I can't believe it's over. What a grand time I have had. I would not trade this experience for all the tea in China, all the snow in Alaska or all the coal in Newcastle. Of course, there was dancing. Of course, there were friends. Of course, there were magical surprises. But the one aspect I treasured (I never tired of any of it!!!) was the family connections -- the Huvals, Berards, Broussards, Ardoins, Savoys, Guidrys, Guillorys, Balfas, Vidrines, Trahans, and many more. Generation after generation of talented, hard-working people with a love of music and a willingness to share. I could travel the world and hear them play, but for three months I got to live with them in their home state, hear them play for friends and family, renewing and refreshing their heritage, something I can never be a part of, but, longingly, cherish from afar.
This last night of happy-sad swirls with dinner at Randol's, dancing to the Lafayette Rhythm Devils and a mad rush to the airport to pick up the house owner. Having never quite adjusted to living in someone else's space, I am surprisingly possessive as Lynda returns.
I feel as if I am being pried away from my most precious possession, even though I know the memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. After three months of Life in Louisiana, I will never again feel like a stranger in a strange land. Louisiana has captured me, heart and soul. I saw a billboard once that said, "We weren't born in Louisiana, but we got here as fast as we could." That's how I feel. I wasn't born there, but I stayed as long as I could, and I'm comin' back as quick as I can!!
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