I love this old picture of my mom - it was taken in Southern California when she was a teen, in the 1940s. She is gone now - she passed away in January 1983 from cancer. Here though, she is young, vibrant, tan, natural - with her entire life ahead of her - full of possibilites, joy, heartbreak. Born Charlene, she was called Chick or Chickie by everyone (except to her kids - Mom to us!). Chick was brave and smiled through all the good and bad she was handed in life. Here's to you Chickie - I hope I can live life as fearlessly as you did! Love you - Em