She came to our house to celebrate three birthdays. Those are two of her dogs and one of ours...
It was, of course, not posed.
I told her not to look at me as she talked to my kids and my hubby, since she wanted to look and smile at me, of course.
I think she really did forget about me and my camera... she was so intent on the stories my kids were telling.
She's always been great at listening and being interested in their least little interests and stories.
I thought I was shooting life... as she listened to two grandkids and her son-in-law.
And... indeed, I was.
I just didn't realize how poignant this image would be to me as I viewed it afterward.
I need to go see her more... and invite her here more often (although, she's always welcome).
I was terribly shocked when I saw this image.
I ... well... I...
I don't know.
When I am old, will my children think... I "need" to invite "her"... ?
*sigh*
Life. It's good. Even when it's not. But... golly.
This image of mine has rocked my happy world as... today... I see my mom (a cancer survivor)... at the time that I found out that my BFF has Stage Four Cancer.
I. Am. Not. Enough.
I don't think I ever was.
Re:the title: She is not alone in the physical sense. She has the dogs.
But, she is still lonely. Left alone by Humanity... and she tries to fill the void with dogs and wine.
Do you see it now?
(Not that there's anything wrong with dogs or wine... *grin*)
And I'm not actually talking about my mother when I say she's been left behind by Humanity (she hasn't)... or that she's lonely (she's not), or that she drinks wine very often (she doesn't). I'm talking about an anonymous "her"... I think the elderly are often left alone as their family grows up and has stuff of their own.
I see how it happens... it's happened with me. And, to me.
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Beautiful Lydia, don't be so hard on yourself, your story shows you have many of the same qualities as your mom, empathy, kindness, intelligence and patience. You know how much now, go for it.
Your image and beautifully honest and poignant story really touch me. She reminds me of my mom before she left us.....totally her. The wine, dogs, listening intently to her grandkids and very present. I also feel sadness for many of the elderly that have been left behind and are considered "insignificant". I think of them as being put out to pasture :(.
Gorgeous. I need to know how you pp'd this, Lydia. It's magnificent, and perfect for this image. Congrats on the HM. Yes, I know what you mean. I don't get to see my mom but maybe once a year.
So glad for the HM for you, Lydia - made me come back and look more closely. and . . . wow. My only excuse for not giving this a 9 or 10 is out of town all week and FS and Candid Portrait closing on the same day :( Beautiful, just beautiful. The lighting is perfect and the motion blur of the dogs wraps around her like a living shawl. Congratulations.
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