One of the worst things a family can go through is when a family member falls ill. And whether that loved one is physically, emotionally or mentally ill, it takes a toll on everyone in the family.
Most families go into survival mode — you try to take care of what you have to TODAY… because sometimes thinking about what the future holds is too scary, painful or just unknown.
As many of you know, my Mom passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease last year. She was symptomatic with the disease probably five years before she died, with the last two years being the worst. And I went into that mode of dealing with the emotions, learning everything I could about the disease, trying to understand what she needed most at whichever stage she seemed to be in.
I thought a lot about her dying… what I would feel, how I would tell my children… but one of the things I never thought to do was to take professional pictures of her – with my kids, with her family, with ME. It wasn’t even on my radar screen. And by the time I did think about it, she was dying… and I didn’t want to remember her like that. I wanted to remember her living — the sparkle in her eyes, the smile she got when she saw her grandchildren playing, the way she looked when she laughed.
I am passionate about fundraising for Alzheimer’s and doing what I can in the search for a cure. But until then, I know that there are many families dealing with the day-to-day care of someone with Alzheimer’s… and I’m sure preserving memories by having professional photos taken is probably not a priority.
I want to help.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, you can send me their/your name(s) through the contact button on this page. I’ll be giving away a limited number of complementary portrait sessions to help document the beautiful, vibrant life they are living NOW. Because now is really all any of us has.
