"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 26)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

By the looks of these pictures, these photos could've easily been taken in Alaska, but no — they were taken in a photo booth in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Still, it was a climate that deserved a fur coat collar. The year was December 1967. And Momma was 18.

*It's Day 26 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 25)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Today, February 4th, would have been their wedding anniversary. I'd have to look back through old paperwork, but I'm pretty sure they were married either in 1974 or 1976.

This picture is from when they renewed their wedding vows in the mid-1990s. I took this photo in our living room before we all went to Heritage Baptist Church for the small ceremony. They are posing in front of a gigantic bouquet of red roses, a surprise from my Dad. After the ceremony, I stayed with the pastor's family while Mom and Dad drove to Gulf Shores for a little wedding vow renewal honeymoon.

Mom is wearing a quadruple strand of pearls which I remember playing dress-up with when I was a little girl. I remember her standing in front of the bathroom mirror, putting the pearl flower clips in her hair and me telling her she was beautiful. Their love produced me.

*It's Day 25 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 24)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I must've been less than a year old, and I must've REALLY not liked whatever Momma was feeding me. I love the naïveté of this photo, with Mom's newfound role of motherhood. She's mirroring my expression — or maybe I'm mirroring hers.

*It's Day 24 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 23)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma is the absolute definition of 'sassafrass' in this 1970s portrait. It's so fun seeing her frosty blue eyeshadow, big hair, terrycloth tank, and a sassy smirk!

*It's Day 23 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.