like, if it was
uncomfortable in the house,

or there was an argument
I would just start cooking

and cleaning and
what-have-you, you know?

It's different here.

I feel this overwhelming
need to...participate.

I don't even know if
that's the right word.

I just...

I just really want
to be a part of this.

Why don't we
clean up together?

Okay.

You clean.
I'll watch. [laughter]

Oh...funny.

You remember
my father's Fairlane?

Hmmm?

Picking you up in
my father's Fairlane.

How long ago was that?

I don't know.

I was just thinking of
all this time we've been

together...sometimes it
comes back to me as one day.

[sigh]

One day?

One perfect day.

[music]

We met in the morning,
you remember?

Um-hum.

In line at the
White Street Grill.

I came back every day
at the same time

for two weeks,

hoping to find you again.

To see those
eyes of yours, again.

And then our day began.

Picking you up in my
father's Fairlane.

[chuckles]

We were married before lunch,

so I guess dessert was the kids.

Sometimes sweet,
sometimes not so...

The afternoon was Little League,
braces, broken bones, and

broken hearts.

Watching them blossom,

and then watching them leave.

And knowing that for you and
me it was still early yet.

It's too early.

[music]

Well, it's...

It's been a beautiful day.

[music]

[quiet sounds of movement]

[footsteps]

[music]

Phfoo....

[music]

Mary >> I'll call you
when I get there.

Morning's okay, honey.
Okay.

Well, I'll see you Sunday.
Sunday...okay.

Yeah, Sunday, okay?

Bye.

[receding footsteps]

You okay, Mom?

It's Tuesday out there.

So many things
to do on Tuesday.

A hundred things.
[chuckle]

[music]

You can go in now, Dad.

They're just...
whatever they do.

[music]

I don't know
how to be alone.

[music]

[knock, knock, knock]

[music]

You don't need
to do that, Caryl.

You're not a greeter today.
I don't mind.

I do.

You should be with
the rest of us.

[footsteps]

Hey, I was looking for you.

[music]

So let me know if you
want anything.

She used to feed you here.

She'd disappear for
about 45 minutes or so.

I'd hear this chair going
back and forth, back and forth.

I was five years old.

I think this is the first
time I ever sat in this chair.

Not bad.

Boy, I hated you, getting
all that attention.

Sorry.

You should be.

Well, let me know
if you need anything.

[music]

John, there are just so many
people that I don't recognize...

[music]

Caryl.

You'll have to forgive me.

I'm not a man who
enjoys making speeches.

I'm not sure I've properly
acknowledged all that you've

done for this family.

For all of us.

And I just hope
that in some way,

that this may begin
to tell you

just how grateful we all are.

Ohh...!

You know, without Anne here,

I don't know what
I am in this house...

You're part of it...

with the good...

and the bad.

Thank you.

[music]

Karen >> But I already
told her about you.

Good stuff, too.
John >> Karen...

Believe me, I have a great
imagination when the

pressure's on.
She's totally interested.

Thanks...but I'm just
not interested in

the whole dating thing.

Okay, no offence, John,
because I don't want to

minimize what you're feeling,
but being happy is not a sin.

And death and everything else

it doesn't change that, okay?

[music]

John [voice over] >> I had
a friend in high school

who asked me to set
him up with Caryl.

When I asked Caryl if it
would be all right, she said,

"Blind dates are
like used cars.

They're rarely attractive
and they never go

as fast as you like."

So naturally I was
surprised when she advised

I go out on this one.

[music]

Sharon

Sharon >> So what's next?

Want to take
a ride on my yacht?

[music]

It should be here
in five, ten minutes.

Yeah, I don't mind waiting...

except for, you know...
hypothermia.

I had a thought...
for warmth...

[music]

Your skin is cold.

Wow....

Someone really did
raise you right.

John [voice over] >> Everything
was so easy with Sharon.

I'd never even lived with
a girl-friend before.

And within two short years
we were married.

Sharon >> Sentimental value?
John >> That's right.

This belonged to
my Aunt Sylvia.

She would write to her
husband Albert using this

table to lean on when
he was away at war.

