Collette Parr-Owens

Collette Parr-Owens

From North West of England I now live in New Zealand,

Who am I?

If you asked me this question a year ago I’d talk to you about my physical being and the roles I have as a mother,

wife, sister, friend etc. However I see myself differently today.

I am (apparently) a spiritual being, this is a concept that I am learning to understand. I live my life through a

physical body, so that you can see me. My spiritual being gives me infinite potential to achieve anything I want,

my abilities are endless, again I am learning this about myself, and adapting and every day. Intellectually I am a

creator, thought provoker, a questioner and a curious being. I am compassionate and someone that is deeply

aware of my own emotions, my intuition guides me to understanding others resulting in making strong

connections and relationships.

This is the story I want rewritten for women.

As I ponder this question, I think about my own situation and my role, as a daughter, the only girl of three

children, to my beautiful parents. I have grappled with a question, hmmm is it a question, is it a ‘thing’? Is there

really an expectation that daughters, the females of the family will become the carers to other family members

that can no longer care for themselves? I’m referring to elderly parents. In some cultures this is a given, it is

done without question, and I admire that. In my culture it is not so much an expectation, but is it rather an

unwritten ‘ideal’,  it is curious that it’s not really a spoken about,  until it is needed. It’s that time when your

parents are not physically or mentally able to do things for themselves in a way they use to, who then steps in

and helps them with day to day tasks? Who takes over the caring?

This is of course a huge generalisation. My own personal experience has influenced my thoughts. Whilst I live in

NZ my beautiful, amazing mother is in England, she is my rock, my inspiration a fiercely independent woman,

who climbed the corporate ladder, brought up three children, nothing slipped, a social ‘butterfly’ who was up for

any political debate! . A gutsy woman that stood her ground not afraid to travel on her own until dementia sent

everything into chaos.

It has never been explicitly stated, more of an undercurrent why I didn’t move back to England, step-in take over

the caring, it’s a female thing…..isn’t it! - enough said!

This is the story I want to write for myself

The story for myself is simple and beautiful all at once.

It builds on the success I already have in my personal and professional life, my children have been able to follow

their dreams and are independent and happy with their pursuits. Having developed my career in health and

reached the top of my profession,  I  am fulfilled, and happy busy creating the next chapter of my life. I’m learning

new skills with a rich tapestry of social, spiritual and creative activities. When I leave my work in healthcare I

continue with my new creation that stimulates me mentally combining all I have learnt, I have the freedom to

come and go as I please and time to develop my love for photography.

I produce stunning photographs and freelance my work, every picture tell a story (I love that about photography,

the story embedded in the picture, so powerful) and are exhibited in local cafes, they bring pleasure and joy to

many. Through my creations and the love of helping others my life is complete.

My work can be done from anywhere and I am free to travel with my laptop and phone!