I've been staring at this picture again a lot lately... I have used it on my business cards over 12 years now. It started as Patrizi Photography in 1997 in Geneva Switzerland, then turned into Magnolia Photography in Texas, back to Patrizi Photography - Milano, then to Doha Qatar and now I am feeling like I should "Just be ME." This picture was taken with a Pentax SF10 film camera in early 1985 in a living room window in Beaumont Texas. (My car now costs more than my house did back then...) I still have the Pentax...
This is the beginning of when I realized I could have a career in Photography. But at that time all I wanted to be was a Mother. This is my 24 year old son Nicholas. Who was the most precious baby on earth.
Then there were 4, so needless to say, a career wasn't on my list for many many years, and I am so thankful... I spent my days and nights pinching fat thighs and making kid food, koolaide for sale at the end of Summer Oaks Drive, and sitting on a lot of bleachers watching baseball, football, gymnastics, volleyball and dance recitals... I wouldn't trade those times for any job on earth!
Pinching fat thighs would be weird now, kid food has turned into foie gras and homemade pesto, koolaide no longer exists in my pantry, and the bleacher sitting is only for one more season...
Did I say that, ONE MORE SEASON then it is over!!! ME RAISING 4 KIDS IS OVER!!! In ONE MORE SEASON... DEEP BREATH.... WOW I didn't know that.
Now, I have just remembered that I might have blogged about this picture before, (CRS, Can't remember Shit!) so I went back and sure enough, there it is. November 4, 2008... Plain as day. Great blog entry, I wrote it and teared up again.
There is something so special pure and touching to me about this shot. I will never get sick of it. It represents LIFE to me.
Even though I have already blogged it, I am not going to erase this and start over... I am going to ramble on... and on... and on...
I shoot seniors and see the anticipation in the eyes of the kids and parents during this moment in their lives. Mom's hearts are breaking months before the actual separation and kids are scared and excited all at the same time. Saying goodbye to a child you have seen everyday for 18 years is hard to swallow. I relive it over and over again... But knowing you have done a good job makes it easier to accept, but not really. It is happening now all around me.
When families come to view their portraits, the music and slide show most often gives them lumps in their throats to see their precious families... Realize how special and perfect each one is... I cry and it is not even mine! If you have emotion about your work yourself, your clients will feel it too.
Now, I have just realized, it is almost time for me to be JUST ME...
I am slightly excited about this new person I will be, and equally not excited about losing all my kids to college and beyond...
My advice to young Moms, let the boxed mac and cheese wall paper the pantry, koolaide stain the pink dresses, buy a cushion for the ball park and for heaven's sake pinch fat thighs... Your career can wait, but the kiss on the skinned knee has to happen now.
One day soon, you will be just you! I will let you know how it is...
Sher
6 comments:
BEing YOU has BEen BEing a Mom. Something you will BE forever. Now it is time to BE more....how can that BE? Can you BElieve how many times I just typed "BE" ?
Wow...looks like Bobbi Jo is growing up. Great advice about the importance of raising your kids. Almost makes up for not knowing your square roots :)
Your description gave me a lump in my throat. How does time pass so quickly??? You have obviously done your job well as your kids all seem so happy and fun to be around. I am not sure the job of being a mom will ever be done...at least I hope not...especially the good stuff. Love, Allison
Wow.... I cried again. I remember the last time you put that picture up, and of course I cried then too. There is just something about that look in your baby's eyes that melts your heart. I still have to pick mine up off the floor when Brent drives out of the driveway headed back to school.. Man I love that kid.. I saw someone else wearing his baseball jersey and just broke down. Being Mommy is the best gift God gives a woman..
You did good mam... Enjoy
Staci
Sherry, you are an awesome mother,wife, and friend! Your love for your family is contagious and sweet. I always appreciate your tender words that hit home to so many people. Thank you for being the vessel God calls you to be for Him! I'm praying we will see each other SOON!! Love you!
WHo is Desa and s---, I can't read her writing!!!
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