It’s Not a Burden: The Humor and Heartache of Raising Elderly Parents

What a beautiful, inspiring, uplifting movie. I keep thinking about the people I met and care about them now as though I know them. This is the kind of movie I could watch again and again, learning something new each time.

Heartbreaking, heartwarming and devastatingly beautiful Such an important topic - not to be missed

When I sat down to watch “It’s Not a Burden,” knee-deep in caring for my own aging parents, I imagined that I’d see families with whom I commiserate. But by the end, I found something much deeper and profound- a greater sense of the bigger picture. The aging journey is a trip we all go on, if we’re lucky, and this beautiful, funny, touching, poignant film offers an insightful look at all angles, outlooks, and experiences. Most importantly, it put things in perspective for me. It reminded me that there are blessings and grace in hard parts - for both my parents and me - that are worth embracing and cherishing. Having filmmaker Michelle Boyaner’s insight from her own journey and those of the families in the film made me feel understood and like I’m not alone- and neither are my folks. Highly recommend this film for anyone who is a parent, has parents, or is just interesting in a brilliant look at the human experience.

If only families came with manuals- It’s Not A Burden is the closest thing to a glimpse to how to lovingly handle and care for older parents when the roles reverse. Eloquently, sensitive with humor, the shared stories in this amazing documentary are told in a way that touched my heart. Anyone could relate and appreciate this honest, revealing and heartfelt film. Don’t miss!

Relationships between parents and children are at once simple and complex. Most of us carry a llifetime of wounds and gratitude, resentments and forgiveness, and it's universally human to explore our first bonds for the rest of our lives (whether or not that's a consciuos endeavor). The relationship between the filmmaker and her own mother stands at the center of this film. It's textured with other parent/child relationships -- the love and the difficuties of shepherding parents through old age (often to poignant effect), but these stories punctuate Boyaner's story. Her intimate, mindful exploration of past and present with the complicated woman who gave her life is the center of gravity. And that's a good thing. This movie is concieved and executed with love, but it also allows disappointment and pain to be part of the fabric. And laughter and warmth. And every other feeling one might have when considering the bigger questions in life, which is why this fim is so gorgeous.

These stories of family, aging, forgiveness, and love are honestly and beautifully shared. Kleenex required, but I laughed a lot, too. It’s just so good. I’ll be watching it again with my mom.

This documentary is for everyone. The circle of life is embodied in this beautiful storytelling of caring for our elders. Love makes a family and when it’s your turn to care for those who cared for you, you will feel seen and heard as you are taken through the lives of others going through the same. Brava to the filmmakers and the families who contributed to this wonderful doc.