Mary
Age:
57
Occupation:
Carer
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
For me to make me realize just how far I have come.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
My story is remembering what a rollercoaster life is. How at times we all need to press the button to make it stop. You remember the phone call that tells you your dad’s dead. What a rollercoaster grief is, horrible watching your mum suffer. Then cancer knocks on the door again, has she not gone through enough? Childhood illnesses, you really need to press the button. By god with the blink of an eye you would take it yourself. Watching your girl suffering even now as an adult. How did she turn out so wonderful, the four of them, god bless them, life has not been easy. They all bring so much love to my life. Back on the rollercoaster, your marriage ends and you gotta get on with it. So much support from my mum and brothers. Back to cancer, 13 months of love and laughter, so much heartbreak. The rollercoaster button deffo broken your family, the home needs to be sold, moving the kids again, starting new. Then you meet a wonderful man who has brought laughter love kindness and shown me how much he cares for me. Eight wonderful years. What a lovely family he has, 3 lovely grandchildren, so much joy. The rollercoaster has been kind, life is on an even keel. The children are doing okay a wonderful little boy has enriched our lives and gave me a reason to get up, so much pleasure, so much love, so much laughter and fun in every heartbeat. To Harry, Shona, Roisin, Patrick, Ailish and Ryan, my siblings, their families and my friends through thick and thin, can never thank them enough.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Oh god, not good, I’m not good at being kind to me.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Tired. Worn out. Knackered.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 50?
My 40th and 50th were wonderful with my family and friends and great memories ❤ a lot has happened since I was 50 so yes I have changed.
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Work hard, travel, be kind to yourself and others. Save save save. Always put yourself first. Realize you are important. Always remember your family and friends, they will love you no matter what.
What do you consider self-love?
Believe in yourself.
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
Wow, my 57th birthday will never be forgotten. Do I really look like that? Never in my life, they are just beautiful. I only told Harry and Shona no one else so when they saw the photos everyone was amazed. I will treasure them and how far I have come.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
From start to finish working with you was amazing, thank you isn’t enough, you have created wonderful memories, you are so talented may god bless you.
