Please Join Us for a showing of the Glen Campbell documentary, I’ll Be Me

Posted on: 2016 05 02

Armistead Senior Care and The Arbors at Shelburne are sponsoring a free movie night this Wednesday, May 4th. "I’ll Be Me is the story of musician Glen Campbell embarking on a farewell tour after he is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It reveals how Glen and his family navigate the unpredictable nature of the disease through love, laughter, and music." The documentary was released in 2014. The Arbors is at 687 Harbor Road, Shelburne VT 05482; please RSVP (802) 985-8600. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the movie begins at 6:30; refreshments will be served. I had the chance to see this film in March; I think it does a great job of showing the full spectrum of how Alzheimer's affects not only the person diagnosed with the disease but everyone around the person. In this case, the person happens to be a famous singer, songwriter and musician. Glen, his wife, three of his children and his long-time support staff performed 151 concerts between August 2011 and November 2012. For Glen Campbell, this was an amazing feat, considering that Alzheimer's disease prevented Glen from being able to locate the bathroom in his own home. The family bravely shares so much, anyone who has experienced what Alzheimer's does to a loved one will easily relate to their story. If anyone hasn't had the personal experience, this documentary will be a touching eye-opener. The subtitle of the movie is "Glen Campbell - His Music is Legendary. His Story is Human". Looking back at his career on stage and screen is great, especially if you are familiar with his work. The humanity of his situation is heartbreaking...and very real. The humanity of his family and his fans is uplifting and illustrates the importance of acceptance. The interviews with other famous musicians, Bruce Springsteen, Kathy Mattea, Brad Paisley, etc., are also very human as they, too, have loved ones with Alzheimer's. The final moments of the film are scenes from the last time Glen Campbell was in the recording studio. He was recording the song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You", an ode to his wife, Kim, and to the reality of Alzheimer's disease. Thank you Campbell family for sharing your story with us. Please join us to view this moving documentary.