(gentle music)
- [Madison] Mark Twain once said,
"When I was younger I could remember anything,
whether it happened or not."
My father told me memories are all we are.
Moments, feelings captured on threads of reason.
He'd say, take a man's memory and you clean the slate.
Chip away at his memory and he'll slowly die.
At first, it was the simple things: keys, wallet.
And then it was where did he park the car?
Then it was names, faces, even his own address.
My biggest fear for my dad wasn't him forgetting me.
It was him forgetting what he loved so much.
This is the story of my father.
- Hi, can I help you?
Do you have a reservation?
(soft music)
Okay?
(soft music)
- Preston Walker.
I have a reservation.
203 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA.
- Okay, Mr. Walker.
We have you right here.
All right, can I get your credit card and photo ID?
(soft music)
All right, thank you.
All right, well welcome, Mr. Walker.
Would you like a king or two queens?
- I already have a reservation.
- All right, got you. I got you.
All right, how about a king?
Third floor.
The elevator's around the corner,
the pool and sitting area are down this hall this way.
Breakfast is served from six to nine every morning-
- Okay. Okay, slow down.
(soft music)
And um, breakfast, six to nine AM?
- Yes, sir. (soft music)
- And anything else?
- Oh uh, yeah.
We do have a complimentary happy hour
from five to seven every night,
and yours truly is the bartender.
(soft music)
Here you go.
- Thank you.
(soft music)
Thank you.
(soft music)
(elevator beeps)
(door closes)
(Preston sighs)
(sighs)
(yawns)
(sighs)
(yawns)
(sighs)
(tense music)
(phone ringing)
Yes?
Yes.
Thank you.
(cars passing)
(siren wailing in the distance)
(pills rattling)
Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner
and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead.
I turn from my sin and invite you
to come into my heart and life.
I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and savior.
(sighs)
Once saved, always saved.
- Dad?
Dad? Hey?
Dad?
Dad, it's Madison.
Um, I just got to your house
and a little worried about where you are.
Please give me a call as soon as you get this.
I love you.
(phone beeps)
(phone chimes)
(sighs)
(phone chimes)
(sighs)
(phone chimes)
(Preston sighs)
(phone chimes)
(whimpering)
(sobbing)
(phone chimes)
(soft, melancholy music)
- There you go.
(soft, melancholy music)
There you go. You got your teddy bear?
You're all set up.
Okay?
All right.
(soft, melancholy music)
(Preston sighs)
(soft, melancholy music)
- What's this guy doin'?
(sighs)
Takes all kinds.
(soft, melancholy music)
(crowd cheering)
(thunder rumbling)
- Ugh, come on, dad.
(sighs)
Pick up.
Just pick up.
Pick, pick up.
(sighs)
(birds chirping)
(laughing) (tense music)
- Can I help you?
- I'm good.
(chopping)
- [Man] Where's Ben?
- [Madison] Oh, he's in his room.
- [Man] Did you hear anything about your dad?
- Nothing.
I'm thinking about calling the police.
I mean, (sighs) I just talked to him yesterday
and he was fine and today nothing?
What if he lost his phone?
- Honey, I'm sure he's fine.
- If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I'm calling the police.
I'm serious.
(soft piano music)
♪ I come to the garden all alone ♪
♪ While the dew is still on the roses ♪
♪ And the voice I hear falling on my ear ♪
♪ The son of God discloses ♪
♪ And He walks with me and He talks ♪
♪ None other has ever known ♪
(soft piano music)
- Yes.
Yeah, I just left the police station.
All they said was they're going to issue some kind of alert.
Some re...
I don't, I don't know.
Yeah, that's it.
Yeah. I've been all over town.
Yes. No, I've been there, too.
I can't find him.
(sighs)
I'm starting to get really worried.
(people chattering)
- Preston.
(people chattering)
How's your day going?
- Fine.
- Well, you know, it is happy hour.
You want some wine? Some beer?
- Um, how about some orange juice?
- Okay.
No problem. (people chattering)
- Thank you. - No problem.
