What They Had

On Christmas Eve, Ruth Everhardt, suffering from Alzheimer's, unexpectedly wanders out into the cold streets during a severe snowstorm. This alarming event prompts her daughter, Bridget, to urgently return to their hometown to find her mother.

Bridget reunites with her brother, Nick, as they gather to confront their aging father, Norbert. They engage in difficult discussions about Ruth's future and the need for a suitable nursing home, highlighting the family's strained dynamics.

Nick reveals that he has arranged for Ruth to have an opening at a prestigious assisted living facility in Chicago. However, Norbert insists that he can manage caring for Ruth independently, leading to significant tension within the family.

As the family confronts their issues with Ruth's care, Bridget wrestles with her own personal challenges. Her relationship with her husband, Eddie, is faltering, and their daughter, Emma, is struggling with anxiety that has caused her to withdraw from college.

Nick becomes increasingly frustrated with Norbert's refusal to acknowledge the need for professional help in caring for Ruth. Their arguments escalate, culminating in Nick storming out after a particularly heated exchange over the family's obligations.

After a poignant exchange between Bridget and Norbert about the impact of his decisions on the family, Ruth goes missing yet again. The family springs into action to locate her, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty around her care.

Thankfully, Ruth is found quickly, prompting a moment of relief for the family. This incident serves as a wake-up call for Norbert, who begins to understand the necessity of moving Ruth to a professional care facility.

In an attempt to heal their fractured relationship, Norbert visits Nick at his tavern. During this heartfelt meeting, they share important conversations about family and the challenges ahead, signaling a moment of potential reconciliation.

Tragically, shortly after their reconciliation, Norbert suffers a heart attack and passes away. This sudden loss leaves Nick devastated, forcing him to confront his feelings of grief and guilt regarding the family dynamics.

After Norbert's passing, Bridget spends time with Ruth at the assisted living facility. During this visit, she observes the compassionate care that Ruth receives, which allows her to feel a sense of peace regarding her mother's well-being.

As Bridget leaves the facility, she is comforted to see Ruth smiling and content in her new environment. This moment reassures Bridget that they made the right decision for Ruth's care after a journey filled with turmoil and difficult choices.