A Thing Called Love | Artefact Motherhood | Cambridge Documentary Family Photographer

Do you know what is imperfect love? 

Perhaps you recognise some of it already. 

The clean socks and underwear that fail to make it into your drawers and sits on the laundry line for days on end. The slightly burnt piece of toast or accidentally charred dinner that has become an accustomed, but maybe not an acquired, taste. The hanging around at the door at school pick-up. Or having a few more minutes watching TV as I finish off an email or a conversation with someone.

Maybe the last one might cause the least complaint. But there’s no denial that, as your mum, I have many flaws. Flaws that are considered imperfect, that could do better. 

And you might wonder why it cannot change. I wish I could tell you. Just like when I tell you I love you. I’m sorry. Or whatever meaningful words I want to say, show and want you to know. It’s hard to sum it up all in one way without any obstacles or challenges, boundaries or limits. I didn’t grow up talking about emotions, what they meant or understood the way they felt. That part took a lot of long, hard soul-searching, which I am still learning and finding acceptance.

Not that I am making excuses — that it’s a part of the fabric of who I am. Part of the imperfect love, as well as the pure and unconditional love I want to give you and hope you’ll understand. Like those days, when you have my undivided attention, play games together and go on our little adventures.

Someday I hope we can sit down and openly talk about it. This is just a reminder, an invitation, a promise. Because I want you to know my love for you in its realness, the imperfections, the true story, not the edited ‘perfect’ version.

Because love can be beautiful and imperfect. An imperfect love. 

This is part of ARTEFACT MOTHERHOOD - a project shared with other female artists who are documenting our journeys as mothers and creating memories for our children through our photographs and words.

Go next to the wonderful artist Hollie Stokes to read her post in our blog circle.