(people chattering)
- So are you here to visit a loved one in the hospital?
- No.
- My daughter Emma was in an accident.
She's fine, but she might have surgery tomorrow.
I came in yesterday.
I'm from Kansas city.
- I'm from Philadelphia
- Here for work?
- Um, no, I used to live here.
- Hm. It's a beautiful town.
My husband and I used to come here for Christmas.
Some great memories.
Something about small towns.
- Yeah.
Something about a small town.
- So I guess you're visiting some family member?
- Oh. No.
I just wanted to come home.
(people chattering)
- Sir, yeah. No, sir.
There's no way that y'all could be that busy.
No, no.
We come down here every single week.
We make the same trip to your hospital every single week
and you tell me the same thing.
No, there's no way, man.
Look, my daughter needs the surgery.
How can-
No, no.
Sir.
Every single week it's the same thing.
We make the same trip every week
to be told the same thing.
(television static)
(laughing)
- Oh, Maury.
(tense music) (television static)
(laughs)
I love that.
(television static) (tense music)
(laughs)
(blows raspberry)
(people chattering)
- You can join me.
(people chattering)
Good morning.
- Same to you.
- It should be a beautiful day.
(people chattering)
What are you going to do today?
- I'm visiting.
- I'm gonna go visit my daughter.
Say a prayer.
- For what?
- I thought I told you last night?
She was in an accident. She's in the hospital.
- Yes.
Yes, of course. (people chattering)
- Are you okay? (tense music)
- Yes, yes.
I'm just gonna go upstairs.
(silverware clatters)
- [Barbara] Are you okay?
- Yes.
I'm just gonna go up and finish my breakfast in my room.
(tense, dramatic music)
Where's room 330?
Room 330.
(tense, dramatic music)
(panting)
Barb.
Um, silver hair.
(panting)
Blue eyes.
What was the other thing? What's the other thing?
Daughter, a daughter. (tense, dramatic music)
In hospital. (tense, dramatic music)
Uh...
Barb.
Lobby.
(tense, dramatic music) (panting)
Daughter in hospital.
(panting) (tense, dramatic music)
All right, what else? What else?
Green eyes.
(tense, dramatic music)
What else?
(tense, dramatic music) (people chattering)
(Preston sobbing)
- [Announcer] Kevin Williams for two.
(crowd cheering)
That's the end of the first quarter.
(crowd cheering)
- Hey there.
- Hello.
- You know, the track, the field,
and this press box is closed during school hours.
- I'm sorry. I know.
I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here.
I shouldn't have come.
I should've just stayed back in the hotel.
- Hey, hey, it's all right.
Don't worry about it.
I'm Coach Roberts.
I'm the head coach of the football team.
- Oh.
Um, I played football here.
- You did? Really?
Wow.
You mind me asking what year?
- A while ago.
Um, but when I was here, none of this was here.
I mean, the field, the field was like exactly right there
but it wasn't this field.
- You're right.
You know, this track is 10 years old
and we put these stands in here about 15 years ago,
but it is the same field.
- Hm.
You know, I uh, I don't remember a lot,
but I do remember my senior year.
We had a great home victory
and right after the game was over,
a bolt of lightning shot down out of the sky
and hit a tree right behind the scoreboard.
- Over there?
- Yeah.
My dad said (chuckles) that was God applauding our victory.
- God applauding?
That's some fan.
- Yes he is.
So how are things going with the team now?
- Well, could be better.
We're still playing with antiquated equipment.
We need new uniforms.
They put us in a new division and it's kind of tough.
I've been really tough on my guys.
With COVID and the cutbacks, I don't know if
I'm the head coach or the head of maintenance sometimes.
- Hm.
You know, you should ask him to be a fan.
- Who?
- God.
- God'll hear me?
- If you ask him, he will show up.
(people chattering)
- [Man Over PA] Code blue, room 305.
(people chattering)
- [Woman Over PA] All doctors in the ER.
(man sniffles)
- Hello.
I was just about to practice my sermon for Sunday.
You're more than welcome to stay.
