"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.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 9)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Who can tell me what kind of car this is? It's a beauty, for sure. But not as stunning as her!

This picture is probably the equivalent of me posing alongside a Tesla in California. You might notice she's wearing the same outfit as the picture I posted for Day 5. Whether atop a tractor or posing with a swanky new car, she looked like she was having a blast. I miss her face! 

*It's Day 9 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 8)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Here, Momma poses atop some kind of multi-tentacled roadside attraction, somewhere south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Even by today's standards, this octopus would be worthy of a selfie.

This photo is likely from her younger days, before she started teasing her hair or wearing a stylish wig. She looks so comfortable in this picture, so at ease and effortless. So pretty in her little gold flats and summery sun-kissed skin. It makes me happy knowing she took advantage of photo ops back then like I do now. I love her!

 *It's Day 8 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.