"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 54)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma got to shake hands with the Governor of Alaska when she visited me the summer of 2014. We were at the Governor's Annual Family Picnic hosted in Juneau at Sandy Beach, and we seized the opportunity to meet Governor Sean Parnell and First Lady Sandy Parnell as they were walking through the crowd.

I was so proud to introduce my Mom to the Governor, and Mom was so surprised that she got to spend a few minutes talking with him and the First Lady. This sort of casual interaction would be unheard of in my home state of Alabama, so it was all the more special for me and Mom.

During her visit the following summer, Alaska had a new administration, but still hosted a picnic for the community. She met Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott during that event, and the Lt. Governor, charmed by her accent, asked if she was from England. Momma let out a big laugh and said, "Why nah, I'm from Huntsville, Alabama!" She always did have the best accent.

*It's Day 54 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 53)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Momma and Sonny Bunny were best buds. Whenever Mom would visit me in Alaska for the summer, she and Sonny Bunny would hang out during the day while I was at work. Often times, I would get a selfie of the two of them laying on the couch cuddling or watching soap operas together. She loved that fur ball, and he had a special bond with Mom.

When Sonny Bunny got sick in the summer of 2015, Mom was so helpful taking him for his weekly chemotherapy appointments and looking after him in recovery while I was at work. She loved being a caretaker for her 'grandcat,' as she put it.

When SB crossed the Rainbow Bridge in October 2015, it saddened my Mom as much as it devastated me. She cried with me on the phone, and she was an incredible support system for me in the loss of my little fur-buddy.

One year for Christmas, she commissioned a Sonny Bunny figurine, handmade from felt and thread by an artist in California. It looked exactly life him and even replicated the wild carpet in my apartment. It was the perfect gift, from the Best Mom Ever.

I like to imagine them both up in Heaven right now, curled up on a couch and taking selfies.

*It's Day 53 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 52)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom was a big fan of daytime television, especially NBC's "TODAY Show." When we heard that television personality and famed journalist, Natalie Morales, was going to be filming live in Juneau for the "TODAY Show," we knew we had try to get ourselves on the big screen!

We got up super early — around 3am — and drove in the dark to the Mendenhall Glacier where the news crew was setting up. We thought we'd have a prime opportunity of getting on camera, so we donned our best Alaska-themed attire: bright and colorful kuspuks, walrus ivory jewelry, and big fur hats. Except, half of Juneau had the same idea of wanting to be on camera, so we arrived to hundreds of people already on-site, looking for their five minutes of fame.

Momma and I were patient though and waited around for hours, ultimately getting selfies with Ms. Morales herself. Though we were exhausted from no sleep, it was actually fun waiting amongst the crowd. We made a few new friends, and folks thought Mom was so adorable in her fur hat. Some even asked if they could "pet" her fluffy fur hat. It was cuter than cute!

*It's Day 52 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 51)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Christmas 2014 — Momma and I celebrated the holidays together in my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. Once I moved to Alaska in 2009, we didn't have many Christmases together, and looking back, I wish I had spent every single Christmas with her. I can't imagine how lonely it was for her not having her "baby girl" home for the holidays.

In 2014, I was able to visit Mom for four long weeks, and we had such an incredible visit. I would have to say that starting new Christmas traditions together was one of the highlights. My Dad had passed away in November 2009, so the holidays were different with his absence.

When I was growing up, we'd celebrate Christmas on the 25th and would wake up early to open presents, then we would have a Christmas meal in the late afternoon, usually a ham or turkey with all the Southern fixings and more sweets than you can imagine.

After I moved away from home, I adopted a few new traditions, which Mom and I then included into our own Christmases together. For starters, we cooked a big prime rib feast on Christmas Eve, later in the evening since we would be staying up late for the candlelight midnight service at church. Presents would be opened after supper, as we'd sit around the fireplace and her beautifully decorated tree. Then we'd head to St. Mark's Lutheran Church around 10:30pm for their Christmas service. After midnight, the town was dark and quiet, so we'd drive around and look at Christmas lights. It made for a late night, but it was always so wonderful spending this quality time with Mom.

This past Christmas was my first one without her, and it was tougher than tough. But I kept her memory alive. I took special care and attention to decorate the tree with ornaments inherited from her, some of which she made herself. She always took such pride in putting the tree up and decorating the house. I was thoughtful in my gift-giving to Loved Ones, just as she was. Gift giving was her forte, and she always put so much effort and thought into a gift. Yes, her physical absence from Christmas will always be felt, but I know she will now always be part of my traditions.

*It's Day 51 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.