Elsie Marie Martin Hardy October 26, 1925 – November 29, 2013

FUNERAL SERVICE

St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church Arnaudville, Louisiana

Reverend Father Gary Schexnayder, Celebrant Deacon Ken Arnaud, Concelebrant

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.

Millie Calais Darby, Vocalist Jodi Bollich, Vocalist and Organist

Pall Bearers

Jack Daniel Hardy Alex Hardy

Patrick Hardy

Benjamin LaGrange James Hardy

Spencer Hardy

Readers

Jenna Venable

Ainsley Hardy

Gift Bearers

Landon Hardy Chance Poche Chase Poche

Matthew LaGrange Kameron Venable

MELANCON FUNERAL HOME ONLINE OBITUARY

Elsie M. Hardy (October 26, 1925 - November 29, 2013)

ARNAUDVILLE - Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at a 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis Regis Catholic Church in Arnaudville for Elsie M. Hardy, age 89, the former Elsie Martin, who passed away Friday, November 29, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home in Arnaudville. Interment will be in St. Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville. The Rev. Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, will officiate at the services. Ms. Hardy was a native and lifelong resident of Arnaudville. She was a parishioner of St. Francis Regis Catholic Church in Arnaudville. Survivors include one daughter, Debbie LaGrange of Arnaudville; five sons, Abel "Jack" Hardy, Jr. and his wife, Jacqueline, of Arnaudville, Michael Hardy and his wife, Cati, of Baton Rouge, John Hardy and his wife, Julie, Mark Hardy and his wife, Trina, and Dave Hardy and his wife, Nadine, all of Arnaudville; thirteen grandchildren, Jack Hardy and his wife, Kim of Houston, TX, Jamie Poche of Lafayette, Trey Chatagnier and his wife, Jessica, of Baton Rouge, Benjamin LaGrange and his girlfriend, Kendall, of Arnaudville, Nicholas LaGrange and his wife, Katrina, of Houma, Abbie Hardy of New Orleans, Alex Hardy of Arnaudville, Eric Hardy and his wife, Lynee of Arnaudville, Angelle Stelly and her husband, Spencer of Arnaudville, James Hardy of Houston, Patrick Hardy and his fiancée, Hannah, of Arnaudville, Koby Venable and his wife, Adrienne, of Arnaudville and Spencer Hardy of Lafayette; twelve great grandchildren, Ainsley Hardy, Landon Hardy, Chase Poche, Chance Poche, Lilliana Chatagnier, Matthew LaGrange, Lauren LaGrange, Lily LaGrange, Luke Hardy, Rhylinn Stelly, Kameron Venable and Jenna Claire Venable; one brother, Leonard Martin, Sr. and his wife, Florina, of Arnaudville; and one sister, Barbara Martin Domingue of Lafayette. She was preceded in death by her husband of over fifty years, Abel Hardy, Sr.; her father, Clifford Martin and step-mother, Ruth Martin; her mother, Alma Derousselle Courville and step-father, Luke Courville; one grandson, Scott Hardy; one granddaughter, Addie Hardy; one son-in-law, Ronnie LaGrange; one brother, John E. Martin, Sr., one sister-in-law, Roma Domingue Martin and one brother-in-law, Lester Domingue. If anyone orders flowers the family request that the colors be cream, white and any shade of pink. The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 7:00 a.m. Tuesday until service time on Tuesday.

Melancon Funeral Home of Arnaudville, 224 Main Street, (337) 754-5725, is in charge of arrangements.

Entrance Hymn:

ON EAGLES’ WINGS Lyrics by Michael Joncas

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord

Who abide in His shadow for life Say to the Lord

"My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings Bear you on the breath of dawn Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you And famine will bring you no fear

Under His wings your refuge His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

And for to His angels He's given a command To guard you in all of your ways

Upon their hands they will bear you up Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand...

