a previous comment indicate that term of endearment ( 1983 ) end present day for that time and that with this one pick up in 1988 and why be melanie so grown . well and what i understood be that date be not necessarily express in term and that debra winger character have actually die in 1973 with fifteen year add to melanie age of three when her mother die and that would account for her be a college freshman in 1988. marion ross be not in the original movie another actress have play rosie . nor be miranda richardson . but i be annoy that ms. ross be not even nominate for a support actress oscar for her portrayal in this film she deserve it and then some .