Gift Idea: Days With My Father

In 2006, Phillip Toledano's mother passed away and with that act, the veil was lifted between himself and the mental state of his father. His father lacks short-term memory and Phillip decided to start a photo journal recording daily interactions between them. His work has recently been released as a book and we hope you find it as beautiful and touching as we do.

With the loss of short-term memory comes a sense of loneliness and loss. Not remembering where the people around you have gone can leave an unimaginable hole inside of you. Phillip's photos and commentary weave a heart-warming story of life and the strength and frailty of it at the same time.

You can find the book at Amazon for $13.57 (on sale) and be sure to head over to his website to check out a preview of what the book holds. Click the bottom of each screen to make the story continue moving - it's a lovely site, presentation and story.

Thanks Phillip!

(Images: Phillip Toledano)

Comments (9)

Made me cry. Beautiful.

Unbelievably beautiful and touching. (I'm crying too).

I think I would find it more compelling, and less distasteful, if he had waited for his dear father to pass before setting all his private moments on display like this, without his father's permission. I don't find his writing particularly respectful either, but that's just my opinion.

I think that's a judgement to pass only if you are close with the family and know each person. Otherwise it's just as disrespectful to assume that the author and artists work was done without thought or care for the tender situation at hand.

I thought the website is beautiful. I think he writes about his parents with such fondness... but the sort of fondness that comes after teenagehood, when you begin to actually understand who your parents are.

I'm not sure what Rhiana's problem really is, because I think this is a lovely thing to do with a parent/grandparent/loved one with whom you know time is running out.

As the granddaughter of two women who suffered from Dementia, this has a deeper level for me. We were all so consumed with how difficult daily life was, that we forgot to stop and make the most of our time with our beloved grandmothers, and to just enjoy their lucid moments, rather than spend them re-explaining what was happening to them.

Very touching, I am crying too. Phillip's work made me think about my own dad.

Turn on the waterworks. So sweet and lovely.

Absolutely beautiful.

Thank you so much for this post. I have tears in my eyes as well.