"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 28)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I have mixed emotions when I see this picture. It was the afternoon of March 10, 1983. I think Momma had been in labor ~26 hours.

The look on her face shows nothing less than sheer happiness. Daddy looks thrilled too (and maybe a little stunned) to finally be holding his squishy little girl. By the looks of the blood and fluid on Mom's hospital gown, I'm guessing they let Momma hold me first — as they should.

I have mixed emotions for this picture because seeing her in this hospital bed on my birth day reminds me of the deeply-engrained memories of her in the hospital bed in the final weeks of her life. Life comes full circle. She sacrificed everything to have me and to raise me.

She is the reason I am here. She is why I am who I am. I do this in honor of her. My dear sweet Momma.

*It's Day 28 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 27)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

It was early 1983, and Momma looked beyond flawless. I imagine how happy she was at this stage of her pregnancy. She had had multiple miscarriages leading up to having me. I can't imagine how hard that must have been on both her and my Dad. And to this day, I don't know if they tried to have more children after I was born. Though I like to think they stopped at just having one kiddo since I was the perfect child. <wink> Maybe I'll recreate this photo one day... now that'd be something to strive for. :)

*It's Day 27 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 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.