My Flesh & Blood

I am an avid documentary viewer and this is by far the MOST moving documentary I have ever seen. The filmmaker was given one year (no more, no less) to record the events of a most extraordinary family. Susan Tom is a single mother who takes care of her own biological and adopted children. Most of the children have a variety of special needs and Susan's strength, intelligence, humor, kindness, empathy, tenacity and flexibility allows her to give each child the attention and parenting they all need and deserve. The family is alarmingly honest and each person in the film moves through an epic struggle. We are so privileged to watch. The family loves, fights, support. Within the year's framework, the filmmaker catches heartbreaking and painful moments. There are also many joyous moments. The film stays with the viewer- dare I say- forever. I am a parent of a autistic son, and I have often felt alone in my struggle to make life the best it can be for him. The world can easily judge, can easily misunderstand. Without my advocacy I know my son would not be as secure and happy as he is today. In Susan Tom, I have found a personal hero- a woman who is beautiful and intelligent and a master at her job. Thank you to the whole Tom family (and to the filmmakers) for giving the world a glimpse. I wish you all the best. You touched us so deeply- Joe, Anthony etc.
PS. My daughter and I cried deeply- make sure to have kleenex handy when viewing. Film's official website:
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/flesh_and_blood/

HBO's "My Flesh and Blood" is of the best documentary films ever made. In spite of the lack of glitz present in big-budget documentary films by Micheal Moore or Morgan Spurlock, this far more realistic documentary is absolutely unforgettable.
The film's focus is Susan Tom, mother of 13 children (biological or adoptive), almost all of which have serious mental and/or physical health problems. While the film focuses more on certain children than others, most notably, the troubled Joe, the actor Anthony, the flirtatious Xenia and the hope-filled Faith, the saintly Tom rules over the household with compassion, understanding and patience. It is impossible to not feel sympathy for any of the children, even 15 year-old Joe, who is initially depicted as a trouble-making brat.
If you have a chance to view or own this film, do not pass up the opportunity, as it will stay with you forever.