O is for Opelousas and Opportunity

After Donaldsonville, where most of my grandmother's people lived, Opelousas (ah-pa-lou-sas) was her favorite place to visit a cousin or two . . . or three.  Ma was the youngest of nine children so an abundance of cousins wasn't unusual in clan-centered South Louisiana.

Family's important.

Family anchors.  Family nurtures.  Family consoles.  Family inspires.

I used the singular verb because, for me, family is one -- a one with a myriad of smiles, tears, hopes, dreams, and history.

For me, Opelousas anchors my Louisiana family. Founded in 1720, Opelousas is Louisiana's third oldest city. The city served as a major trading post between New Orleans and Natchitoches in the 18th and 19th centuries. But Europeans first entered the area inhabited by the Appalousa Indians in 1690.


Containing only 7.5 miles, the compact city of 23,000 sits in the heart of Cajun Country in St. Landry parish. The laid-back lifestyle charms in a quiet, tree-lined way that pops on weekends when the joi de vivre Cajun culture sways to song and dance.  Opelousas is the center of Zydeco music.

Opelousas is also known as "the spice capital of the world," with production and sale of seasonings such as Tony Thachere's products, Targil Seasonings, Savoie's Cajun meats and products, and LouAnn Cooking Oil. (Wikipedia)  Hint:  Savoie's gumbo base saves a lot of time.

Opelousas also hosts the yearly Yam Festival.  Here's a delightful song about the Festival and Cajun Country on the Yambilee Festival's site: Yambilee Festival.  (Think I've played the clip a hundred times, it's so cute.)

But, most of all, when I think of Opelousas, I see my grandmother laughing and drinking coffee with family and friends, suddenly not as old as I'd thought.  I hear the Cajun French, musical notes that drift on an afternoon breeze, and know I'm part of the one.

Opportunity


I'm not very good at marketing myself.  In fact, I'm dreadful at it.  But there is a broader picture to life that isn't about me. That afternoon at the Red Sox baseball game I mentioned some blogs earlier lingers way beyond a dramatic play at home plate. After the game, hub and I stayed for the Wounded Warrior Amputee softball game (against a team comprised of local radio, TV, and Redskins football celebrities).

Both teams were pumped, ready for action.  Like others in the stands, we cheered and hollered, often forgetting legs and arms were prosthetics, what the players wanted us to do.  They want to get on with their lives.  But these wounded warriors, like so many others who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, need a focus beyond rehabilitation that sports provide.  Although big-dog donors contribute to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, it's not enough.

Like others in the military family (my hub retired from the USMC), we donate, increasingly more as cut-backs take their toll.  Simply put, money buys bats, balls, uniforms designed for amputees, transportation to games, and other crucial supplies needed in the various sport programs important to the wounded warriors and their families.

Although we cheered him on, it was a gut-wrenching experience to watch a player with one arm swing at a soft ball.

There's more to support than sitting in the stands.  I told others I'd never do this, but now I am.  My e-pub, "Remy Broussard's Christmas," is available for a limited time for 99 cents (Kindle Edition on Amazon), with every penny's commission going to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.  As you know, commissions aren't high, but pennies added up can buy soft balls for games that help beyond the players.  Sitting in the stands were warriors with incredulous surgery scars on heads.  They were out with families, enjoying the game, a brotherhood come together beyond the pain endured.  Like I said, gut-wrenching.

After Remy's birth, my hub and I added to the money the novella generated and donated $500.00 to the Foundation.  We'd like to do this again.  If you can, please go HERE for "Remy Broussard's Christmas"and tuck the story away for the first snowfall.  Thank you, thank you!

Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1821, is the oldest school in Acadiana and the second oldest school in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River.  (Source: St. Landry Parish site.)

Opelousas is one of 34 communities designated as a Louisiana Main Street Community. Please note that oak's gnarled roots, traditional Cajun garb. (Source: Opelousas web page)

Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Source: Museum)

Le Vieux Village and examples of Cajun architecture.  Note the sloping roofs. (Source: Opelousas Chamber of Commerce)

                                                                      Please go Here.

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