"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 21)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Last night, I was looking through a big stack of old photos, and I came across this stunner. It was the first time I had seen this particular picture of my Mom, and I love it! This must have been in the late 70s, during her "ashy blonde phase." That's her pet poodle, Peppi, sitting pretty in her lap. I think she named him after the Looney Tunes cartoon character, Pepé le Pew.

She loved that dog so much, and I think he crossed the Rainbow Bridge just a few months before I was born. I can't imagine how sad and stressful that must have been for her while she was pregnant.

This is how I remember my Mom: big smile, nails perfectly manicured, hair as perfection. The ring on her left hand is the one I now own. I wear it on special occasions and am delighted to know she was wearing it during so many special and fun moments in her life, like this one... a portrait with her favorite pup. 

*It's Day 21 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 20)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Check out these two hipsters! This must've been in the mid-1970s, but by the looks of Dad's beard, he's totally on trend with 2016.

This is actually the first time I've ever seen my Dad wear a wedding ring. Even though they were married for 25+ years, Daddy never wore his wedding ring because he was a barber and it got in the way of the scissors during a haircut. I'm surprised the ring was white gold, but that makes sense because then it would match my Mom's ring.

I love the sunshiny candidness of this photo. Momma looks completely smitten and happy. May they both be enjoying the brightness of heaven these days.

*It's Day 20 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 19)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

The year was 1973, and Momma was 24 years old. Here she is at Castile Manor with her poodle puppy, Pepe. (More later on Castile Manor.)

She looks like she's fresh off the Parisian runway. I'm sure her dress was all the rage back in the bold and daring 1970s, and she's dynamite in her tall-as-a-skyscraper hair. Love her! 

*It's Day 19 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 18)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

More bunnies, y'all! Mom and I were younger in this picture than the previous two bunny-play-time pictures I posted. By the looks of this photo, I was a big fan of Mickey Mouse (complete with Minnie Mouse wrist watch) and Momma had perfected her lotus pose.

*It's Day 18 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.