This blog is very close to my heart. It is really hitting home just how important having photos and capturing memories are. I am extremely emotional right now, because just last week, my daughter and I went to visit my Nan. She is nearly 93 yrs old. 

She has been living in an assisted living facility for 18 months now, because she was too much to handle at home. Wandering, falling out of bed at night and ending up in hospital. Forgetting.

My Nan has dementia. 

This disease is a horrible and nasty disease. It doesn't care who it takes, or who it hurts. It is brutal,  unforgiving, and cruel. It leaves behind it, a trail of sadness... and it doesn't care!

Up until recently, my Nan was doing ok. Her long term memory seemed to be fairly in tact... but her short term was slowly going. A few months ago, she could barely remember my daughter. She could only associate her with me. This last visit... she couldn't even remember me. 

My Nan and I were two peas in a pod. We had the strongest bond I feel of anyone in our family. Including me with my parents. My Nan believed in me, ALWAYS. She loved me unconditionally. She helped me whenever I needed it, and without even being asked. She has been my rock for many years, my safe place... my haven. I wouldn't be the woman I am, if it wasn't for my Nan... And now she is gone.

I don't mean physically gone... although that isn't too far away I don't feel. But just gone. Gone in the beautiful mind that she had. Gone in the memories we created. Gone in everything that she was. Gone. Visiting her this time, and explaining who I was over and over hurt like I have never been hurt before. There is no words that can describe the pain that is in my heart. 

The reason I write this... is because more now than ever, I KNOW the importance of photographs. Memories fade. Memories get taken away from us. We forget people who made such a huge impact on our lives. But PHOTOGRAPHS... they live on! They capture a memory... and hold it forever. They remind the loved ones that have forgotten, even if just a flicker of recognition, of a memory, a love, a time when they were whole.

We never want to think it'll happen to us. We want to believe that life will be perfect and nothing could go wrong. But the reality is... this kind of stuff happens. And it isn't until it's too late, that we realise we missed those memories. We missed those moments. And when we have a loved one that's taken from us, in whatever way... we have nothing left. 

So please... PLEASE. Don't miss out on those memories. Find the time. Find the money. Find the motivation. Push past your lack of self confidence, or your need to be better, or skinnier, or muscly-er. Push past that comfort zone, forget those extra 5kgs. Forget those grey hairs, or stretch marks. Because those that love you, love you for EXACTLY as you are. And THAT's how they want to remember you. 

They don't care about the loose skin on your belly, or the double chin. They don't care if your hair is perfect, or your tan is on point. They don't CARE if you are not 'perfect'... because one day, they might not have you. And they won't have those photographs to look back on if you always find an excuse. A soon. A when I am...

You are perfect NOW. Don't wait until it's too late like I did. Don't make the mistake of not capturing your loved ones now. As they are. To forever have those memories.