"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 13)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

I still remember the softness of her blue housecoat. She wore it for years when I was growing up.

This is a picture of Mom right after she and Daddy brought me home from the hospital. It snowed in Alabama on the day I was born (March 10), so it's no surprise she wanted to be warm and cozy at home in this frock.

She looks absolutely flawless. I can't believe she had just given birth. I want so desperately to just be able to text her and say, "Hey Momma, remind me how much I weighed when I was born?" Well, regardless of how big of a baby I was, she still looks like she just walked off the set of a photoshoot.

*It's Day 13 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 12)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

"Mommy, you so pretty," is I'm sure what I was saying or thinking during this portrait session with Mom in the mid-1980s. She looks happy, and I look smitten. I also look like the spitting image of my Dad here in this picture.

*It's Day 12 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 11)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

This photo was taken sometime in the mid-1980s during a family portrait session. I remember learning years ago that the photographer was a customer of my Dad's who owed Dad money, so they did a little trade to settle up the books. My parents ended up getting these family photos for free. My Dad was a barber, and I think trading haircuts for lifetime memories captured within a photo isn't a bad deal. :)

This is how I remember my Mom from when I was growing up. Short, teased hair and winged eyeliner. Flawless. She looks stunning and happy and at peace. My Dad was a damn lucky man, that's for sure.

*It's Day 11 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 9)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Who can tell me what kind of car this is? It's a beauty, for sure. But not as stunning as her!

This picture is probably the equivalent of me posing alongside a Tesla in California. You might notice she's wearing the same outfit as the picture I posted for Day 5. Whether atop a tractor or posing with a swanky new car, she looked like she was having a blast. I miss her face! 

*It's Day 9 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.