- So you're the preacher?
My mom used to sing in the choir here,
and when I was a kid, I used to sit here with her.
You know, years ago, there was a, another preacher here
and he had hair kind of like mine, balding on top.
Really silver hair, and he always wore a bow tie.
- My father.
My father was here for almost 54 years.
He started the church.
He's in heaven now.
- Once saved, always saved.
- I'm sorry?
- Once saved, always saved, right?
- Yeah.
Confession, believing, being a disciple of Christ.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and if you believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(Preston sighs)
(machines beeping)
- Hey, honey.
(machines beeping)
- Dad?
Is it gonna be okay?
(machines beeping)
(tense music) (laughing)
- Barbara.
- Hello.
- I'm Preston.
Preston Walker.
- Okay.
You took a picture of me this morning.
Do you remember that?
- I don't.
- Well, it's very nice to meet you.
You said you were from around here right?
- Yes.
And you, you're visiting your daughter in the hospital?
- That's right.
- And how is she?
- Are you married, Preston?
- Oh.
No.
My Sylvia passed away a while ago.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- I just can't bring myself to take it off.
- Do you have any children?
- A daughter.
- What's her name?
(soft piano music)
(Preston hyperventilating) It's okay.
I bet you have a picture of her on your phone
if you want to show me?
(soft piano music)
- That's her.
And that's my house.
That's my car. (chuckling)
That's my pastor. He's a really good man.
- Hm, why don't you and I take a picture together?
Ready?
Cheese.
(laughing)
- Hey, that's pretty good.
- Oh, good, good.
- Hey! (laughing)
Look at that.
(laughing)
- Yes. Yes.
No, I, I know I'm not, I'm not on the account, no,
but he's my dad.
Can you at least give me his last couple of charges?
(sighs)
Well fine, you file your report then.
(sighs)
(soft piano music)
- [Man] I'll be right back.
- Are you a writer?
- No.
- An artist?
- No.
- What do you do with those notebooks?
- Are you leaving?
- Yeah, just for a little bit.
- So you'll be back?
- Next week.
- Next week?
Hm.
(soft piano music)
- I'm Amber.
This is my dad.
(soft piano music)
- Take care.
(soft piano music)
- How's everything?
- Good. - Okay.
Hope you're holding in there okay.
All right.
(soft piano music)
You know her?
- Do I?
- How you feelin'?
- Wonderful today.
- So you know about her tumor?
- No.
- Amazing young lady.
I've been studying her case for months now.
- Oh, so you're a student?
- Second year pre-med.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
- So tell me about the tumor situation.
- All right.
So her doc in Louisville...
- Louisville, Kentucky?
They come back and forth between Louisville?
- Back and forth, yep.
- [Preston] So what exactly is wrong with her?
- So basically she has this tumor that's been growing.
It's been growing and growing and growing,
and there's only one doctor, Dr. Klein,
who's across the street, that can help her.
- So why isn't he helping?
So why are they leaving?
- They come in here every week
hoping that the radiation will work.
They go across the street,
hoping that he'll change his mind and get on board.
Anyway, you coming to happy hour?
- What?
- Orange juice?
(Preston chuckles)
Straight.
- Yeah. I'll be there.
(soft piano music)
As my Lord and savior.
Once saved, always saved.
- Preston?
Hello. (chuckles)
Your door was open.
It's Barbara.
- Who are you?
- Uh, we're friends.
I'm on your phone. We took a picture?
I just wanted to see if you'd like to go to lunch today.
- Oh, Barbara.
- Yeah. Um, lunch?
- Um, sure.
- Okay. I'll wait outside for ya?
- Okay. Thank you.
Shall we? - Yeah.
(soft music) (people chattering)
- Do you like pizza? Do you wanna share pie?
- Sure. Sounds perfect.
(soft music) (people chattering)
- You guys ready to order?
- Yes. We'll take a large.
I'm kind of hungry, so we'll take a large and toppings?
Anything you don't like?
- Anchovies.
- Okay.
How about my combo of peppers and mushrooms?
