"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 52)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom was a big fan of daytime television, especially NBC's "TODAY Show." When we heard that television personality and famed journalist, Natalie Morales, was going to be filming live in Juneau for the "TODAY Show," we knew we had try to get ourselves on the big screen!

We got up super early — around 3am — and drove in the dark to the Mendenhall Glacier where the news crew was setting up. We thought we'd have a prime opportunity of getting on camera, so we donned our best Alaska-themed attire: bright and colorful kuspuks, walrus ivory jewelry, and big fur hats. Except, half of Juneau had the same idea of wanting to be on camera, so we arrived to hundreds of people already on-site, looking for their five minutes of fame.

Momma and I were patient though and waited around for hours, ultimately getting selfies with Ms. Morales herself. Though we were exhausted from no sleep, it was actually fun waiting amongst the crowd. We made a few new friends, and folks thought Mom was so adorable in her fur hat. Some even asked if they could "pet" her fluffy fur hat. It was cuter than cute!

*It's Day 52 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 51)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Christmas 2014 — Momma and I celebrated the holidays together in my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. Once I moved to Alaska in 2009, we didn't have many Christmases together, and looking back, I wish I had spent every single Christmas with her. I can't imagine how lonely it was for her not having her "baby girl" home for the holidays.

In 2014, I was able to visit Mom for four long weeks, and we had such an incredible visit. I would have to say that starting new Christmas traditions together was one of the highlights. My Dad had passed away in November 2009, so the holidays were different with his absence.

When I was growing up, we'd celebrate Christmas on the 25th and would wake up early to open presents, then we would have a Christmas meal in the late afternoon, usually a ham or turkey with all the Southern fixings and more sweets than you can imagine.

After I moved away from home, I adopted a few new traditions, which Mom and I then included into our own Christmases together. For starters, we cooked a big prime rib feast on Christmas Eve, later in the evening since we would be staying up late for the candlelight midnight service at church. Presents would be opened after supper, as we'd sit around the fireplace and her beautifully decorated tree. Then we'd head to St. Mark's Lutheran Church around 10:30pm for their Christmas service. After midnight, the town was dark and quiet, so we'd drive around and look at Christmas lights. It made for a late night, but it was always so wonderful spending this quality time with Mom.

This past Christmas was my first one without her, and it was tougher than tough. But I kept her memory alive. I took special care and attention to decorate the tree with ornaments inherited from her, some of which she made herself. She always took such pride in putting the tree up and decorating the house. I was thoughtful in my gift-giving to Loved Ones, just as she was. Gift giving was her forte, and she always put so much effort and thought into a gift. Yes, her physical absence from Christmas will always be felt, but I know she will now always be part of my traditions.

*It's Day 51 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 50)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma was the best grillmaster, ever. No exaggeration, she seriously knew how to grill a good steak. I'm not sure how she initially learned her grilling skills, but she definitely perfected her talent with lots of practice over the years. Every single Saturday evening, no matter how busy we were or how much or little money we had, as a family we always had steak and baked potatoes together for supper on Saturdays.

Leading up to dinner time, Mom would always ask me to set the table, and I'd sigh loudly because it was cutting into my TV time or whatever I was doing while she was hard at work cooking. Gosh, I was a little brat sometimes! But I really did look forward to those steak dinners, the deliciousness, the consistency, the family time. It always meant that we could relax for the evening.

When I was growing up and too young to need an entire baked potato all for myself, my Mom would split hers with me. She'd cut it straight down the middle, plop it on my plate, and butter it up. And when I was too little to use a knife and cut the steak by myself, either she or Daddy would cut my steak for me.

It was always medium rare and always made with love.

*It's Day 50 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 49)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I had forgotten I had even taken this photograph, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites of Mom. This picture is from our mother-daughter beach trip in 2010 to celebrate finishing grad school. We went on an impromptu Gulf Coast catamaran cruise at sunset after seeing a random advertisement at the hotel.

The sailboat was called "Wild Hearts," and we had a blast out on the water, though cautious Momma stayed below deck most of the trip. Whenever I'd say, "Momma, I'm goin' up top to take pictures," she'd protectively respond... in long drawn out Southern syllables... "Now you be careful, Candice."

I love how happy and carefree Mom is in this photo. Her hair is windswept and messy. She's grinning from ear-to-ear. Her face is sun-kissed. And she's wearing the beautiful diamond pendant that I am now wearing as I write this tribute. She is my heart!

*It's Day 49 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.