 |
|
Corey,
Stasi, Dolores and Larry meet at a support group meeting, all of
them answering to the same ad: "Are you ready for the last day
of the rest of your life?" They are all dying. Rachel shows up,
too, but something deep and personal keeps her from going inside. As
facilitator of the group, Monica explains that their purpose will be
"to give meaning to the life you're leaving behind and explore
what it means to face death." Dolores is 67-year-old wiseacre
who is dying of emphysema. Stasi, who owns a hair salon, is a
divorcee and mother of two; she has hepatitis. Larry, an avid bowler
and construction worker, is dying of asbestos poisoning. Corey won't
say what he's dying of, which annoys Larry. Finally, Rachel gets up
the courage to join the others and reveals that she has an
inoperable brain tumor. Monica encourages them to make a list of
things they want to accomplish before they die. At the next meeting,
Dolores admits that she would like to learn how to dance. Stasi says
that she regrets missing her prom, so the group plans one. Corey is
cynical about these "goals" and admits to having a blood
disease that could kill him at any time. He says he'd like to do
something really important before he dies. He alludes to a girl he
likes, who works at the coffee shop. He'd like to date her, but
given his illness he thinks that would be unfair. Larry says that
he'd like to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Amy. The prom is
set for two weeks-- enough time for everyone to accomplish their
goals--and the group asks Rachel what she would like to do. She
reluctantly tells them that she had a daughter twelve years ago that
she gave up for adoption. She would like to meet her before she
dies. They begin to work at their goals: Andrew teaches Dolores how
to dance; Larry and Rachel plan for the prom; Stasi encourages Larry
to keep trying with his daughter; Corey and Monica search the web
for information on Rachel's daughter. By the next meeting Larry has
talked with his daughter. Corey has a date with Karla (from the
coffee shop). And he has other news too: he's done something
important. Corey gives Rachel an envelope with all the information
she needs to find her daughter. At first she is thrilled, but Rachel
soon realizes with horror that she can't leave her daughter behind a
second time. Monica finds Rachel at home and reveals herself as an
angel. Monica tells Rachel that her daughter is safe, happy and
loved. Monica encourages Rachel to tell her husband Seth about the
adoption (which happened before they met). At the prom, Rachel
arrives with Seth, in whom she has finally confided. Stasi is
crowned queen. Corey arrives with Karla and Karla's daughter
Bridget. Dolores tangos with Andrew. Larry dances, and reconnects,
with his daughter. And when little Bridget mentions that she's
adopted, and was born on October 22, 1987, in Bullhead City, the
last accomplishment is made, for Rachel has met her daughter!
Dolores passes, and Andrew escorts her home. As they take one last
spin on the dance floor, she looks back and smiles at the sight of
the friends she was blessed to have.
|
