The DQ Times- Barbara Babcock: A Vow to Cherish

Never has there been a film that touches the true meaning of the words, "til death do us part" than the movie A Vow To Cherish. - Christian Spotlight

Everyone has memory lapses from time to time but Ellen Brighton is beginning to have them more frequently. At first it’s just simple things- forgetting the camera strap hanging from her shoulder etc. But when a typical mother daughter clash leads to a blinding headache and 16 year old daughter Terry, finds the mail in the refrigerator Ellen starts to grow concerned ‘You’re getting nuts on us Ellen!” Husband, John, chides her affectionately. Ellen laughs, trying to ignore the terrifying doubts that have begun to take hold.

Finally, when Ellen collapses while giving a thank you speech at an award presentation, she is forced to confront her fears. Tests reveal a shocking and devastating prognosis- beginning stages of alzheimers disease. While John does his best to comfort her assuring her that they will face this as a ‘family, Ellen vehemently insists that the news remain secret- the children are not to be told. “Terry already doesn’t listen to me, if she thinks I’m brain dead, I’ll lose her completely.” Ellen laments.

Eventually as the disease progresses, Ellen finds she can no longer function as before and when she forgets the names of her own students, Ellen makes the heartbreaking decision to resign from her job. It’s become impossible to ignore any longer-it’s time to tell the children. As the family struggles each in their own way to deal with the ravages of the disease and the impending loss of their mother,Ellen begins to drift further and further into mental oblivion.

But John Brighton married Ellen Brighton for better or for worse and despite the pain of dealing with his wife’s now childlike personality, he is determined to care for her at home until a friendship that threatens to become something more forces him to make the most difficult decision of his life.

If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of alzheimers- There is help. Visit
The Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer’s disease (pronounced AHLZ-high-merz) is a complex disease that affects the brain. Approximately 4.5 million Americans have this disease. Although many things about Alzheimer’s remain a mystery, research continues to bring us a better understanding of the disease, more accurate diagnoses, and more effective treatments.