Todays Golden age portrait has an especially sad, but beautiful story.. Jeanette's lovely daughter Kristen messaged to ask if I would capture her Mum, before her condition deteriorates further.
Jeanette had an amazing morning with me dressing her up, & capturing these portraits. Kristen said her Mum was on cloud nine afterwards, & literally dancing through the hallways on the way back to her care facility.
Jeanette, now aged 72, was born and raised in Coolah, a small country town in regional NSW. She is the eldest of five.
She enjoyed her time at the local school where she was both academic and athletic. She was a fast and promising hurdler and she spent her free time as a scout leader.
She met and married a local country boy. In early 70’s they bought their first house in the Coolah township and started a family welcoming two boys.
The family moved to Newcastle before they had a daughter in the early 80’s. The built their dream home and lived in it until Jeanette’s husband died in 2020.
Jeanette loved Motherhood, and she excelled at it. Her children were her whole world. Her parenting was patient, selfless, kind and gentle. Her adoration of her seven grandchild knew no bounds.
Five years ago Jeanette was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Apathy was the first red flag that something significant was changing for Jeanette. Long-standing family traditions became forgotten. Confusion crept in. Recent memories always lost. Her nature changed and she became a different version of herself. Children’s names are muddled. Grandchildren are becoming strangers. Regardless, her family love her endlessly and will always remember her as she was - a wonderful Mother.
