Bougainvillea flowers will always hold a special place in my heart, as they remind me of my grandmother and all the carefree California Summers that I spent with her while growing up. So during our visit with my grandparents this past week, when I happened to glance out the window to see the setting sun dipping down in the sky and illuminating a wall enrobed in vibrant blooms, I had to grab my camera for a bit of photo therapy and rushed out to capture a few shots.
But I want to share something more with you friends (it's kind of hard to talk about). While beautiful, these photos also hold a lot of sadness for me...because it was just earlier that afternoon that I learned my grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. We've seen the signs for quite some time, but this rather final diagnosis and witnessing first-hand the way she now struggles to recall simple things...and even some of my sibling's names, is heartbreaking. I honestly don't think I've processed it completely yet. I guess right now, all I really know for certain is that no matter what direction time will take my grandmother in, she has always been the kindest and most nurturing person I've ever known...the one person who has always believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself, and a part of my heart that I keep with me always. I know there will be sad times ahead, but for now I want to surround myself in a cloud of bougainvillea-pink memories, and smile because of all the years we've been able to share so far. xo Ez
