STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY
Family values are not just taught; they’re woven into the fabric of our lives and passed down from one generation to the next.
Like cherished heirlooms, they carry words of wisdom, traditions, and a deep love for those who come before us.
For Bridie Sanderson, 31, her family is everything and stands as both an anchor and guiding light in her journey through life.
Her mother, Joanne Sanderson, 56, and her grandmother, Elizabeth Simm, 86, have helped shape her decisions.
They have instilled in her the virtues of patience and resilience, especially during the challenging moments of parenthood.
Above all else, they have shown her that cherishing family connections and valuing the moments spent together are the most essential elements in life – the gift of time.
“Mum and Nan are not women who use many words, but more so actions of support and love,” Bridie said.
“So, we spend a lot of time together, having afternoon teas and coming together for special occasions.
“I tend to use my words a lot more, and I am doing my best to ensure my girls, Eliza and Addilyn, are comfortable using both.
“We always say presence vs presents — family is top priority.”
In addition to their shared appreciation for the value of time, another common bond among the women is their large families.
Elizabeth, originally from Tatura, was the third youngest among eight siblings. She went on to have seven children, one of whom is Joanne.
Joanne, in turn, welcomed five children into the world — four girls and one boy.
Bridie, one of Joanne's four daughters, is presently busy juggling part-time work while actively raising four lively youngsters.
“Bearing children must be in our genes,” Bridie chuckled.
“Times have certainly changed, though. Nan primarily stayed home to raise her children, while mum stayed home most of the time while also working casually — Nan was always there to babysit.
“Since my youngest was seven months old, I’ve worked part-time to contribute to our income and help cover our mortgages and living expenses, as this is the norm in today’s society.
“My husband’s involvement in raising our kids compared to my dad or my grandfather’s is much different. The role of women has changed.”
Regarding personality traits, Eliza is often described as the loudest. Bridie, however, is known for her humour, although she’s also the most sensitive.
Yet, when all together, they thoroughly enjoy sharing a good laugh.
“I remember one family Easter around 2010 when the face swap app came out; we all got busy taking pictures and swapping faces,” Bridie said.
“A lot of laughs and snorts were had while sharing the pictures around the room – including Nan.”
As Mother’s Day approaches, Bridie mentioned that this year’s celebrations would be slightly different as the family gathers to also celebrate her Nan’s 87th birthday.
While the day marks a significant milestone, Bridie said many cherished memories live within her heart.
“As children, we would have lots of sleepovers, and I have fond memories of being with Nan on school holidays. I still remember her letting us have full access to her kitchen and baking cakes, muffins and anything out of whatever we wanted,” she said.
“We always had a good laugh and would share our concoctions with mum and aunties when they picked us up.
“Seeing my Nan and mum with my children is a real gift. I cherish all the times spent together and am forever grateful for all our memories.”
As I observed Elizabeth from a distance while capturing the images that would symbolise this unique bond of four generations, I couldn’t help but be moved.
I could see her deep sense of awe as she gazed upon her daughter, granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.
Her eyes shimmered with pride, her expression radiating love.
In that touching moment, the timeless connections spoke volumes without needing any words.
Showing a beautiful testament to the enduring power of family, woven together through generations of love.