MEMORIES of MOMMA*:
Here sits Momma with her other best friend, Jackson. Jackson was also my Dad's best friend, not to mention our closest family friend for over two decades.
It was always so much fun watching these two interact. They would cut-up and laugh like kids, and it was the perfect comic relief when Mom was sick and in the hospital. Jackson would brighten our spirits every morning when he'd come sit with Mom and relieve me from the hospital so I could have some 'me' time to get my head on straight. He's a lifesaver, really.
Jackson isn't just a best friend to us. He was Momma's personal coach, drill sergeant, physical therapist, and a positive force in our lives. He was also my eyes and ears in the hospital and would report back to me how she'd do during meal times or physical therapy, if I was away.
One of their interactions I remember the most was whenever Jackson would, as he called it, "tell on Betty," (report back if she wasn't eating or doing her exercises). Momma would stick her chin out and sorta smirk and then sassily shake her fist at Jackson. This was hilarious because Jackson is a boxing coach and boxed competitively during his military service, but Momma sure didn't mind showing him, through the shake of her fist, who was 'boss.'
The great thing about this friendship was that there wasn't any bossiness, just two good friends who wanted the best for each other and saw the best in one another.
*It's Day 43 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.