Steph Jagger found herself faced with the heartbreaking reality of losing her mother twice. Her mother, afflicted by an insidious ailment that gradually erodes her memories and identity, struggles to recall even the simplest aspects of her life—her favorite beverage, her cherished melody, and Steph herself. Witnessing her mother's gradual descent into oblivion without the chance to share her own narrative, Steph makes a solemn vow: she will undertake the journey her mother can no longer undertake and immortalize it in writing.

Keenly aware of her mother's fading recollections, Steph proposes a camping expedition to Montana—an idea her mother reluctantly agrees to, urged on by Steph's father. What begins as an adventure replete with horseback riding, hiking, and nights spent "tenting" in the Western wilderness swiftly transforms into a profound exploration of Steph's own childhood, her experiences as a mother, her sense of self, and the complexities of loving someone who can no longer remember the person she has become.

Everything Left to Remember is a profoundly moving and visually stunning contemplation of how stories are passed down from generation to generation, both through familial lineage and the vast tapestry of nature itself. Against the backdrop of Montana's expansive sky, under the watchful gaze of constellations, this extraordinary journey imparts the wisdom of how our memories shape us into the individuals we are.

During the course of our conversation, Steph and I embarked on an introspective journey that uncovers a profound truth: the discovery of emotional wellness as an indispensable tool for caregivers was unveiled in the most unexpected of places—beneath the vast expanse of celestial wonders that adorned the night sky.

As we exchange thoughts, we find ourselves immersed in the remarkable realization that gazing up at those distant stars was a catalyst for understanding the intricacies of tending to others with empathy and compassion. The awe-inspiring cosmic backdrop seemed to bestow upon us a newfound wisdom, allowing us to recognize the importance of nurturing our own emotional well-being as caregivers so that we may better support and uplift those in our care. In this luminous setting, surrounded by the infinite beauty of the universe, we appreciate the interconnectedness of our emotional journey with the boundless love and care we provide to others.

Learn more about Steph Here.

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