Age:
60
Occupation:
Pharmacist
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
As this is a significant year in the life of my family, I thought it would be a good idea to have some family portraits done. When I checked into your website I came across your Eternal Grace Campaign. As I was turning 60 this year I thought it would be a nice idea to partake in the campaign. I am so grateful for reaching this milestone with such good health and surrounded by so much joy and happiness. I found myself reflecting on my life to date and the opportunity to depict the ‘joie de vivre’ of my life through the camera lens was maybe the ‘why’ I participated in the campaign.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
2022 has been a very significant year in my life. There have been so many momentous occasions and reasons to celebrate that I have found myself reflecting on life and how privileged I have been to have had such a wonderful, adventurous and healthy life. This year has marked the celebration of 25 years of marriage to my wonderful husband Ian and 25 years in business, both of which have grown and flourished over the years! My proudest achievement on life’s journey is to be mother to my two most amazing daughters Heather and Sophie. In this year of family celebrations, Heather graduated with her Pharmacy degree and Sophie chose to continue her studies at Emlyon business school in Saint-Etienne, France.
I have also been honoured with the role of Lady Captain of Tubbercurry Golf Club. It has been a very exciting and busy year for me. One of the many highlights as Lady Captain and member of the Challenge Cup team was that it was the first time in the history of the club our team won the Connaught title and progressed to the All-Ireland golf series finals.
My 60th year was the trigger factor to participate in the Campaign and 2022 is only a dip in the ocean of all that has been so good in my life. I have used a ‘Workout’ as my life analogy. For me, my first 30 years were life’s ‘Warm Up’. I had no major ties or responsibilities so the world was my Oyster where I worked, traveled and explored. The middle phase or the ‘Training Stage’ where the strenuous work is performed was from 30 to 60 years of age. This was the intense phase of my life where there was a balancing act of children, parents, work, social and so forth. This phase brought the joy of giving birth to Heather and Sophie and also the sadness of losing my parents. Life and death. Between these most significant events, I have lived, loved and laughed with so many good people. There have been ups and downs but I thank God that the balance of ups has far outweighed the downs. And I look back on the last 60 years and happily reiterate the words of Edith Piaf “Non, je ne regrette rien”. I thank God and all the people that have made this life so far, special to me. I look forward to the final ‘Cool Down’ phase of life’s workout. Over the next 30 years I look forward to an active retirement which will culminate in a resting phase of Eternal Grace!
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
A life well lived, ups & downs. Laughter & frown lines. Blessed with a good life and wonderful family and friends.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Adventurous. Positive. Gracious.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 60?
Age is a number. I am, who I am. Age doesn’t change who I am. At 60, I might not do things that I did when I was 50, like sky diving. I’ve adapted to doing more age-appropriate adventures. I am more reflective on life and so appreciative of all that I have enjoyed and experienced. Age is a number!!
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Slow down, absorb each experience and be proud. Speed up, concentrate, and do not procrastinate as procrastination is the thief of time. Two complete opposite pieces of advice but both very relevant.
What do you consider self-love?
Being satisfied with your all. Not seeking anything other than what you have made and done for yourself. Being gracious.
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
Happiness in a smile. Thank you Olga for capturing it.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
You received us with a warm welcome and created a very relaxed atmosphere for the family. I liked your structured schedule and clear direction throughout. You are the ultimate professional! Thank you Olga. X