Toots: Unconventional and Unconditional

As most of you are aware, my mom passed away on April 9.

It has taken me a while to post a blog entry.

My mom was affectionately known as "Toots" to pretty much everyone.

But long ago she was simply Paulette Thompson.

Not blonde.

I always had great parents and that makes for a fine childhood.

This is the house where it all happened, at least from 1965 to the late 1980's.

Fort Apache and the Smith Cougars football program.

Looks like I came by my love for photography naturally.

The Den

with Sue Cross

with Andy Lemons

Life on Lake Guntersville

Celebrating 50 years of marriage

At her Memorial Service, there was a gathering of the "usual suspects."

As per her instructions, it was a very fun occasion.

John Clements

Andy Lemons

Elana Ingram

Dale Windle, my brother Scott, and me

John and Rhonda Clements; John and Pam Knox

My son Matthew with my Aunt Wannah

Nancy Johnson and Jeff Ingram

The elusive John Beard

The crew from Huffman

and, of course, the inimitable Kiva Jump!

Kiva and Toots back in the day...

with baby Lynsey

with Scott and Leslie

with Gran Gran

with Kevin and Rachael

Sorry for the non-linear photographs, but that's how it works.

Toots liked her children and her pets

and jewelry

and sunshine.

at the Luau near Eastwood Mall (a few years ago)

with Matt and Lynsey

Gardenias are the best flower around.

Toots always liked birds of flight

and now she has ascended like a dove.

I am sure she watches over us from Heaven.

and that is why we refuse to keep our heads down.