Louisiana: After 13 Years!

On my mother’s side of the family our roots run deep in the bayou’s of Louisiana. I hadn’t been back to my heritage in 13 years! Boy have things changed! Buildings have been torn down, people have passed on, and some new faces have emerged. Although change is expected in this length of time somethings still remain the same. The relaxed speed of the town and those smiling faces. As our car cruised through the town of Tangipahoa hands of the people welcomed us with a friendly southern wave.

So let’s start with how we got there. Jay, my mom, and I rented a vehicle for our road trip. The last road trip we all went on as a family was to Atlantic City, NJ. The car was full of snacks, drinks (non-alcoholic of course), and most importantly love. It was nice for us to travel once more together. It felt like we never left and that we just picked up were we left off.

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The trip from Houston,Texas to Tangipahoa, Louisiana was about a 4 1/2 hour drive. During our drive we stopped at the Waffle House for a quick breakfast dinner and then continued on the road. We drove through the night until we reached our destination. My grandparents had no idea we were coming. The only person who was aware of us being there was my Uncle Dennis. Oh how I love my Uncle Dennis. He is one of my favorite uncles. He has been with me my whole life. I owe him everything when it comes down to my love for music and the knowledge I have. Anyway we pull into my grandparents horse shoe driveway only to see my uncle in the screened in porch. I was so excited I jumped out of the car screaming Uncle Dennis!!!! I gave him the biggest hug. It was so nice seeing him after all that time had passed.

After our embrace I asked him to open the door so I could see my grandparents. I walked into their room and I whispered “hello nana and pop pop”. My nana jumped up and said “Who is that?” I said “It’s me your grand-daughter Tiffany!” My nana popped up and said “Oooooohhhh it’s my baby!” She and my pop pop were so surprised. They got out of bed and I introduced them to my husband. Jay then greeted them and they were so happy. We talked all night and laughed. Through the laughter I realized how much I missed them. I missed the sound of my grandparents bickering and my uncle’s hearty laugh. The feeling of being around everyone at once was so

great. I truly felt blessed to be in that moment with them.

It was a wonderful birthday surprise for my pop pop who turned 75. The next morning my pop pop got up and made breakfast. He made us toast, eggs, grits, and hog sausage. The breakfast was bomb.com lol! In the mornings my family gathered around the table to eat and talk. In the middle of the conversation the doorbell rings with the sound of the ice cream truck. Behind the door was my grandmother’s home health aid named Dwan. Dwan is a young, vibrate, and smart woman who knows how to handle my nana.

Their witty banter is hilarious to those who are watching. I believe Dwan was sent from God to help her because my nana is no easy win. They get along famously and I love her concern for my nana. It makes me feel so comfortable that there is someone there watching over her with love.

After awhile my aunt Joyce stopped by and she looks the same as when I was a child. If only I could be so lucky when I get older I tell you. She is still the same tiny woman, tiny voice, and a warm heart. I appreciate her visit with me and Jay. I was so glad she came by and said hello.

Although we had fun with our family, you know we had to hit the town! Jay, my mom, Uncle Dennis, and I went to Dooky Chase. My mom totally fanned out over Chef Leah Chase. My mom had been dying to meet her and I was so happy she did. She got to take a photo, a autographed book, and the confidence to continue on in her craft of cooking. The funny part about meeting Chef Chase was her flirting with my husband. She said to Jay “What else do you do besides looking good?” I laughed out aloud.

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog was based off of her life story. It was quite a walk through history to be there in an establishment that had been open for 73 years. Dooky Chase’s is a part of New Orleans rich and jazzy history. After our wonderful meal we went down to the french quarters. We had some daiquiris, walked around, and of course listen to a jazz band. I danced in the street and got my palm read by a toothless fortune teller. My time there in the city was a time well spent.

The only thing I wished I had done was lifted my shirt up for beads. My mom was there so I couldn’t do that. I will have to wait until me and Jay go back alone for a real night life french quarter time!

As we left New Orleans the trip quickly came to a close. I hugged my grandma, grandpa, uncle, and Dwan then got on the road. Oh how I missed them when the car drove away. I took one last look at the town I once lived in and my family’s home with a feeling of contentment. I was blessed to have had that time and to have lifted their spirits by stopping by. I love my grandparents and my uncle. It was beautiful for me to see them and wonderful for us to be together again. Next stop New Jersey! Hold on I am coming home….

xoxo
Jersey