Opelousas, Louisiana, circa 1961-1962
Some memories return not because you go looking for them, but because a photograph quietly brings them back.
We had just moved back to Opelousas, Louisiana, from Highland Park, Illinois, when this photo was taken of my brother, Glenn, and me with our maternal grandmother, Louise.
The doily on the coffee table is something I remember Mom having for many years. The western motif sofa, coffee table, and end tables were newly purchased when we returned to Opelousas. Mom kept a neat, simple home, which is evident in this photo.
Dad was stationed in Korea at the time, so it was just Mom, Glenn, and me during that year. We lived in this house for only a few months before moving farther down the same street.
We spent a lot of time at the farm where Momo and Papa lived, just outside the eastern boundary of Opelousas. Papa farmed the land for his employer, who provided a house for them. Today, part of that land is home to a local casino and horse track.
Mom often took us to visit family and friends, and sometimes Momo Louise and Papa Emilian would take us along as well. They worked hard during the week, and weekends were for visiting. It was always a treat when people came to their home, especially if they brought children. That meant Glenn and I had someone to play with while the grownups visited.
Momo sewed often and made some of my clothes. Still, I think she enjoyed it even more when she could take us to town and buy them instead. She may have bought the clothes Glenn and I are wearing in this photo.
When I was a teenager, and even into young adulthood, she would hand me a small amount of money and tell me to buy a piece of clothing. She could not give much at one time, so she would remind me to choose just one thing.
Looking back, I understand that those small moments carried more meaning than I realized at the time.
If I could have one more day to spend with my grandparents, I would wrap my arms around them and tell them how much I love them and how grateful I am for them.
