"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 70)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

One of the smartest things I've ever done was to arrange a Mother/Daughter photo shoot when Mom was visiting me in 2015. Here is one of the more candid shots from our portrait session. I said, "Momma, let's pretend we're looking at an eagle in the sky!" Mom played along perfectly, and now — we have this perfect picture.

She's soaring with the angels and eagles now!

*It's Day 70 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 69)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

It took Momma a solid five minutes to work up the gumption to touch this sea star. There was also about five minutes worth of me egging her on. I kept telling her how it didn't feel at all like she would expect, and that she just had to stick her hand in the water.

Initially, she emphatically said, "Helllll nawwwwh!" But eventually, she stuck one finger under the water's surface, cautiously and gently petting the sunfish.

I can't get enough of her sweet, curious expression in this photo!

*It's Day 69 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 68)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom and I were on a tiny float plane, returning to Juneau from the Taku Glacier. We were both on Cloud Nine from our adventure at a remote lodge where we were able to feast on fresh king salmon and watch snoozing bears in the trees.

That first flight, though without mishap or turbulence, was white-knuckle for her. It was such a new experience for her. I sat close by and observed her looking around, wide-eyed and impressed at the scene in front of her. It was like I was able to see Alaska all anew again.

Mom was less hesitant and nervous about our return flight than she was on the departure earlier than day. As the floatplane was getting ready to accelerate, I leaned forward to distract her. "Momma, take a selfie," I said. And so she did... her eyes sparkling and her grin stretching from ear to ear.

*It's Day 68 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 67)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

On the day I took Mom for her first ever Alaska beachcombing adventure, we found about 30 bald eagles, hundreds of spawning salmon, and one penis-shaped rock. Yes, really.

In preparation for our little jaunt at low tide, I outfitted Momma in my blue rain jacket and clunky tall rain boots, which were about a size too big. Initially, she was hesitant to go down by the water, but it didn't take long for her to want a closer look.

Mom was terrified of slipping and falling on the rocks, so she took my arm in her arm, and we walked together ever so slowly. We were slow as snails. We walked down to the stream where there were flailing and flapping fish galore.

Momma would squeal whenever she'd get splashed with water, and she'd pause to look at the eagles soaring overhead. The golden hour sunset light illuminated everything, and we were so at peace, just the two of us.

It was one of the best memories ever. *It's Day 67 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.