Gumption: Lessons on Old Age, Loneliness, and a Hotdish

Russ, an eighty-two-year old widower, is awakened one blustery winter night by a phone alert from an emergency monitoring center-his best friend Rich has pressed the Help button. The situation that night is more than just some quick action for Russ. It’s a wake-up call to the dark reality of Rich’s failing health. Now Russ will have to consider his loyalty to the remaining cohorts in his self-made support group of old guys eating together. Limited to the six that fit in a car, the Gang, as they are known in the rural Minnesota town, has a reputation, even in the neighboring counties. Russ’s loyalty will be tested again when Agnes happens by with her home cooking and woodsy pleasures. But how can Russ, the driver, let the Gang down? Will Agnes’ can-do attitude with a bit of savvy timing set them all in motion?