She used a coffee table?
John >> She was very short.

Sharon >> Whatever!
John >> True story.

Sharon >> Whatever.
We should be respectful.

My Aunt Sylvia willed
me this table.

Without heirlooms,
what are we?

Without our family,
our history, what are we?

Sharon >> I don't know.
Sane? [phone rings]

Sharon >> Ow...

[footsteps]

Hello?

Mary >> She wants to stand
with Dad and do what Mom

would have done.
I mean, John, I love Caryl

like a sister,
but she's not my mother.

John >> She's just excited
about your wedding.

We all are.
I know.

It's just...
I don't know how to tell her.

I mean she's like a saint,
and I don't know how to say no

to a saint...
John >> Do you want me to help?

It's Mary.
I'll talk to her.

Listen, Sharon's here.
She wants to talk to you.

Hold on.

Hey, honey.

When do I get to see that
dress I keep hearing about?

Hey, hey, don't worry.

I'm going to be there to make
sure everything is as you wish.

Capisci?

Well, did you like what
she did for our wedding?

Yeah, because I thought
it was sweet and we

really wanted her to.

John [voice over] >> She was
good at these family things

Better than me.
And at this point

I was still deferring.

Sharon >> Yes, the presentation
is on Wednesday, but

I'd rather not leave the
mock-ups 'cause we haven't

got them all trademarked.

No, no, no, you'll see them.
I just mean, for us to

leave them is going to be
a really big problem.

[slurp]
Crap. No.

Yeah, Wednesday...
can you hold on...?

No?

Yeah, it's on Wednesday.
Can I, um.....

Can I call you back?
[clunk]

[footsteps]

[music]

Dr. Kalter >> Let's not
get ahead of ourselves.

I'm going to give you the
name of our oncologist,

and we'll make an
appointment for Tuesday.

I think you'll find our outcome
shouldn't make you too nervous.

Early is best, so I want
you to take a deep breath,

and I'm going to walk with you
down the hall to Radiology

so we can begin to
think about other options.

[music]

I'm sorry.

[music]

Hold me...

[rustle of bedclothes]

[music]

I'm scared...

I'm here.

Promise?

[music]

Dr. Warner >> After
the mastectomy.

We wouldn't know before then.

What's the percentage?

It's low.
Approximately 50 percent of

patients younger than 35
may be capable of pregnancy.

Well, I'm 32.

During therapy most women
stop having a menstrual cycle.

There are fertility drugs.

Some doctors have started
using injections of a drug

called triptorelin in order
to temporarily shut down

the ovaries.
But, you're moving from

a large cocktail of
medication for chemo

to more medication
for fertility.

More medications means more
possibilities

We certainly can integrate
the fertility medication

into the chemo-therapy.
This is your decision.

Right.

Well, what do you recommend?

Start IVF before
chemo begins.

This involves collecting
your eggs and combining them

with your husband's sperm
to create embryos.

The embryos are then
frozen and implanted once

you've completed treatment.

When can we start?

[footsteps]

[clatter of tray]

John >> Are you sure
you're ready for this?

I'm going to do
the chemo, right?

So...

let's do it.

[music]

Sweetheart?
A little help?

[music]

Ready, honey?

[buzzzzzzz.....]

[music]

[crinkle of plastic]

[Caryl's laughter]

Caryl >> You...
John >> Glad you're here.

Caryl >> Good to see you.
John >> Good to see you, too.

Caryl >> Look at your new hair.
Or no hair.

Sharon >> Hi.
Look how beautiful you look.

Sharon >> Yes, now we're twins.
[laughter]

Caryl >> Oh...good to see you.

[traffic]

Oh, this one is incredible.

Seriously.
I never thought about getting

something like this before,
but with the implants...

The reconstruction?
'Implants' sounds

a little less...
Historical?

Yeah.
Do you want to feel them?

Really?
Yeah.

Wow.
Yeah. You see what

I'm saying?
Yeah, they feel...

They're not bad, am I right?

Maybe even a little firmer
than they were before.

Hi.
See, I

This with a matching
thong would look beautiful.

Make John a happy man.

Or you could look for...
I like blue too.