- Sounds fine.
- Okay, large peppers and mushroom.
- Great, we'll get the ready for you.
- Excellent, thank you. - Thank you.
- You know, Barb, when I was growing up here,
this place used to be an auto parts store.
- Oh really? (chuckles)
That's funny.
You remember that, huh?
- So, Barbara...
Let me explain.
After, after my wife passed away,
I um, I had a stroke.
- Oh no.
- And my brain, it seized up for 15 seconds,
and that 15 seconds caused something
called anterograde amnesia.
- Alzheimer's?
Short term memory loss.
- Yes.
How's the long-term?
- Mostly intact.
- So is that what you're here?
To go to the hospital by the hotel?
- Oh no, that was just by chance.
- I don't believe in chances.
It must be frightening.
I mean, you cover it well.
I guess not a lot of people know?
- That's one of the problems.
I don't sometimes remember who knows and who doesn't.
That's why I take a lot of pictures and take so many notes.
I'm trying to retrain the short-term memory.
- So you're reliving the long-term
in order to recall the short term?
- Something like that.
There's some things I just don't want to forget.
- Like family.
Your daughter.
- Some days are better than others.
Today? Today's a pretty good day.
- You didn't answer the question.
- I forgot.
- Oh. (chuckles)
Please don't.
Today? Today is a really good day.
- Here's your pizza, guys.
- Ooh, ooh. - Oh.
- Looks good. - Yeah, really.
- I'll get some plates and napkins for you.
Is there anything else we can do for you?
- No, that'll be it.
- Thank you. - All right, sounds great.
- You know, after lunch, could you show me around town?
Show me your life?
- I'd love to.
I just know it's up here somewhere.
(knocks)
- Hey. - Coach.
- Come on in.
Who's this?
- This is Barbara.
- Hi.
- Hi coach.
- Coach Roberts, nice to meet you.
- So, congratulations on the win.
(chuckles) - Well, thank you.
But you were there?
(chuckles)
- What?
(chuckles)
- Recognize anyone up there? (Preston laughs)
- That's me.
This is our senior picture.
- Oh, fun. (laughing)
- [Coach Roberts] I have something else for you, too.
- Wow.
Bob.
And there's Greg.
Coach.
- Welcome home.
(laughing)
(exhales)
- Man.
Um, coach, mind if I take Barbara down
and show her the field?
- Absolutely.
Be my guest.
- Before I start crying in front of you.
(laughing)
- Hey, number 23.
- Still got it, coach.
(cheering) (upbeat music)
- [Barbara] Woo hoo!
- Hut!
Oh no, he drops it!
He sees an open.
Yeah!
(Barbara and Preston cheering)
(knocking)
- Housekeeping.
Come to room 330.
You're not gonna believe this.
- Come on.
Come on.
(doorbell chimes)
- Hello?
- Hi there.
I'm sorry for bothering you.
My friend grew up in this house
and it would be great if he could look around it.
- Sure. Come on in.
- [Barbara] Thanks so much.
- He's been driving by here like every day.
- He's harmless.
It'd just mean a lot to him to look around.
- It probably doesn't look the same.
We've done renovations. Added a back room.
- That's okay.
We won't take much of your time.
- This wasn't here,
and the stove was right here,
and there was a window right there.
My brother used to play baseball right outside there.
He must've broken that window a hundred times. (chuckles)
Um, can I go downstairs?
- It's unfinished.
- I know.
(baby babbling)
(Preston exhales)
Does your husband box?
- He used to.
- [Woman] Careful, baby.
- All these memories.
It would take a million notebooks
to write down all of the wonderful memories
I had with this house.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
And if you don't mind me asking,
when did your husband pass?
- It was about a year ago.
- I'm sorry.
- Yoo hoo.
Are you doing okay?
- I'm fine.
- Let me talk to you one second.
My mom raised three of us in this house,
and my don't get me wrong, my dad was there,
and he was a good father but it was all about mom.
And just like that, in no time at all,
that little one in there?
You are going to be everything to him.
- What do you want me to do?
