"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 14)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

The year was 1977. My Mom was 28 years old, and here she is with her 11-week old pup, Whitie. I only know the specifics of this photo because Mom had the lovely habit of writing details on the backs of old pictures.

This photo cracks me up because the dog's ears are almost as big as her frosted Dolly-Parton-esque hair! *

It's Day 14 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 13)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I still remember the softness of her blue housecoat. She wore it for years when I was growing up.

This is a picture of Mom right after she and Daddy brought me home from the hospital. It snowed in Alabama on the day I was born (March 10), so it's no surprise she wanted to be warm and cozy at home in this frock.

She looks absolutely flawless. I can't believe she had just given birth. I want so desperately to just be able to text her and say, "Hey Momma, remind me how much I weighed when I was born?" Well, regardless of how big of a baby I was, she still looks like she just walked off the set of a photoshoot.

*It's Day 13 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 12)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

"Mommy, you so pretty," is I'm sure what I was saying or thinking during this portrait session with Mom in the mid-1980s. She looks happy, and I look smitten. I also look like the spitting image of my Dad here in this picture.

*It's Day 12 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 11)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This photo was taken sometime in the mid-1980s during a family portrait session. I remember learning years ago that the photographer was a customer of my Dad's who owed Dad money, so they did a little trade to settle up the books. My parents ended up getting these family photos for free. My Dad was a barber, and I think trading haircuts for lifetime memories captured within a photo isn't a bad deal. :)

This is how I remember my Mom from when I was growing up. Short, teased hair and winged eyeliner. Flawless. She looks stunning and happy and at peace. My Dad was a damn lucky man, that's for sure.

*It's Day 11 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.