"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 34)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma and I were having fun horsing around on the kitchen linoleum. Maybe I was trying to nosh on her nose or give her a big ol' smooch. She looks as happy as ever getting cuddle time in with her baby girl.

Mom *always* wore her fingernails long, except when I was a very young child. I later asked her, "Why did you cut your nails so short back then?" Seeing it in old pictures looked funny to me at the time. She explained she didn't want to jab me with her long nails. Knowing me, I probably ran around like a little banshee.

Gotta love how her blue eyeshadow matches my little blue earrings. Fun fact: my ears were pierced when I was very very young — my parents got tired of people thinking I was a boy! I'm sorta glad they pierced my ears before I could remember the pain of it. Lord knows I probably would've chickened out when I was older.

*It's Day 34 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 33)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This is the only other photo I've been able to find of my Mom while she was pregnant with me. I was born in March, so this picture was taken either in late 1982 or early 1983. She looks so elegant, with her minimalist hair and makeup — she always did have her nails painted though!

I wonder what her pregnancy was like and if she had rampant morning sickness or weird cravings. I'm curious if she got into a tizzy fit of nesting, all to get the house ready for her new baby. These are all questions I'd love to ask her. I fantasize that Heaven is a place where all of this will finally be known to me. I find comfort knowing that one day, I will see her again, and that everything will then make sense.

If you don't know your own birth story or any of the fun details — and if you have family still around who would know these answers, I encourage you to get as much information as you can. We aren't promised tomorrow, so do your part to help the memories live on!

*It's Day 33 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 32)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I love everything about this picture— Momma's youthfulness, her sassiness. She looks like gold dynamite — 💯!

The diamond cluster ring that Momma is wearing on her left pinkie finger is a ring she gave me quite a few years ago. Back then, I wasn't fond of the style of the ring and since I needed the money at the time, I sold the ring — a choice I regret to this day. I wish I could find this ring and buy it back from the new owner, but it must be long gone at this point.

Morale of the story: save the mementos if you can. And if you can't, hold on to your sweet memories for dear life.

*It's Day 32 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 31)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This vintage postcard was written from my Mom to her parents, just shy of her 18th birthday. I'm not sure who the other two women are, but they all look like they're having an incredible time, goofing off and having fun together.

I would give anything to have my Momma around right now and to be able to ask her questions, like what's the background behind this charming little piece of mail.

Makes me wonder if maybe this was her first time going on a trip away from home. I bet my Grandmother was a nervous wreck! It reminds me of my first big trip away from home — to Watertown, New York, during my very early teens. I can't imagine how anxious Momma must've been.

My first trip oversees — solo to Germany — was when I was 16. Looking back, I can't believe my parents let me go, but I'm thankful my Mom realized it would be a good experience for me, though heart-wrenching for her. And that's what mothers do, they help us grow and stand taller and explore this adventure we call life. Moms help us find the wings to soar.

*It's Day 31 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.