Alison Stairmand

I took a self portrait every night for 9 nights after putting my kids to bed. 

I get it now Mum. 

All the times you comforted us even when we were screaming at you.

The breakfasts, lunches, teas and all the snacks in between.

The clean clothes, the endless washing.

Tidying up dishes at the end of the day only to do the same thing tomorrow.

The cuddles and stories with funny voices.

The bedtimes and mornings, bedtimes and mornings, bedtimes and mornings.

The walks where we stopped to notice things.

The walks when we just had to get a bloody move on.

When you had to shut yourself in our tiny kitchen to stamp and scream so you could walk back out and breath. 

The illnesses and worry, teething and nappies, tantrums and giggles, board games and squabbles.

The unwavering love. 

I get it now.

I see you now. 

Thank you Mum x