"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 16)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Fun fact: in the late 1980s, my parents had a short-lived side business as rabbit breeders. This was a kid's dream! Baby bunnies to cuddle with at a moment's notice!

My Dad was very handy and good at building things, so our backyard in Pulaski Pike was full of outdoor rabbit cages. I remember they were elevated high off the ground, at the time right above my eye level. The wood was grey, and each section was separated by chicken wire. I remember being my Mom's shadow whenever she would go out back to check on the bunnies. And of course I would beg her to let me bring them into the house.

I remember her teal outfit which brought out her green eyes. I also remember the outfit I was wearing. I think Mom made it for me to wear at school for Valentine's Day. I was pretty excited to wear the beaded heart necklace, too.

I think she was just as excited about the bunny rabbits as I was.  I remember her teaching me to be gentle with the bunnies. Maybe this is where I get my love of animals from.

*It's Day 16 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 15)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I love this candid photo of my Mom as a 12 year old goofing off in the family room. Mom grew up in Athens, Alabama, in a small two bedroom home near the college. She had an older sister, Anna Faye, and I believe they shared a bedroom, which you can see in the background of this picture.

I look back to this photograph and think how it must have been a big deal for them back in that day to have both a television and a set of encyclopedias. When I was weeding through the boxfuls of photos I inherited from Mom, I almost skimmed over and skipped this one, not thinking very much of it — but there was one thing in particular that caught my eye.

I recognized the clock on the top shelf of the bookcase. I noticed it because it had been on my parents' fireplace mantle when I was growing up. I never knew the history behind it or where it came from — but now I at least know that the clock was in my Mom's family long before she ever met my Dad.

And now, the clock rests on the top shelf of my tall bookcase, all the way up here in Juneau, Alaska. I know Mom is proud I kept it. And one day, I will give it to my kids.

 *It's Day 15 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 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.