It's the underwire.
What size do you want to be?

[footsteps]

[music]

You're not going
anywhere, are you?

No.

[music]

[footsteps]

John.

[music]

What time is it?
Morning?

Night.

How are you feeling, sweetie?

Night?
Where'd the day go?

Do you need anything?

Just this.

[whispers] >> I love you.
I love you. I love you.

[music]

I can do that...

[music]

John...

Yeah, sweetie.

I want you to see.

I don't need to.

I need you to see.

You look more beautiful
to me now than ever.

[music]

Thank you.

[music]

Dr. Warner >> Hi.
Hi.

Everything went fine...
very well, in fact.

Oh, that's good to hear.
John >> Did they get it all?

Yeah, that's how it looks.

So, just out of curiosity
when can we resume

our lovemaking?
When did you stop?

That depends on your energy
level, a few days

you should be fine.
I'll check in later.

Just buzz if you
need anything, yes?

Sharon >> Yes.
Thank you.

[laughter]

Mary >>

Hi.

I'm sorry...it's just
a little bit familiar...

I know.

Thanks you guys for coming.

You're welcome.

[footsteps]

Caryl >> John?

How's the patient?

[soft footsteps]

Visiting hours were over
an hour ago.

No, I know.
Sharon left a note and

said that I was welcome.

It's great that you're here.
Really.

That you've been here,
with Sharon, the house...

but you can go back
to Connecticut now.

I've got it covered.
No, I want to stay.

I know how to do this, John.
I kn

We both do.

She can lean on me.
No.

I just meant, she has me.

I know that, it's just that
there are certain things...

Don't you think I can
handle this by now?

This is my wife.
This is family.

[footsteps]

I didn't mean that...

Sorry.

Stay...
please.

Truthfully?

I want you to stay.

But stay for me.

Okay.

[music]

John [voice over] >> I had
never gone to chemotherapy

with my mother.
Mary had, and Caryl.

This was my first time.

[music]

Sharon was prescribed a
'day 1' and 'day 15' regimen,

a kind of cocktail
of several drugs.

The doctor went down a dizzying
laundry list of potential

side-effects, and we
listened closely as if

they were commandments.
Anaemia, nausea, lethargy,

hair loss, numbness, vomiting,
diarrhea, fever, chills,

sore mouth, constipation...

[music]

I once had a crush on Caryl,
just around the first time

she came to baby-sit
for me and Mary.

She was the so-called 'cool
older sister' who would steal

a smoke behind the garage,
and favored cut-off jeans

and black tee-shirts.

Her eyes are still the

she looks at you.
Those eyes gave Sharon

strength and new hope.

They seemed like
sisters to me.

[music]

Mary >> What cha' doing?
Dad's gift.

You came all the way home
to bring Dad a gift?

The big 5-0 deserves
something.

John, you were expelled,
weren't you?

Know what? Just mind
your own business, okay?

It's a surprise.

Looks expensive.

[laughter]

Anne >> Is that John's car?

John >> Hey.
Hey.

Come here.
Mary >> Mom, John was expelled.

What?
Pay no attention to her.

I knew I wouldn't be around
for Dad's birthday 'cause of

finals week, so I wanted
to surprise everyone.

Your father's just going
to love that you did this.

He's not going to
be home until about 7:30.

Mary >> Uh-uh, he never is.
'Cause he's coming

home to you.
Anne >> Hey. Take it easy.

Ow.

[crunch, crunch...]

[footsteps]

Bill >> Thanks for the wine.

Dad, you got a minute?

Yeah.

Susie's three weeks late.

She's afraid to say
anything to her folks.

Her old man's nuts, believe me.

He'd crucify her.

Bill >> Well, if Susie were
my daughter with this,

I might be nuts too.

I mean, we're kind of
at a loss.

We could get married,
if you think that...

No, no one's getting
married here.

No?

Mary >> John, Mom said
that you should take these.

They're leftovers.
John >> Thanks.

[footsteps]

You need money.
That's why you're here?

I keep going over
the options in my head.

I'm not sure, but maybe getting
married's not such a bad idea.

I mean...
I love her.

