Momma's Day

It's Mother's Day... my second one without her. I'm in Wasilla right now, relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee and bacon sizzling in the oven.

Last night at the grocery store, I fought back the tears when I saw people walking up and down the aisles with their Mother's Day bouquets. For a split second, I had made the mental note that I needed to be sure to call Momma for Mother's Day.

This morning, I awoke to this thoughtful comment from a sweet stranger in Florida who found my "Memories of Momma" photo tribute on Instagram. My Mom loved angels, so it was especially touching that this woman referred to Momma in that way. Her words are a gift!

I can't speak for others' experiences dealing with grief, but for me, getting past the "firsts" has been the toughest. This year, my head is a little clearer now that I'm further from the fog of grief. And these little surprise comments — from strangers and from friends — sure help too.

Today, we baked a big peach cobbler, in honor of my Momma. Piping hot from the oven and smothered with ice cream, my heart was warmed with memories of her. 

Love and miss you everyday, Momma.  

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 71)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

The date was January 1, 2016, and Mom and I were saying our "see you laters" before I headed back to Alaska after a 2+ week trip to Alabama. It was one of the best visits ever. Little did I know that just 10 days later, she'd text me about stomach pain, which eventually landed her in the hospital for the remainder of her life. On January 15, 2016, her two word text — "Come home" — prompted me to return back to Huntsville at break-neck speed.

Little did I know this would be the last selfie we would take together during happy times.

I still remember how her eyes welled up with tears at the airport when I left and how her hair smelled so clean, like fresh rain, as I hugged her tight. 

*It's Day 71, the last day 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.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 70)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

One of the smartest things I've ever done was to arrange a Mother/Daughter photo shoot when Mom was visiting me in 2015. Here is one of the more candid shots from our portrait session. I said, "Momma, let's pretend we're looking at an eagle in the sky!" Mom played along perfectly, and now — we have this perfect picture.

She's soaring with the angels and eagles now!

*It's Day 70 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.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 69)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

It took Momma a solid five minutes to work up the gumption to touch this sea star. There was also about five minutes worth of me egging her on. I kept telling her how it didn't feel at all like she would expect, and that she just had to stick her hand in the water.

Initially, she emphatically said, "Helllll nawwwwh!" But eventually, she stuck one finger under the water's surface, cautiously and gently petting the sunfish.

I can't get enough of her sweet, curious expression in this photo!

*It's Day 69 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.