He’s the last of five. He’s the last pumpkin on the vine. He’s the baby. He’s been a blessing (and a challenge) for 13 years. I wonder if he knows that he’s already lived more life and seen more things than some folks experience in a lifetime? Maybe a few photos will help answer that question . . .
Sleep well, son. Thank you for 13 years of blessing.
Love,
Mommer
In the spring of 2010, my email box was inundated with writers looking for the softer side of the story of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and following oil spill disaster. These seekers of a different angle flocked to my bayou to interview my shrimping neighbors. As a wetland advocate, I wondered how I could use this man-made disaster as a platform to further the cause of education and awareness.
It became clear to me early on that most of the journalists who arrived at my door really had no clue about our culture and way of life. So, if they wanted a story about how the oil spill had impacted us, then they must humor me and allow me to educate them about this vanishing ecosystem and its people.
What these well-meaning journalists needed first was a foundational perspective from the standpoint of a population of coastal communities who were suffering yet one more blow to their way of life. As a woman who lives, works, and fishes here, I could give them that perspective, which was simply this:
This oil spill was not an isolated disaster for the people of coastal Louisiana. It was like being kicked when we were already down. And here’s why.
Remember a few weekends ago I played roving reporter down at three coastal communities southeast of my home bayou? Well, you can read the fruits of my labor in the Travel section of the Baton Rouge Advocate. I wrote the article sitting at the kitchen bar in a gorgeous camp while I was down there…
Woo wee! It was W I N D Y on the water yesterday and today! I’m doing my very best to go back to the way I used to blog–updating you every possible chance I have with a little bit of borrowed time here and there. I’m trying to be vigilant about taking photos for…
Background: “It ain’t much, but it’s ours,” aptly applies to our family home of the past 13 years. The story of how we came to rest on Bayou Dularge from Bayou Grand Caillou by way of Bayou Black, is a long one that won’t be told here. Home is where the heart is, and for…
Bayou Woman implores you to realize that the repercussions of the oilspill are not over just because the news networks have pulled out.
What could possibly bring together an artist from Norway and a farmer from Thibodaux? Sugarcane, that’s what. It all started with Anne Senstad’s vision of a labyrinth made of humans linked together, which evolved into a living art form of plant life instead. After online research and a series of phone calls to the Louisiana…
How cute! I still can’t believe my last little brother is a teenager now!
Wonderful memories for both of you, I’m sure. Our children are God’s blessings. I’m pretty sure he won’t realize (till he’s much older) what a blessing God has given him also, when he was placed in your care. He wouldn’t have made it to the ripe age of 13 at my house if he brought a snake on my porch! I would have had to use the shotgun on the snake and the pellets I’m sure would have gotten him too! Happy Birthday Termite!
Happy Birthday Termite! This is really a great collection of pictures. Well done.
Nice crappie and what are goggles for?
I been 13 a couple times, it rocks.
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY TERMITE!!!
Wow, that got me, cuz I just went thru the same thing Nov 30th. Where did the time go? Mine was just holding his first wiggly fish only yesterday…His butterfly kisses are still warm on my cheek….AAaaarrrrgh! I let him catch beads on the other side of the street during the last mardis gras parade on the boardwalk, I looked over and couldnt believe my eyes…my little buddy wasnt there…a quiet, tall, shaggy haired teenaged kid was standing where my baby was supposed to be…THAT hit me hard!!!
You have a beautiful & loving family BW, your love & guidence shows through all of them. I wish I had the opportunity to raise my kid in the bayou country like that, Heck, I wish I could have grown up like that myself!!! Thanks for sharing your world with us BW.
Deb
Happy Birthday Termite! I can’t believe he’s 13. Seems like only yesterday he was in my classroom watching birds at the window. Great pictures.
What a beautiful tribute to your son, someday he will realize how fortunate he was to have such a beautiful and rich childhood. You done good with that boy.
Happy Birthday Termite!
He is a doll! He’s gonna have to beat them girls off with a stick! Look at those dimples.
Your pictures made me teary eyed. They grow so fast, huh?
This is a stupendous look into the past as Seth was growing up! I loved it! You are so incredibly creative and gifted in communicating! I had forgotten his little blond noggin for the first few years! 🙂
Happy Birthday to your Bayou babe!
xxx
Cool pics! Happy birthday!
Wow! What a wonderful journal and amazing photos! You are right, he’s done more livin’ than the average person twice his age! Happy Birthday, Termite!