"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 56)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma was around 25 in this picture, and she and Dad were totally in love. This photo was taken when they lived at Castile Manor in the mid-1970s. For those living in Huntsville, you can still see Castile Manor (aka the Kildare-McCormick House as it's called on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places) off Oakwood Avenue near Meridian Street.

This photograph doesn't do justice to the stunning dress Mom is wearing. For starters, it was a deep emerald green velvet dress, with a metallic gold trim around the bodice. It would put Scarlett's O'Hara to shame. The best part of all: she made this dress herself.

When I was in grade school, we had a class project that involved getting dressed up as a character. I knew this vintage dress would be perfect for the assignment, and Mom agreed to let me borrow it for the school project as long as I promised to take extra good care of it. I remember the back of the dress barely zipped because I was a chubby kid, and the bottom of the dress was way too long for my childhood height. Regardless, I felt like royalty, just as she looked like a Queen.

*It's Day 56 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 55)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma loved a good margarita. Her favorite lunch spot was Phil Sandoval's Mexican Restaurant in Huntsville. She would always order a small cup of the poblano chicken soup, an a la carte fish taco on a soft shell, a "bump" of guacamole, and of course a margarita with salt on the rocks.

This was our regular go-to lunch spot whenever I'd visit Mom for the holidays. We'd sit and have a slow, leisurely lunch and remark on all the colorful decorations. My favorite part, and hers too, was when the waiter would bring a small bowl of vanilla soft serve ice cream to the table, along with the check. It was a good distraction since we'd usually fight over who got the check, and I'd insist it was my treat. Afterward, we'd go to Target or HomeGoods to roam, giggling in the aisles or remarking at some new gadget.

I'd give anything right now to share one more margarita with Mom. Cheers to you, Momma!

*It's Day 55 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 54)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma got to shake hands with the Governor of Alaska when she visited me the summer of 2014. We were at the Governor's Annual Family Picnic hosted in Juneau at Sandy Beach, and we seized the opportunity to meet Governor Sean Parnell and First Lady Sandy Parnell as they were walking through the crowd.

I was so proud to introduce my Mom to the Governor, and Mom was so surprised that she got to spend a few minutes talking with him and the First Lady. This sort of casual interaction would be unheard of in my home state of Alabama, so it was all the more special for me and Mom.

During her visit the following summer, Alaska had a new administration, but still hosted a picnic for the community. She met Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott during that event, and the Lt. Governor, charmed by her accent, asked if she was from England. Momma let out a big laugh and said, "Why nah, I'm from Huntsville, Alabama!" She always did have the best accent.

*It's Day 54 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 53)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma and Sonny Bunny were best buds. Whenever Mom would visit me in Alaska for the summer, she and Sonny Bunny would hang out during the day while I was at work. Often times, I would get a selfie of the two of them laying on the couch cuddling or watching soap operas together. She loved that fur ball, and he had a special bond with Mom.

When Sonny Bunny got sick in the summer of 2015, Mom was so helpful taking him for his weekly chemotherapy appointments and looking after him in recovery while I was at work. She loved being a caretaker for her 'grandcat,' as she put it.

When SB crossed the Rainbow Bridge in October 2015, it saddened my Mom as much as it devastated me. She cried with me on the phone, and she was an incredible support system for me in the loss of my little fur-buddy.

One year for Christmas, she commissioned a Sonny Bunny figurine, handmade from felt and thread by an artist in California. It looked exactly life him and even replicated the wild carpet in my apartment. It was the perfect gift, from the Best Mom Ever.

I like to imagine them both up in Heaven right now, curled up on a couch and taking selfies.

*It's Day 53 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.