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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.

I'm sorry.

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.

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?

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'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.