- Call her.
(sighs)
- It is a beautiful church.
- My mom used to sing in the choir
and I would sit right here with her.
Fall asleep in her lap half the time. (chuckles)
- Is this where you first met Jesus?
I'm a Christian. (chuckles)
I was 14 years old, church camp,
and we watched a movie.
Scared me half to death.
But I will never forget that experience.
- It was here.
It was right there. (soft music)
Preacher asked if there was anyone
that needed to accept Jesus,
and I knew he was talking right to me.
So my mom walked me down and it happened right there.
- Preston, why do you pray for Jesus to save you again?
I heard you at the hotel.
- Um...
I can forget everything else in the world,
but I don't wanna forget that, when he saved me.
(soft music)
(phone chimes)
- Hello?
Where is he?
West Virginia?
I should've known.
Is he okay?
Okay, I'll be there tonight,
but please, don't tell him I'm coming.
No. You did the right thing.
Thank you.
Thank you, Lord.
(sighs)
(people chattering)
- [Woman Over PA] All doctors to the ER.
(people chattering)
- I'm so sorry.
With COVID, they're only allowing
family members to go visit.
I'm really disappointed.
I wanted you to meet Emma.
Um, I would like to go see her.
I can take you back to the hotel first, though.
- Oh, no, no, no.
Not at all.
Take your time. - Are you sure?
- Yes.
- Okay. I won't be long.
- Take your time. - Okay.
- [Man Over PA] Code blue, room 305.
(people chattering)
- [Woman Over PA] Dr. Klein, room five.
Dr. Klein, room five.
- Dr. Klein? (tense music)
Dr. Klein.
Doc, Dr. Klein.
Dr. Klein, Dr. Klein.
Dr. Klein? (tense music)
Doctor...
Dr. Klein.
(tense music)
Dr. Klein, Dr. Klein?
Dr. K, Dr.Klein?
Dr. Klein? Dr. Klein?
Dr. Klein?
Dr. Klein.
- It's okay, it's okay, I'm Dr. Klein.
(Preston mumbling) - It's okay, it's okay.
- Dr. Klein.
Dr. Klein.
- Sir, can you tell me your name?
- Dr. Klein. - Can I help you, sir?
Sir? (tense, dramatic music)
I need an exam room, right now. Now.
(Preston whimpering) (dramatic music)
That is odd.
(Preston inhales sharply)
It's okay.
- Who are you?
- It's okay.
I'm a doctor here at the hospital.
Can you tell me your name?
Are you under any medications?
You want me to look in this notebook?
You've been diagnosed with anterograde amnesia?
- Yes.
- Sir, when I looked at you out there,
your retinal vessels were inflamed.
That shows a negative.
Says there's a problem with the blood getting to your brain,
but I look at you just now and you're steady and clear
and apparently with no medications.
Tell me about these notebooks.
- They uh, they help me remember.
- Okay. Can you tell me your name now?
- Preston Walker.
- Good, Preston. Do you know why you're here?
- My friend Barbara is visiting her daughter and...
And...
And you are Dr. Klein.
You need to do surgery on young Amber.
- Is Barbara here now?
- Yes. Visiting her daughter.
- What's her last name?
- I didn't write it down.
(Preston sighs)
Starky.
- Good.
Excuse me.
I'll be right back.
Betty.
- Dr. Klein?
- I have a gentleman in five that says
he was here with the Barbara Starky.
Do we have a Starkey as a patient?
- Barbara Starky? Hang on.
That sounds familiar.
- Okay. Is Barbara here?
- Well I know what she looks like.
Hold on.
- Can I have her daughter's records?
- Yeah.
Here they are.
Here you go.
- Thank you. - You're quite welcome.
- I'm sorry about your daughter.
- Are you one of her doctors?
- No, ma'am.
- They said she could go home in a couple of days.
- Will you come with me please?
Right in here, ma'am.
- Preston, what happened? Are you okay?
- Are you okay? What about your daughter?
- She's fine.
- Barbara, your daughter came into the ER
with a punctured lung she suffered in a car accident.
