Mothers and daughters are beautiful. As a mom of two adult children (18 and 22), I know how deeply connected we are to our kids. I also know how challenging it can be–especially if you’re a mom of a daughter going through the “trying” teenage years. Lots of eye rolling. Lots of drama. Lots of highs and lots of lows. It’s one fabulous, wonderful, crazy-making roller coaster ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

When I book a photoshoot with a mom and daughter, I get excited about the opportunity to create something really special for them. I know how much the mom is going to treasure this time with her daughter (Seriously. How often can you get a teenager to stay in the same room with you for more than five minutes?) And I know that she is going to look at that photo with so many emotions. It makes me tear up, every time! And eventually, that photo is going to mean the world to her daughter, too (just maybe not right now).

When I met Jennifer and her daughter, Sheila, I was struck by how much they enjoyed being together. They were full of smiles, laughter and love. I just can’t explain how much that means to me. My daughter has been away for a year in New Zealand, and I miss her to the moon and back! But it wasn’t my daughter who I was thinking about when I finished this image. It was my mom.

Lois, my mom, and I had this kind of connection and love. We were more like best friends. I miss her so much, even though she’s still living. Alzheimer’s robbed my mom of all her memories, including who my sisters and I are. I wish I could just spend one more day with her knowing me, and knowing how much I love her.

Call your mom.