Bill >> No.

You're young.
Things change.

I love your mother
and I always will.

But what you're talking
about...it's not the

right way to start a life.

Not by accident.

You do things because
you make a decision.

We didn't, your mother and I.

A young man should
control his life,

not the other way around.

And these decisions
we make early on...

they have a legacy.

[footsteps]

[car door clunks closed]

[footsteps]

Hey.
Sorry.

What for?
I'm trying to quit.

It's cool if you want to.
Can I get one?

You want a puff?

[coughs]

I feel like
I'm corrupting you

I can think of worse things.

Yeah...I just know your
Mom hates these things.

[footsteps]

John [voice over] >> It turns
out that Susie wasn't

even pregnant.
Sometimes, you're ashamed

of your innocence.

Some embryos won't survive
the thawing process.

Those that do will be
positioned in the uterus,

hopefully establishing
a pregnancy.

Generally, we try to schedule
this procedure for the morning.

But the night before is yours.

[sound of jet engine]

[traffic]

John >> Here, let me get those.
Mary >> Thank you.

[traffic]

Mary >> How was the traffic?
Madness as usual

Is Chloe okay?
Yeah, she's fine.

Actually, she's smarter
than me.

It's becoming a problem.

But I think that Patrick
actually likes to play

full time Daddy and Mommy
for a few days, so...

[car motor]

They found cancer cells
in my left breast.

Oh...Mary...

But they said that
a tumor hasn't formed yet.

Thank God.

John, that's not
why I'm here.

Are you okay?

[music]

I've given it
a lot of thought.

Really, it's all
I've been thinking about.

How does Patrick
feel about it?

Supportive. It was his idea
for me to come and see you guys.

For 'input', he said.
But I think he just wants me

to be close to you
for all of this.

I'm glad he suggested it.

And even though they
didn't find a tumor,

it doesn't feel right.

They don't feel right.

I'm doing it next week.

Both breasts?

Yeah. My doctor said
that he would do it.

He said that it's my choice.

No, they can just remove
the cells, a lumpectomy,

a partial.

I want them both off!

Sharon, I know that
there's something wrong.

I can feel it.
Well, you have to liste

to your body, honey.

Really, John,
what is the risk?

I get the procedure.
I go through chemo.

Soon enough I get
a couple

The right size, I could quit
my job, and become a dancer.

John >> Look. Double radical
mastectomy is still surgery.

It still has risks.
It's not funny.

I know, John.

And while we're being
serious, think about this.

What if I'm right?

I have a daughter, John,
and I would give up a lot

more than my breasts
to stay around for her.

Wouldn't you?

Yeah.
In a heartbeat.

John [voice over] >> As soon as
we knew that Mary was going

into the hospital, we flew to
North Carolina to be with her.

Oh...First thing I'm going
to do is take a hot shower.

Honey, do you mind
if I get in there first?

No. Everything okay?

Yeah, yeah, I just uh...
Red eyes always make me

feel hung-over,

[scuffling of bedclothes]

[background TV]

[bathroom door clicks open]

[footsteps]

[kiss]

I'm pregnant.

You're what...?

Mwa, mwa, mwa

I love you.
Mmmmm....

[music]

John [voice over] >> I had
begun to imagine that

our family had a curse.

That there was some tainted
gene that followed us around.

That I would be bad luck
to my child, to Sharon.

And yet, that morning,
I felt lucky.

[music]

Sharon >> Hey....

How are you holding up?

You know how happy she
is you guys are here.

Weird day, huh?

Did you ever think,
when you had a baby,

that you would have to
worry about this?

About what, honey?

About the possibility of
giving it to your child?

Wow. I never told you this
before, but I wasn't the

kind of girl who grew up
dreaming about having babies.

I love being an aunt, and
taking care o

Truthfully, I played with
the dog much more than

I played with dolls.

I carry it with me,
you know?

We do.

Maybe it's...

Maybe it's part of who I am.

Maybe it's in my blood.

It wasn't until I met you

that I thought,

I want to create something,

someone, that's you and me.

Us.
We did that.

Yeah, we did.

I'm so happy for it.

