Between Then & Now by Patricia McElroy

As I pass my mom's bedroom, I notice light seeping beneath the door, indicating raised window shades. Peeking in, I see her asleep on her lazy-boy covered with a large throw, dressed, hair in curlers, face powdered, rosary in hand, and tissues beside her on the wide armrest. Her 1.5-hour morning routine is a mystery; it's 7 am, and I don't know when she got up. Despite feeling like I can predict her every move, her surprises have become more frequent.

Six years ago, my mother came from Ireland to visit, and it became evident she could no longer live on her own, Now at 93, dealing with near blindness, physical struggles, and dementia, she remains remarkably resilient.

As I witness her challenges and juggle my role as her caregiver, time takes on profound significance. It uniquely shapes our daily routines. She marks time throughout her day, living in the present with fleeting thoughts of her past. I grieve for the mother she once was, fearing my memories of her 'before' will fade under the weight of her current condition.

Our relationship, always close, is rooted in a time when actions carried more weight than words. While making my mother the focus of a series of images was a struggle it has become an unexpected gift. Dementia has stolen her usual sources of joy, but surprisingly, despite her past reluctance to be photographed, she now enjoys this shared process, transcending the caregiver-patient relationship that has become the norm.

Though she can't see the images, her willingness to participate lets me depict her experiences with sensitivity and depth. My images strive to reveal the essence of her life, capturing the present moment while delving into complexities beneath the surface, creating a dialogue with life's interconnected layers.

Patricia McElroy

Patricia McElroy is an interdisciplinary artist, photographer, and designer based in the Philadelphia area. Patricia's photography primarily explores themes related to belonging, memory structures, and cultural identity, with a focus on the connections between the past and the present.

Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with notable recognitions and awards, including Critical Mass finalist in 2023, top honors in The Pollux Awards 2023, honorable mention at The Julia Margaret Cameron Awards 2023. She has had work chosen in numerous juried exhibitions including the Royal Ulster Academy and Royal Hibernian Academy in Ireland in 2023. She also received Honorable Mention in Photographer of the Year 2023, All About Photo.

Her photographs are held in the permanent collection of The Art Council of Northern Ireland and in private collections nationally and internationally.

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