I’ve mentioned in previous posts how absolutely thrilled I am to see a much-needed increase in the number of mainstream and independent films and documentaries covering our 50+ population. Well, “The Way We Get By” is another phenomenal film covering a phenomenal group of seniors, the issues that they deal with as a result of the aging process, and the meaningful work they do in seeing off/welcoming home soldiers from the war…it’s truly a powerful piece. I needed a handful of tissues just to “get by” the trailer (watch it below), so I recommend a box or two accompanies you to the theater when you get your tickets for the big screen showing.

A few months back, I saw a report on this group, unofficially called “The Maine Greeters” during the Making a Difference segment of the NBC Nightly News. Regardless of my political views and my opinions about the war (which, to be honest, are fluid – I haven’t quite decided where I stand or what to think), I am always deeply moved by any stories that highlight the emotional homecomings of our troops. Throw in a few seniors doing their part to welcome these soldiers back, and I’m guaranteed to lose it.

Meet Bill, Joan and Jerry, the senior greeters who wait patiently in the Bangor International Airport terminal for soldiers returning home from (or departing to) Iraq. Many troops come in to Bangor as it is the first major American airport encountered by planes approaching from the east; the two mile-long runway and uncluttered airspace also makes it quite attractive for a safe and smooth landing. As they wait in the lonely terminal of BIA for the soldiers expected to pass through that day, each greeter is wrestling with heavy stuff in their lives: failing health, mounting debt, depression. But I imagine that they are quickly overwhelmed by a strong sense of purpose and meaning as soon as those soldiers come through the doors.

The award-winning film “seeks out the telling detail rather than offering sweeping generalizations, to build stories of heartbreak and redemption, reminding us how our culture casts our elders, and too often our soldiers, aside” – unquestionably crucial lessons for difficult times such as ours.

This isn’t a political film. This is about a group of seniors who take the time to look past their own troubles encountered in the so-called twilight of life and say a much-needed, much-deserved “THANK YOU, welcome home, or safe travels” to those serving our country in Iraq. Be prepared for emotional moments, to be sure, but know that it’s not just a simple story about an unlikely trio of old folks greeting our American soldiers in their time of need – this is a real-life, intense, sometimes unsettling story about “aging, loneliness, war and mortality.” As I said earlier, grab a box of tissues before you view.

Intrigued? Visit http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/ for Facebook/Twitter links, screening times, dates and locations, and much, much more on this amazing motion picture. Check it out on PBS this Wednesday, 11/11, at 9 p.m. Share the word with others too! It may not be the “feel good” movie of the Christmas season, but it’s certainly on my required, “life-changing” viewing list.

Watch the trailer now:

-Michelle Seitzer