And hold you, hold you in the palm of His Hand….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerp

First Reading from the Old Testament by Jenna Venable:

A READING FROM THE PROPHET ISAIAH (25:6-9)

On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines, of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines. On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples, and the shroud enwrapping all nations, he will destroy Death for ever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every cheek; he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth, for the Lord has said so. That day, it will be said: See, this is our God in whom we hoped for salvation; the Lord is the one in whom we hoped. We exult and we rejoice that he has saved us; The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm sung by Millie Calais Darby:

SHEPHERD ME OH GOD

Composed by Marty Haugen, 1986

Refrain Shepherd me, O God,

beyond my wants, beyond my fears,

from death into life.

God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows

of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

Refrain

Gently you raise me

and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,

my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.

Refrain

You have set me a banquet of love

in the face of hatred, crowning me with love

beyond my pow’r to hold.

Refrain

Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life;

I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.

Refrain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs

Second Reading from the New Testament by Ainsley Hardy:

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF ST PAUL TO TIMOTHY (2 TIMOTHY 4:6B-8)

The time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have

run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of

righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on

that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.

The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation: Gospel by Deacon Ken Arnaud:

MATTHEW 5:1-12 New International Version (NIV)

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount 5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. The Beatitudes He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Word of the Lord.

Homily by Father Gary Schexnayder Eulogy by Debbie Hardy LaGrange and presented by Mary Agnes Hardy de la Houssaye Belleau:

ELSIE MARIE MARTIN HARDY October 26, 1924 - November 29, 2013

Alone, Moma was without purpose. She was dull. Put one person in the room with her and she could turn the exchange into a thing of beauty. No gem could outshine her. You can’t talk about Elsie without talking about the people in her life. Elsie adored her first family and they returned her love in spades. Popa, Amenthe, Mamon and Pop Pop, Ruthie, Pa Luke, Nanan, Frank, Uncle Nookie, Aunt Florina, Uncle Boysie, Aunt Roma, Aunt Evelyn, Barbara and Lester and their families and their lives were intertwined with ours because of Moma’s constant effort to bring us together when we were young. We are all richer for it. Elsie did not ever enjoy solitude. So much so that she and Daddy and Uncle Nookie and Aunt Florina had a double wedding and honeymoon. I am not sure what the accommodations were once they reached Arkansas. I do know that when Uncle Boysie and Aunt Roma married, Moma went along on their honeymoon. World War II was in full swing and hotel rooms were hard to come by. Uncle Boysie rented one room. Moma slept all day long while the honeymooners enjoyed the sights of Seattle and she danced all night with Uncle Boysie’s Navy buddies while the newlyweds made love. She and Aunt Roma waved goodbye as Uncle Boysie shipped out to war. Then, on the train ride home, they held hands and cried. Elsie was the maid of honor at Barbara’s wedding. From that day on she gained another brother, Lester. Nannie was always in search of a gathering of fun people. Bobbie and Lester, Dawn, Lil Les, Dean, Doug, and Dana, Brent and Rob, Alec, Emma, Andrew and Uncle Lester's entire family provided her with an unending weekend party, every weekend. I don’t think Nannie missed one "soup day." You can’t talk about Moma without talking about Daddy. Daddy deliberately taught himself and he taught others. He deliberately thought until his mind was incapable of reasoning. I don’t think Moma had a deliberate thought a

