"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 68)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom and I were on a tiny float plane, returning to Juneau from the Taku Glacier. We were both on Cloud Nine from our adventure at a remote lodge where we were able to feast on fresh king salmon and watch snoozing bears in the trees.

That first flight, though without mishap or turbulence, was white-knuckle for her. It was such a new experience for her. I sat close by and observed her looking around, wide-eyed and impressed at the scene in front of her. It was like I was able to see Alaska all anew again.

Mom was less hesitant and nervous about our return flight than she was on the departure earlier than day. As the floatplane was getting ready to accelerate, I leaned forward to distract her. "Momma, take a selfie," I said. And so she did... her eyes sparkling and her grin stretching from ear to ear.

*It's Day 68 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 67)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

On the day I took Mom for her first ever Alaska beachcombing adventure, we found about 30 bald eagles, hundreds of spawning salmon, and one penis-shaped rock. Yes, really.

In preparation for our little jaunt at low tide, I outfitted Momma in my blue rain jacket and clunky tall rain boots, which were about a size too big. Initially, she was hesitant to go down by the water, but it didn't take long for her to want a closer look.

Mom was terrified of slipping and falling on the rocks, so she took my arm in her arm, and we walked together ever so slowly. We were slow as snails. We walked down to the stream where there were flailing and flapping fish galore.

Momma would squeal whenever she'd get splashed with water, and she'd pause to look at the eagles soaring overhead. The golden hour sunset light illuminated everything, and we were so at peace, just the two of us.

It was one of the best memories ever. *It's Day 67 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 66)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

One of Mom’s fondest memories was what she called “the best trip of her life.” Mom was visiting me the summer of 2014, and I had secretly planned a birthday trip to take her out on a floatplane to visit the Taku Glacier Lodge for a salmon bake and bear viewing.

I teed things up for weeks… whenever we’d see a floatplane in the sky, I’d say, “Geez Mom, would you ever get on one of those things?” She would emphatically say, “HELLLLL NAHHH!” A few weeks later, I told her I had a surprise and that she needed to be open minded.

When we parked down by the wharf, the floatplanes were flying in. It was an incredibly sunny blue-bird day. I said, “Guess what, Momma.We’re about to get on one of those planes!” She was shocked to say the least.She asked me multiple times if I was kidding. She kept shaking her head in disbelief, but I know she was deep down excited. Her nerves eventually subsided, and at the end of the day, she said it was the best trip ever.

*It's Day 66 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 65)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom didn't like getting her hair messed up by the rain or wind. So imagine my surprise when she very willingly and excitedly joined me outside in a downpour during a Douglas Island 4th of July parade.

We painted our nails in patriotic colors and donned our blue rain jackets before grabbing our lawn chairs to go sit outside. We also *might* have added sangria spritzers into our coffee cups.

Rain or shine, Momma was always in style!

*It's Day 65 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.