MEMORIES of MOMMA*:
Continuing with the theme of family vacations, one year we traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the Christmas break. I remember we loaded so much stuff into the car that there was no room on the seven hour drive for me to stretch out and sleep in the back seat. Mom and Dad packed boxes of food and presents and everything else needed for celebrating Christmas at the beach.
I remember Mom wanting to make our Christmas away from home extra special, so she packed up lots of Christmas decorations, including this vintage green ceramic Christmas tree you can see on the table in this picture. I was spoiled rotten and didn't appreciate some of these thoughtful gestures at the time — but I definitely do now.
When Mom passed away and I was going through her home and boxing up decades of memories, I happened upon the tabletop Christmas tree. I was overjoyed to find it because it had been part of our family for so many years.
I was SO excited about the idea of bringing a little piece of 'home' back to Alaska with me. I even took the lamp to a lighting specialist in Huntsville to replace all the old wiring so it'd be safe in Alaska. Then I packed it up very careful and sent it on its way to Juneau. Unfortunately, it arrived broken in a million pieces, and I was devastated. I am glad I found this picture though.
*It's Day 37 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.