"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 43)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Here sits Momma with her other best friend, Jackson. Jackson was also my Dad's best friend, not to mention our closest family friend for over two decades.

It was always so much fun watching these two interact. They would cut-up and laugh like kids, and it was the perfect comic relief when Mom was sick and in the hospital. Jackson would brighten our spirits every morning when he'd come sit with Mom and relieve me from the hospital so I could have some 'me' time to get my head on straight. He's a lifesaver, really.

Jackson isn't just a best friend to us. He was Momma's personal coach, drill sergeant, physical therapist, and a positive force in our lives. He was also my eyes and ears in the hospital and would report back to me how she'd do during meal times or physical therapy, if I was away.

One of their interactions I remember the most was whenever Jackson would, as he called it, "tell on Betty," (report back if she wasn't eating or doing her exercises). Momma would stick her chin out and sorta smirk and then sassily shake her fist at Jackson. This was hilarious because Jackson is a boxing coach and boxed competitively during his military service, but Momma sure didn't mind showing him, through the shake of her fist, who was 'boss.'

The great thing about this friendship was that there wasn't any bossiness, just two good friends who wanted the best for each other and saw the best in one another.

*It's Day 43 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 42)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This is Momma with her Bestie, Sue. Sue — or as Mom taught me to call her, "Aunt Sue" — has known my Mom a longer amount of time than I myself have known my own mother. Oh, I can only imagine the stories they could tell after nearly four decades of best friendship. But that's the beauty of best friends: they never tell about all the crazy shenanigans, but the memories live on!

I got a chuckle when I zoomed in on this picture and spotted the "Hooters" menus on the table. I wonder who's idea this was! I myself have never stepped foot inside a "Hooters," but I find it both hilarious and endearing that these two little ladies did.

*It's Day 42 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 41)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma spent most of summer 2014 visiting me in Juneau. We had the time of our lives, and she probably would've tried to extend her visit into the fall season — except she had something really fun to look forward to once she returned to Alabama.

Her best friend, Sue, who lives in Houston, Texas, had been planning a visit to Huntsville to see Mom, and Mom was naturally and understandably ecstatic. I remember how Mom was frantically cleaning her house in anticipation of Sue's visit, knowing full well that Sue wouldn't care nor would she judge, but Momma always took such pride in her home and wanted it to look perfect for Sue's visit.

They were able to be together on Mom's 65th birthday, and I know it made Mom happy as a clam at high tide to have her Bestie by her side.

In this picture, Mom is showing Sue how to take a selfie. I love Mom's grin, almost as if she was having a hard time holding back her laughter. My Aunt Sue is so adorable, too. Seeing this picture inspires me to want to take a trip to Texas to see Sue and hear all about my Mom, from her best friend's perspective.

 *It's Day 41 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 40)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This is Momma and her best friend, Sue, or who I affectionately call to this day, "Aunt Sue." Sue was a bit older than Momma, and they were best friends nevertheless.

I don't know the circumstances in which they met and became life-long friends, but there's one thing that is for sure: they were friends for the ages.  My Mom loved Sue, and Sue loved my Momma... dearly.

When I had to call Aunt Sue on March 21 to break the news that Mom had passed away, it was once of the hardest things ever. None of us were expecting the news, nor were any of us wanting to hear or give it. That's what is unfortunate about being an only child — all the responsibility falls on you.

*It's Day 40 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.