"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 50)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma was the best grillmaster, ever. No exaggeration, she seriously knew how to grill a good steak. I'm not sure how she initially learned her grilling skills, but she definitely perfected her talent with lots of practice over the years. Every single Saturday evening, no matter how busy we were or how much or little money we had, as a family we always had steak and baked potatoes together for supper on Saturdays.

Leading up to dinner time, Mom would always ask me to set the table, and I'd sigh loudly because it was cutting into my TV time or whatever I was doing while she was hard at work cooking. Gosh, I was a little brat sometimes! But I really did look forward to those steak dinners, the deliciousness, the consistency, the family time. It always meant that we could relax for the evening.

When I was growing up and too young to need an entire baked potato all for myself, my Mom would split hers with me. She'd cut it straight down the middle, plop it on my plate, and butter it up. And when I was too little to use a knife and cut the steak by myself, either she or Daddy would cut my steak for me.

It was always medium rare and always made with love.

*It's Day 50 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 49)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I had forgotten I had even taken this photograph, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites of Mom. This picture is from our mother-daughter beach trip in 2010 to celebrate finishing grad school. We went on an impromptu Gulf Coast catamaran cruise at sunset after seeing a random advertisement at the hotel.

The sailboat was called "Wild Hearts," and we had a blast out on the water, though cautious Momma stayed below deck most of the trip. Whenever I'd say, "Momma, I'm goin' up top to take pictures," she'd protectively respond... in long drawn out Southern syllables... "Now you be careful, Candice."

I love how happy and carefree Mom is in this photo. Her hair is windswept and messy. She's grinning from ear-to-ear. Her face is sun-kissed. And she's wearing the beautiful diamond pendant that I am now wearing as I write this tribute. She is my heart!

*It's Day 49 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 48)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Here's another proud Momma moment, my masters graduation in 2010.  About six months earlier, my Dad had passed away, so it was just Momma and me at the graduation ceremony. It was a bittersweet milestone, and I can only imagine how hard it was for Mom, sitting alone in the audience and surrounded by smiling families.

Earlier that day, I had coached Mom on how to use my complicated camera. I wanted to make sure we had good quality pictures of this once-in-a-lifetime moment, and Mom was eager and nervous to learn. She did great though and now I cherish those special pictures even more.

I remember us talking the ceremony staff into letting Mom go backstage with me beforehand to take pictures and help me with my regalia. At some point, she asked when I would start my Ph.D., and I emphatically told her, "No way, fat chance, not gonna happen!" I sometimes joke about how Mom could have run the travel agency on guilt trips, but really, she always just wanted the best for me.

After graduation, we took a short vacation at the beach to celebrate being finished with school. We stayed at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, the same place where as a family we had spent the holidays together for so many years. We kept with our traditions and ate at all the same restaurants we'd usually visit from year to year, like the Original Oyster House and Niki's Seafood. We had a champagne celebratory toast at the hotel's piano bar — Mom's favorite spot. She always requested "Red Red Wine" — that was her song. And as the lyrics go... "Stay close to me, Don't let me be alone, It's tearing apart my blue heart..." 💙

Here's a cheers to you, sweet Momma!

*It's Day 48 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 47)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Now this is one proud Momma! This picture was taken at my high school graduation from Westminster Christian Academy. I remember graduation day like yesterday, how I was frantically getting ready and rushing to get to the ceremony across town. I chose to wear a strapless white dress under my graduation gown, and I needed Mom's help pinning part of the dress. I remember she was frantic and nervous, too, trying to get me out the door on time. As she was helping me, she accidentally pricked her finger, and all of a sudden we were more concerned about the spots of blood than we were with getting me on the road in time!

Everything worked out that day, and I remember being on stage in the church, looking out into the audience and finding Mom and Dad's eyes. They both were so incredibly proud of me.   They sacrificed so much to make sure I went to a good private school and got a high-quality education.

I think one of Mom's biggest joys was when I graduated from high school. She herself had left school before graduating, so she always wanted more for me. She was instrumental in me finishing school. With her as my Momma, it was never really an option for me to not earn my diploma. The same went for finishing my bachelors degree and later my masters. As soon as I finished one degree, she's ask when I was starting the next. She was my biggest cheerleader, and it made a difference. SHE made a difference. I wouldn't have this life without her! 💙

*It's Day 47 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.