A Day At a Time

Filmed over a period of four years, William Garcia's tribute to a family coping with cerebral palsy is an inspiring look at the trials and unexpected joys of living with adversity. Narrated by actress Kathleen Turner, the camera follows routine daily life for Mary and Geraldo, and their four children, including the twins' Alba and Anastasia who have cerebral palsy. During interviews, Mary talks about the tremendous guilt she felt when she was told of the twins' condition, her work as an advocate in helping other parents get the necessary support needed to care for their children, and the emotional rollercoaster she rides regarding the twins. When the twins spend 3 weeks at summer camp, Mary feels both triumphant and bereft. Later, when doctors determine that Alba needs major surgery, she goes through hell waiting for the outcome. Although the film touches briefly on the issues of Medicaid and Mary's battles with bureaucracy, A Day at a Time is more of an inspirational title than an examination of either cerebral palsy or health care. In that regard, it struck me as a bit pricey. As a human interest story, however, it's very nice, and is recommended for libraries with really big video budgets. (R. Pitman)