Sattva Photo

Scenes from No Kings 3 in Bellingham.

With so much darkness, pain, and terror in the world, it feels more important than ever to share glimpses of light, beauty and wonder. To know the good is still possible, and still around us. The individuals in these portrait sessions do that for me. I hope they do for you.

This is an ongoing portrait series, created in collaboration with the incredible residents, families of residents, and staff at the Alzheimer’s care facility where my mom lives: Silverado in Bellingham.

This is an effort to help normalize the wonderful people who live with Alzheimer’s. To show that there is still so much beauty and joy in the midst of what is a truly brutal and unforgiving disease.

With love.

Today is my mom’s 70th birthday, but she doesn’t know it. She hasn’t known her birthday since she was 66, when her Alzheimer’s was first officially diagnosed.

My mom loved celebrating other people’s birthdays more than her own, but for her 55th birthday, my grandma, Zetta, and I coordinated a surprise party for her in her favorite place in the world: Bull Lake, Montana. I reached out to her siblings, former students, friends of hers over the years, and tons of people sent letters, photos, and memories of her for a book we put together. Tons of her favorite people were present. It was beautiful. I’m grateful it happened. I now have that book.

On this day, in celebration of my mom, Molly, I’m asking you to give your favorite people a hug, or a smooch, or a call or text of love. It’s what she would want if she were able to ask.

In love and appreciation,
Alex Bodi Hallett

opening for on Thursday at The Fifth Ave. Fantastic.