A much-loved story about a remarkable couple. During the Great Depression Helen and Scott Nearing quit city life and moved to Vermont. He was a brilliant economist, she a concert violinist. Together they made Forest Farm synonymous with the ideal homestead. In the noble tradition of Thoreau, Scott was an influential figure in American life for nearly 70 years. Scott died in 1983 shortly after his 100th birthday, Helen lived into her 90's.Filmed in 1976 when Helen was 74 and Scott 93, the Nearings are seen still growing their own food, cutting firewood for fuel, and putting the finishing touches on a large stone home built by hand.Through their books, public appearances, and by the example of their lives, the Nearings remain an inspiration.More...Seven years ago Petrea King was diagnosed with leukemia and told that she had only weeks to live. Today she counsels people with terminal illnesses and is recognized in her home country of Australia as the leading figure in the field.King's qualifications are her own experiences and her realization that it is only through extreme circumstances that we become aware of the uniqueness of life. She offers not medical advice but wisdom to deal with the feelings of anger, guilt, injustice and helplessness that a life threatening disease can create in an individual. Her therapy involves asking the most basic of questions, "Why do you want to live?"
Those who seek King's help discover an intense joy in life, a new emotional balance and a transformed outlook on the world. Dying this way, she is often wryly told, is a life-altering experience.Although the subject of death is difficult, the nature of King's work is overwhelmingly positive. Laughter and joy counterpoint fear and anguish as people confront a finality that awaits us all.More...
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