The importance of a memory

Some of my favorite memories include my blue rainbow bright bike growing up, watching my grandma play solitaire at the kitchen table, "long" bike rides with my sister (Megan you know what I am talking about) racing the neighborhood kids ( I was always as fast as the boys), drinking pickle juice straight out of the jar in the summertime, my first best friend,the prayer my mom would say to us every night, the rush I felt when competing my floor routine in gymnastics, and even the voice of my grandpa over the phone. I cherish the ability to remember that so many of us take for granted. Although.. I know there are many things we wish we could forget.. remember those experiences shape you and you wouldn't be the same without them. 

When I received a call last week for a request for this special session... I felt honored. Now granted, I feel honored with every wedding I get to be a part of, and every new baby that families are blessed with.. but this session was different. Ruth's mother was visiting from Columbia, and is in beginning stages of Alzheimer's.  This would probably be her last visit here from Columbia, as travel can be very confusing for someone struggling with this. Ruth wanted to cherish this time with her, and be able to remind her mother that she had seen snow, as this was her first time ever!

I absolutely adore this shot...  there is so much history behind those eyes and you can only wonder what part of her life she is remembering.

Although she did not speak or understand any English... her sense of humor about being photographed was heart warming.  I love this mother daughter shot.
A small connection can mean the world.
Ruth told me her mother loves looking out the window at the snow.
I was pleasantly surprised at how funny she is.... not many parents or grandparents will allow you to take so many pictures. But I couldn't stop.. she kept me laughing.. even though at times I wasn't exactly sure what she said.. it's amazing how much can be read through facial expressions.
We had to step outside for a few winter shots. 
Although we had some rain (yes it is raining here in MN right now) they both enjoyed it, and it showed.
One of my absolute favorite shots from the day.
I couldn't leave out Ruth's baby... isn't he sweet? :)
Ruth,

Thank you so much for remembering the importance of capturing the bond you share with your mother. There are many more images to come.. and I hope you find some memories that you will be able to hold in your hand always. I know your mother may not remember me.. but I will remember her forever and enjoyed spending the afternoon with you both.