Losing my mom at a young age has left a lasting impact on my life, and I often find myself wishing for more photographs of her. My mother passed away from ovarian cancer on October 19th when I was just five years old; she was only 37. In the years since, I’ve struggled to hold onto every memory of her—her voice, her laughter, and the deep love she shared with my sister and me. However, my memories are limited due to my age at the time of her passing. I frequently wonder if the recollections I cling to are genuine or imaginative creations influenced by the stories shared by others.
The few photos I have of her are of immense importance to me, providing a tangible connection to a woman I barely knew. I possess only a handful of images, most of which are staged rather than spontaneous, yet I treasure them dearly. If disaster were to strike my home, these photographs, alongside my family, would be the first thing I’d save.
Now, at 32, and as a mother to a two-year-old son, I feel a growing sense of anxiety as I approach the age my mother was when she passed. The thought of leaving my child the same way she left me is terrifying. I worry that I might outlive her, a notion that unsettles me deeply, and I fret that I haven’t done enough to create lasting memories for my son.
If something were to happen to my husband, he would leave behind a wealth of photographs and videos that capture the love he shared with our son. In contrast, if I were to die today, my son would mostly have selfies—some featuring just me and a few with him—showing a filtered version of my life rather than the devotion I pour into parenting. He won’t remember the countless trips to the park or the moments I dedicated to his growth and happiness. He’s simply too young to recall.
Why This Matters
Why am I sharing this? Because I urge you to prioritize being seen. I implore you to step in front of the camera, regardless of whether you feel unprepared or self-conscious about your appearance. Your child won’t care about those insecurities. They will want to remember you as you are, not as a curated version of yourself showcased on social media. Posed selfies are fine, but make sure to capture more of your genuine moments.
One of my most cherished photos of my mom isn’t from her wedding day; it’s a candid shot of her sitting on the floor, painting a chair. This image reveals a glimpse of her personality, and I often gaze at it, hoping to evoke clearer memories of her essence.
Embrace the Camera
We live in an age where technology allows us to document our lives effortlessly. I encourage all parents to make it a point to take photos regularly—whether it’s with your children at home, at the park, or just enjoying everyday moments. Don’t delete them simply because you think they don’t look “perfect.” You are often your harshest critic. These images will one day mean the world to your children; they will be a vital part of how they remember your love.
For more insights on this topic, you can check out another blog post here. And if you’re interested in resources about pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers excellent information here.
Conclusion
In summary, capturing authentic moments through photographs is essential for creating lasting memories for our children. Embrace the camera and prioritize being present, ensuring that your legacy of love is preserved for the future.
Keyphrase: “memories of loved ones”
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