"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.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Tribute (Day 39)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

My Mom was a very hard worker. During most of my childhood, she worked for a tech company called Intergraph Corporation, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. Intergraph had a sprawling campus, with a huge cafeteria where my Mom worked every weekday. She was trustworthy and cordial, so she was the lead cashier on the front lines, keeping everything in order and running smoothly.

I remember there were a few occasions when I visited her for the day at work because I was on a break from school. I remember how particular she was about the cash drawer, how she would make sure all the dollar bills were turned in the right direction. When I was old enough to help her with chores at work, she put me in charge of filling up the salt and pepper shakers. For some reason, I really liked this task! There was something about seeing the instant gratification of those little glass containers filled to the top.

I remember Fridays were the day they would do a deep cleaning of the frozen yogurt machine. The cafeteria was closed over the weekend, so Friday was the day to get things ready for the following week.

My Mom was always ridiculously early to work. This aggravated my Dad, but Mom always said she enjoyed getting to work early so she could get a head start on her responsibilities and wouldn't be so frazzled during the day when things got busy during the lunch rush.

I've always admired the fact that she would get to work so early — at the crack of dawn no less. This trait certainly didn't carry over to me because I still have a hard time getting up in the mornings. I've always been a night owl, and she was such an early bird. And she always got the worm.

*It's Day 39 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 37)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Continuing with the theme of family vacations, one year we traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the Christmas break. I remember we loaded so much stuff into the car that there was no room on the seven hour drive for me to stretch out and sleep in the back seat. Mom and Dad packed boxes of food and presents and everything else needed for celebrating Christmas at the beach.

I remember Mom wanting to make our Christmas away from home extra special, so she packed up lots of Christmas decorations, including this vintage green ceramic Christmas tree you can see on the table in this picture. I was spoiled rotten and didn't appreciate some of these thoughtful gestures at the time — but I definitely do now.

When Mom passed away and I was going through her home and boxing up decades of memories, I happened upon the tabletop Christmas tree. I was overjoyed to find it because it had been part of our family for so many years.

I was SO excited about the idea of bringing a little piece of 'home' back to Alaska with me. I even took the lamp to a lighting specialist in Huntsville to replace all the old wiring so it'd be safe in Alaska. Then I packed it up very careful and sent it on its way to Juneau. Unfortunately, it arrived broken in a million pieces, and I was devastated. I am glad I found this picture though.

*It's Day 37 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.