Today on The Talk the hosts were chatting with Francois Cluzet who recently starred along with Omar Sky in the movie The Intouchables. I want to see this movie so bad. It’s based on a true story about a wealthy French businessman who, after his wife passes away, gets in a tragic accident and finds an unlikely caretaker in a former con-man. The wealthy man, now a quadriplegic, wanted to hire someone who would show him “no pity” and finds that quality in Omar Sky’s character. The two develop an unexpected, but incredible bond.
The two men on whom the film is based have written their own books, A Second Wind, and You Changed My Life, about their lives and their experiences together. Since I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get out to the theater to see the movie, I just ordered both of the books and can’t wait to read them and be inspired.
I’m so excited about the film (which won 7 awards and was nominated for 9 others) and these books. I think it’s wonderful that, like Push Girls, a disabled person and his experiences are being revealed so that more and more people can see what it is like to live with handicaps. I’m also so glad that the relationship between a disabled person and his caretaker is being showcased. This relationship is such a precious one in so many people’s lives, whether the caretaker is a spouse, family member, friend, nurse at a care facility, or employee as in the movie. The role of caretaker is difficult, rewarding, and challenging on so many levels and I know it’s a job not everyone is capable of doing.
I’ve been SO incredibly blessed by my husband who has been an amazing caretaker. He is the perfect balance of giving me all the help I need while treating me as normal as possible and getting me out of the house for little adventures. I’ve watched him pick up the slack as our roles have slowly reversed from me taking care of the house and him, to him taking care of everything. He never complains and his attitude is always positive. In fact, the only time he gets down is when I’m down and having a hard time with my situation. Besides J, my mom has also had to care of me while J has been extra busy or away with work. She, too, has been completely unselfish and shown me so much love in how she has met my needs, making sure I have a healthy diet, keeping my house clean, and best of all, being a fun companion, helping me stay positive.
I can’t speak for what it’s like to be a caretaker, I can only say how blessed I am to have such great ones in my life. So here’s to all the caretakers out there, making our disabled lives easier, better, and happier. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
…more to come…
Chronically Speaking 