This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

When Pictures Really Become Priceless

I'm distracted by the digital world. It's a paradox of simultaneous connection and disconnection. I realise I'm not living fully in the moment when I'm trying to immortalise our memories together. And yet, I feel I have little choice in the matter.
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Natalie Roberts Mazzeo

I am that mother who has her feet in the present moment and her hands trying to capture it on camera.

I love capturing images, even more so of my family and friends. However, sometimes it comes at a price. For example, instead of marvelling at the beautiful sunset, or the sun's golden glow reflecting on my daughters' faces, I find myself frantically trying to catch a photo of it -- and not just one photo, many.

No matter how immaculate the setting, the moment or the image, a part of me is thinking: "Just put the phone down and let yourself be 100 percent present." After all, I already have so many images my cyber-storage is full.

I'm distracted by the digital world. It's a paradox of simultaneous connection and disconnection. I realise I'm not living fully in the moment when I'm trying to immortalise our memories together. And yet, I feel I have little choice in the matter.

You see, my youngest daughter, Chiara, has a short life expectancy.

Chiara. Image: Natalie Roberts Mazzeo

Our family life is often focused on neurological research, therapy appointments, hospital visits, sourcing special-needs equipment, medical operations, medical tests, funding applications and everything else in between. The iPhone has become a big part of this journey, capturing memories along the way.

But still, I am torn.

I am torn between completely absorbing precious moments camera-free, and wanting to capture them so they live forever. My two little lionesses are my most beautiful creations, such little peace-warriors, their crystal-clear eyes full of wisdom and their expansive hearts full of joy. Sometimes I notice how quickly the need to bring out the camera can disrupt the natural flow of their free spirits.

Natalie's daughter, Grace. Image: Natalie Roberts Mazzeo

My intuition tells me that sometimes I am missing the moment, that I should leave my phone off and simply be.

The photos may well live forever, but with the fragility of my daughter's life, I am reminded that the most memorable moments are ones full of presence.

These are the kind that will live forever, especially in a mother's heart.

Natalie and her family. Image: Natalie Roberts Mazzeo

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You can follow Chiara's journey on Natalie's blog or on Facebook.

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