Infinitely Polar Bear

In the late 1970s, Cameron Stuart, a Boston resident, experiences a psychotic break that significantly alters the course of his life. This event marks the beginning of a tumultuous period for Cameron and his family, resulting in his job loss and a critical need for hospitalization.

Following Cameron's hospitalization, Maggie struggles to cope with the new reality of caring for their two young daughters. She relocates them to a modest, rent-controlled apartment, where the family faces financial instability and emotional challenges.

As part of his recovery process, Cameron transitions from a halfway house to living independently. This step is crucial for restoring his autonomy and managing his mental health while balancing family responsibilities.

Determined to build a stable future for her daughters, Maggie applies to various business schools. Her efforts culminate in earning a scholarship to Columbia University, a pivotal moment that fuels her ambition to secure a better life for her family.

With her scholarship in hand, Maggie requests Cameron's assistance in caring for their daughters while she attends school. This decision marks a significant shift in their roles, highlighting Maggie’s determination to improve her family's circumstances despite her worries about Cameron's stability.

As Maggie focuses on her studies, the daughters struggle with embarrassment over Cameron’s idiosyncrasies. His late-night absences and overly friendly demeanor lead them to feel uncomfortable, yet they remain supportive, driven by their love for him.

During a visit with his wealthy grandmother, who manages the family trust, Cameron hopes for assistance in improving his daughters' education. However, when he asks for help to enroll them in private school, she declines, leading to emotional disappointment.

As Maggie’s time at Columbia nears its end, confidence grows about a future reunion with her family. However, tensions rise when Cameron admits to stopping his lithium medication, signaling potential setbacks in his mental health and family dynamics.

Maggie faces the challenge of entering the job market after graduation and eventually accepts a lucrative position at E.F. Hutton & Co. in New York City. This decision brings both excitement and anxiety as she balances her career aspirations with family responsibilities.

Recognizing the demands of her new role will limit her time with the children, Maggie makes the challenging choice to leave them with Cameron in Boston. She commits to sending financial support for their private education, reflecting her desire for a brighter future for them.

One year later, the daughters are thriving in their new private school environment. Cameron takes great pride in his role as their primary caregiver, fostering a nurturing atmosphere that allows the children to flourish despite past adversities.