It’s Anzac Day here in New Zealand, a day when we as a country stand together to remember the fallen soldiers who fought to give us our freedom, and to honour those who came home. While I 100% respect and agree with the sentiment of the day and am of course thankful to those who gave their lives, on this day I also want to remember someone who went to battle in a very different way: my Mum.

She never fought in any world war but jesus she sure fought a war on the homefront. The fire she came under, the hits she took. She was as brave as any soldier. She went to war time and time again for what she believed in: her family.

My mother was a very small woman but when she was riled up, she became 6 foot 4. For me, she fought bureaucracy, she stood up to surgeons, orthodontists and speech therapists when she disagreed with their points of view. She taught me to be strong and to believe in myself, she stood by me, protected me in so many ways. She wasn’t perfect. She was a human being not some sort of god. But what my mother did do was give me all the loving she had. When I was a small girl she promised me she would be with me all the days of my life, and she’s kept her promise. Although she’s gone from this world, she’s still with me. Guiding me and helping me steer my life straight and true.

I love you Mum, and I remember you.

[I remember you, 2020 is available as a limited edition studioprint ]