The rest is...

Yeah...?

The rest is life.

Patrick >> There...
yeah...

Hey.

Thanks.

They're still in there?

Yeah, they're um...
changing the dressing...

or...whatever they do.

You know it feels like she's
joined some sort of club now,

with Caryl,
your mother, your wife...

even you a little bit.

Don't get me wrong,
you guys have been great.

It's just...

You know what the doctor
told me

into surgery?
[Chloe's fussing]

He said, that...
ohh....oh...

He said that cancer
doesn't hit people.

It hits families.

So we all got it, right?

I'm just not the kind of guy
who's going to shave

his head, you know?

But, John, I love my wife.

Hey...

What is it?

I was right.

About what, Mare?

The pathology showed...

there was a tumor.

Nobody saw it.

Patrick, they got everything...

They got everything...

[music]

I love you.
I love you.

[music]

Sharon >> So, just a few nights?

John >> Yeah, until after
her first chemo session.

I'll come home that night.
Okay.

Here you go.
What is it?

Last night's dinner.
Leftovers.

What do you want me
to do with this?

For the plane.
I don't want you eating

that airline stuff.
You know, it's two of you now.

You're so sweet.
Thank you.

I got it.

Here you go.

I love you.
I love you, too.

[footsteps]

[music]

John [voice over] >> People
ask what you find at the end

of a physical crisis.
What you learned.

Does survival in and of
itself provide hope?

Redemption?
Even deliverance?

I think if we're lucky, what
we find at the end of a crisis

is each other.
As I watched her here,

I couldn't help but wonder
what it was like for Mom.

How she needed to be strong
until the disease took away

her strength.
How Mom found in Caryl

an empathetic soul outside
our family to be strong.

How Caryl needed Mom as any
child needs a mother -

a loving car

a loving caretaker without
judgement or resentment.

Years later, Caryl told me
of the long walks she

shared with Mom.
How they leaned on each other

back when they felt only they
truly knew the terrain of

their illness.

It's as simple as this -
Caryl is my sister.

I think Mary needs me now,
just as I need you to

understand what has changed.

I know there is so
much of me that is you.

And I also know now there is
much of Mom, of Mary, of Caryl.

I found myself in
your quiet strength.

I thank you for that.

For letting me feel safe enough
to search for what is soft.

In this family,
in this extended family,

I've taken from everyone.

And with time, it has gotten
me closer to being the man

that I most wanted to be.

The man that I found in
the gift of being close

to these four women.

A man I want you
to be proud of.

I hope you like the
latest picture of Anna.

I think she has your eyes.

[music]

[kiss]

[phone rings]
Sharon >> I have to get it.

John >> Anna...
Sharon >> Ooop...

Bill >> Good work, come on.
John >> You got it?

Sharon >> Yeah.

Hello?

I've got to go.

John >> Okay, I'll meet
you there in a bit.

Sharon >> Bye, bye.
Bye.

Go to Grampa, Anna.
Go to Grampa.

Come on.
Come on, Anna.

Oh.

[Anne's voice singing]
"...going to Scarborough Fair?

Parsley, sage,
rosemary and thyme..."

Woman >> Oh, hi there.
Hi.

It's good to see
you here today.

There is no place
I would rather be.

[Anne singing]
"Remember me to the one

who lives there.

He once was a true
love of mine..."

[music]

Caryl >> You know, this
belonged to John's mother.

And she told me, this ring
was for John's daughter.

I want you to have it.

I know that one day
you'll pass it on.

How can you say that?

I feel so selfish when
I think about having kids.

What if I relapse?

This family's always
found a way.

Always.

Thank you.

You don't have to
say anything.

I do. You have been
absolutely incredible.

Shhhh....
I understand.

I need you to hear
my thank you.

You know, it's funny, I
always felt that way about Anne.

I always wondered, what
could I do to repay her,

you know?

I mean, how do you begin
to say thank you for

being given a home?

But, do you know what
I came up with?

All that we can do, is to
do this for someone else.

And one day you'll be me, and
someone else will be you.

And you'll know what to do.

You all ready to go?

Yeah.
We are.

[music]