Now I am the Elder

[Marie Hass]

I took these pictures in 2010 - when I was just starting my photography career. I thought my parents would live forever and I could call my dad every day.









What makes these pictures most precious to me is that my dad died unexpectedly in 2011, and my mom died 2 weeks ago Friday, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Now I am the Elder.

I had archived these images because although I could see potential, I could not do them justice. During a mentoring session, I brought them out, dusted them off - and reworked them to a point where I felt the PP was acceptable.

No flash, window light only.

Comments?

Marie

[Donald]

Yes, they are good images. Indeed, they are very good. But, oh my goodness, they are so much more than that. They are priceless gems of which you should be very proud.

[rtbaum]

I agree with Donald. All three are excellent as captures and post processing, but priceless for the memories. I might suggest going to the next level and printed for sharing with your family, perhaps as a triptych.

[chauncey]

Yes, they are good images. Indeed, they are very good. But, oh my goodness, they are so much more than that. They are priceless gems of which you should be very proud.

Treasures to be sure.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Marie . When it comes to family there is more than what the image shows or how good the IQ is , because feelings are always the most important thing. Those are very beautiful images first in the meaning then in photographic manner.

I feel very sorry for the loss of your parents, I lost my mother in 2010 too and I miss her a lot. So, you are right that we are becoming elders ..

[rpcrowe]

Marie,

Having decent photographic memories of people and pets whom we love is very important. Although the faces of whom we love, will always reside vividly in our memories, it is wonderful to have a photographic representation to help us remember...

Looking back, I just realized that after 32 years of U.S. Naval Service, I have no images of me in uniform... That is sad and I should have taken care of that at the proper time...

[mknittle]

Marie,

Having decent photographic memories of people and pets whom we love is very important. Although the faces of whom we love, will always reside vividly in our memories, it is wonderful to have a photographic representation to help us remember...

Looking back, I just realized that after 32 years of U.S. Naval Service, I have no images of me in uniform... That is sad and I should have taken care of that at the proper time...

Unfortunately hindsight is 20/20 vision.

[mknittle]

Very nice images Marie,

[ST1]

Marie you should be very proud of these images of your parents. They are very good.

[Mike Buckley]

The photos nicely impart warm, caring personalities of the subjects. The images stand nicely on their own and I'm sure even more so for everyone who knew your parents.

[Marie Hass]

Dear Donald,

Thank you. My sisters and I were actually present for my mom's passing, for which I will be forever grateful.

This project was actually very cathartic for me. Lots of tears. I felt as if I was able to finally say my goodbyes to my dad and to send my mom on her way to be with him.

Marie

[Shadowman]

Nice efforts on your cherished memories.

[Marie Hass]

Randy, that is a great idea!

Thank you for thinking of us.

Marie

[Kaye Leggett]

I couldn't agree more. And I'm sure Mom and Dad would have loved them and also the care you have put into creating the images

[Marie Hass]

Dear Mike,

Thank you.

By 2010, my mom was already struggling with the grips of moderate Alzheimers. She did not remember my name, but knew I was familiar. She had several very odd habits that were beginning to make it difficult and downright unsafe to travel with her. To her credit, she was still able to follow one step instructions and smile for the camera.

What I have observed with Alzheimers is that it is not a socially acceptable disease. As the person forgets, they are forgotten. For example, not a single one of Mom's friends attended her service, despite personal invitation. Sad.

Marie

[Marie Hass]

Dear Chauncey,

Indeed, these images are treasured.

Thank you,

Marie

[Marie Hass]

Dear Binnur,

I believe the loss of anyone close to us is difficult. However, if you had asked me in 2010 how I would feel at the loss a parent, I would not have been able to answer. My sympathies for your loss as well.

Marie

[chauncey]

not a single one of Mom's friends attended her service, despite personal invitation. Sad.

No...do not disfavor them for we all handle grief differently.
Accept that she will be forever be in our memories.

[Marie Hass]

Dear Bill,

I made only a socal observation. I have no ill feelings and bear no disfavor. I am too old to carry that burden.

Thank you for your caring, my friend.

Marie

[IzzieK]

Oh Marie...now I know why you were MIA a while back...forgot you mentioned about your mother's ailment. These are three good shots of them. I am glad you made them. I wasn't into photographing people when Mom and Dad moved on. Mom also passed away from Alzheimer. Condolence for you loss. With my brother passing on too, I am now the elder too...