Bernadette
Age:
65
Occupation:
Legal Secretary
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
I said yes to the Campaign because my daughters thought it would be a lovely idea to be involved in something like this to create memories for them and my grandchildren in the years to come. The girls also wanted me to step completely outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. They gave it to me for Mother’s day therefore I couldn’t let them down.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
I am a Mom to three daughters – Pamela, Shari-Anne and Shannon, and one Son Ryan. I also have four Granddaughters – Maisie-Ella, Grace, Maeve and step-granddaughter Kylie. My family are my whole world and I am so proud of each and every one of them. I am a Legal secretary and I have worked for and with some amazing people over the past 46 years. I love country & western music in particular and love to dance but have not returned to the dancing scene since Covid. I am a fair-weather walker and I cycle a little. I love spending time with my grandchildren and look forward to visiting my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in Denver later in the year.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
A mature lady and although I have the lines to prove it, I still feel young at heart.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Shy, caring, patient.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 60?
I feel that my 40s changed me more as I had some massive decisions to make in my personal life and faced a lot of challenges. Now in my 60s my children are all grown up and getting on with their own lives. I hope going forward I will be there for my children and grandchildren and enjoy seeing my grandchildren growing up. I want now to renew the friendships I had in the past and to meet up more often with those that stood by me through the good and bad times. So I am looking forward and will celebrate each and every birthday as to me every birthday is a milestone as my mom died from cancer at the age of 59 and my sister at the age of 63.
What are the most rewarding things about getting older?
Watching my children grow up and being successful in their lives.
What has been the best life lesson you have learned along the way?
Life is too short, take time to enjoy all the special times with your loved ones while you can as the years slip by way too quickly. Take care of your health as without that you have nothing.
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Live life to the fullest, try not to stress so much, enjoy being young and look after your health. Don’t let people take advantage of you, be more confident. Nothing can really prepare you for the future as life can throw you some cruel situations and people can let you down.
What is your favourite quote?
“What’s for you won’t pass you by”
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
I have never liked any photo of myself and I am delighted to have professional photos for my children and grandchildren into the future as I was usually the person behind the camera taking photos of everyone else. Many thanks to my four children for the gift of this photoshoot. I discovered that I can do anything if I put my mind to it and I shouldn’t back out of doing things that don’t come natural to me.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
From the minute I stepped into Olga’s studio she made me feel relaxed and at ease although I was a bag of nerves all morning. From the start with getting my makeup done and a curling iron to my hair, I immediately felt good about myself.
Olga is a true professional, she guided me through the whole process and the shoot flew by so quickly. I highly recommend Olga if you are thinking of getting portraits done which you and your family will have forever.
I cannot thank you enough Olga.
