"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 42)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This is Momma with her Bestie, Sue. Sue — or as Mom taught me to call her, "Aunt Sue" — has known my Mom a longer amount of time than I myself have known my own mother. Oh, I can only imagine the stories they could tell after nearly four decades of best friendship. But that's the beauty of best friends: they never tell about all the crazy shenanigans, but the memories live on!

I got a chuckle when I zoomed in on this picture and spotted the "Hooters" menus on the table. I wonder who's idea this was! I myself have never stepped foot inside a "Hooters," but I find it both hilarious and endearing that these two little ladies did.

*It's Day 42 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 41)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma spent most of summer 2014 visiting me in Juneau. We had the time of our lives, and she probably would've tried to extend her visit into the fall season — except she had something really fun to look forward to once she returned to Alabama.

Her best friend, Sue, who lives in Houston, Texas, had been planning a visit to Huntsville to see Mom, and Mom was naturally and understandably ecstatic. I remember how Mom was frantically cleaning her house in anticipation of Sue's visit, knowing full well that Sue wouldn't care nor would she judge, but Momma always took such pride in her home and wanted it to look perfect for Sue's visit.

They were able to be together on Mom's 65th birthday, and I know it made Mom happy as a clam at high tide to have her Bestie by her side.

In this picture, Mom is showing Sue how to take a selfie. I love Mom's grin, almost as if she was having a hard time holding back her laughter. My Aunt Sue is so adorable, too. Seeing this picture inspires me to want to take a trip to Texas to see Sue and hear all about my Mom, from her best friend's perspective.

 *It's Day 41 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 40)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This is Momma and her best friend, Sue, or who I affectionately call to this day, "Aunt Sue." Sue was a bit older than Momma, and they were best friends nevertheless.

I don't know the circumstances in which they met and became life-long friends, but there's one thing that is for sure: they were friends for the ages.  My Mom loved Sue, and Sue loved my Momma... dearly.

When I had to call Aunt Sue on March 21 to break the news that Mom had passed away, it was once of the hardest things ever. None of us were expecting the news, nor were any of us wanting to hear or give it. That's what is unfortunate about being an only child — all the responsibility falls on you.

*It's Day 40 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 Tribute (Day 39)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

My Mom was a very hard worker. During most of my childhood, she worked for a tech company called Intergraph Corporation, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. Intergraph had a sprawling campus, with a huge cafeteria where my Mom worked every weekday. She was trustworthy and cordial, so she was the lead cashier on the front lines, keeping everything in order and running smoothly.

I remember there were a few occasions when I visited her for the day at work because I was on a break from school. I remember how particular she was about the cash drawer, how she would make sure all the dollar bills were turned in the right direction. When I was old enough to help her with chores at work, she put me in charge of filling up the salt and pepper shakers. For some reason, I really liked this task! There was something about seeing the instant gratification of those little glass containers filled to the top.

I remember Fridays were the day they would do a deep cleaning of the frozen yogurt machine. The cafeteria was closed over the weekend, so Friday was the day to get things ready for the following week.

My Mom was always ridiculously early to work. This aggravated my Dad, but Mom always said she enjoyed getting to work early so she could get a head start on her responsibilities and wouldn't be so frazzled during the day when things got busy during the lunch rush.

I've always admired the fact that she would get to work so early — at the crack of dawn no less. This trait certainly didn't carry over to me because I still have a hard time getting up in the mornings. I've always been a night owl, and she was such an early bird. And she always got the worm.

*It's Day 39 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.