She died on the operating table,
but you know that. (melancholy music)
It's okay.
The limbic part of the brain's where we store and memories,
but it's also where the good Lord
allows us to process grief.
Now, for many people this experience
of loss becomes a transition.
But for some it doesn't.
When you're trapped in this chronic grief,
it can be early symptoms of future memory loss,
and it can adversely affect the ability
to remember our loved one.
I want to run a few more tests and evaluate,
but I don't want you to be overly alarmed.
Okay?
Now, Mr. Walker, I am chief of neurology
here at the hospital and this notebook idea,
I've only heard of these types of MCI enhancements,
practical applications.
- Spit it out, doctor.
- It seems that your cognitive impairment improves
when you review these notebooks.
Now I predict that your cerebral, your memory,
your critical thinking will increase as well.
That's almost unheard of in a man with your diagnosis.
Remarkable even.
I need to run a few more tests, completely on the house.
This could be a breakthrough study.
- We can do that,
but first you have to schedule surgery.
- For Amber?
- Yes. (soft piano music)
- Okay. (soft piano music)
- We'll be okay.
- [Rudy] Here you two go.
- Thanks, Rudy.
(soft piano music)
- I have something for you. (soft piano music)
We can start on a blank page from here.
So, tell me about her.
- Emma was born on April 23rd.
- Dad!
Oh my gosh.
Are you okay?
I've been so worried.
Why would you ever just leave?
Why?
- Madison...
This is Barbara.
- Nice to meet you.
- Dad, what are you doing?
You can't just be checking into hotels and going to bars.
You are a sick man.
- Madison, it's okay.
I didn't forget.
I just had to do this.
- I'm gonna call it a night.
- Okay.
Wait, wait.
We'll continue this later.
- [Madison] Dad?
- [Preston] Look honey, I can't explain-
- You.
(laughing)
- I don't know what to say.
You have no idea what-
- You don't have to say anything.
Look, I am just glad I could help.
You know what you do,
you take care of that little girl of yours.
That's all the thanks I need. - Thank you.
- [Madison] What is going on?
- [Rudy] Well your dad, he's making a difference.
- He can't remember what he did yesterday, an hour ago.
How is that possible?
- Madison.
Have a seat.
I have something for you.
- What is this?
- [Preston] It's your notebook.
(soft piano music)
(chuckles)
(soft piano music)
Oh, dad, I...
I don't know...
- Look, Madison, I know that you're angry and mad
and probably sad for me but I'm not.
No longer.
This is filled with wonderful, happy thoughts
and stories and memories.
And all the bad things?
I just forgot about 'em.
Look, Madison.
I need you to promise me two things:
First, paint your life with brightness
and colors and warm, glowing memories.
And second, don't dwell in the past.
That darkness can envelop you into pitch darkness.
All we really have is time.
Use your time for today. Don't worry about the past.
Use it to make wonderful memories in the future.
- I promise.
I finally got it.
I could see my dad was happy
and that happiness was his memory.
Then my dad surprised me once again.
Yes, he got remarried.
More new memories, more warmth, more love.
Dad died 10 years later to the date of the wedding.
10 years exactly.
Each year we celebrate with him.
A lot of people view this condition
as a dark cloud and focus on what is missing,
but there is so much still there.
My dad is proof that it is not the end,
it's the beginning of another journey.
My dad knew his body was slowly decaying,
but keeping a record was a wonderful way
to not forget his inner nature,
but it's in the learning from those pages from the notebooks
that we find a new life.
It made sense.
He went home.
He went home to remember. (soft piano music)
(soft rock music)
♪ My hope is built on nothing less ♪
♪ Than Jesus blood and righteousness ♪
♪ I dare not trust the sweetest friend ♪
♪ But wholly trust in Jesus name ♪
♪ My anchor holds within the veil ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ Christ alone ♪
♪ Cornerstone ♪
♪ Weak made strong ♪
♪ In the savior's love ♪
♪ Through the storm ♪
♪ He is Lord ♪
♪ Lord of all ♪