day in her life. She didn’t think about life. She lived life. And, it was Daddy’s job to see to it that nothing got in her way. He was her mine sweeper and he performed magnificently! Buddha once said: “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.“ Because of Daddy, Moma was able to find happiness. She was that single candle and she shared her happiness with everyone and that well never went dry. In return for his devotion, Moma loved Daddy’s family. Mom Mom, Pop Pop, Tante, Tat and Pete, Uncle Leon and Aunt Wilda, Remi, Uncle Bruno, Uncle Sam and Aunt Alice, Uncle Blue and Aunt Helen, Uncle Florent and Aunt Agnes, Aunt Marie and Uncle Ange, Sister Rita, and Annie and P.J. What an incredible cast of colorful characters! Being with any one of them was better than having the circus come to town. From those incredible people we ended up with 32 first cousins. Add that to 12 first cousins on Moma's side and you had a marvelous life experience. From there the number of cousins increased exponentially. We don't have the time to name them all. But, I assure you, we could. When Daddy died, Jack, Mike, Jean, Mark and Dave took his place. Moma mourned his passing. She missed him, but she never missed a beat. My wonderful brothers took care of her. But, mainly they fueled her last great passion in life—gambling. If you could pin Moma down and ask her what the sum of her life experiences was, I think she would tell you exactly what she told me on the day I tried to caution her about her gaming habit, I asked: “Moma, don’t you think it's time you let up on the gambling a bit?” She looked at me with those crystal blue eyes and she said, and I quote: “Why would I stop now? I always win.” I thought, "La Vie En Rose." For those of you who have never watched The Golden Girls, go home and watch an episode. Moma was Betty White’s character, “Rose.” Elsie and Abel's gang: Jack, Mike, Debbie, Jean, Mark, Dave, Moma's pride and joy. No matter what we did, good or bad, we were loved unconditionally. Moma never lectured. She never set limits. She never limited expectations. She let us and our friends and our relatives see the world thru her rose-colored glasses. And what a world that was! Parties and sleepovers and trips, relatives and friends, animals, glorious food, beautiful clothes, a warm, orderly home, weddings and baptisms and first communions, fantastic holidays. You name it, we had it. Anything that could be celebrated, we celebrated. Even sadness was celebrated. Life at our house was perfect! I challenge anyone who says it wasn't. Perfection in life is not the absence of bad things. It's not the absence of sadness. We had our share of loss and worry and fear. Perfection in life is learning how to handle imperfection. Especially, it's learning how to enter that dark tunnel, keep your wits about you and hold on to the wheel until you reach daylight at the other end. Perfection in life is steadfastness and balance. It's learning how to handle the good times with common sense and share that good fortune with others.

Moma let us wear those rosy glasses. Just when we thought life was a picnic, Daddy ripped them off and exposed us to the dark side. They taught us thru words and example how to live thru the good times and the bad, how not to worry about what other people thought and did, how to plot our own course. Sometimes in life two imperfect people meet and together their pitch is perfect. We won the lottery! Jacqui, Cati, Ronnie, Julie, Trina, Nadine, Boo – Moma could not have asked for better daughters-in-law or son-in-law. She asked me once: “How did I get so lucky?” And, I answered: “Moma, you are just one of those people who was born under a lucky star.” She looked up and, I swear to God, she said: “I wonder which one it is?” I chuckled to myself and I thought: “I wish I knew, because a lot of people would like to stand under that star just for a minute.” This brings us to Moma’s true passion in life: Children, especially her grandchildren. So kids, listen up! Jamie, Chase, Chance, Jack, Kim, Ainsley, Landon, Scott, Trey, Jess, Lilliana, Adelaide, Abbie, Benjamin, Kendall, Matthew, Nicholas, Katrina, Lauren, Lily, Alex, Luke, Eric, Lanais, Angelle, Spencer, Rhylinn, James, Patrick, Hannah, Koby, Adrianne, Kameron, Jenna and Spencer. By the way, let’s give Spencer a big round of applause because he is graduating in a few days from UL. This was the hardest part of the eulogy to write… How do I tell you what the essence of Grandma was so that you can be like her? “The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool.” (From the movie Almost Famous) I’ll say that again: “The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool.” Grandma was so “uncool” that she was cool. For sure, Grandma was lucky. She was born beautiful and popular and well-to-do and stylish and ditsy and funny and all good things rolled into one. She “hit the jackpot,” if you will. However, she never flaunted it. She gave it away--literally and figuratively. She was generous with her time and treasure. She impressed people, no doubt, but not because she tried to. She never stepped onto that gerbil wheel of life. She never lost herself. She was never fake. Being Grandma was never difficult because it was natural for her. Her joy and creativity and authenticity and spontaneity were real. Material things were fun but she would have been just as joyful without them. I think she knew her strengths; but, she also recognized her weaknesses. She was vulnerable and flawed. And, she wasn’t always in control; but, that was okay because she allowed others to take control when she couldn’t. She was a free spirit and a silly heart.

So, be like Grandma: Don’t think about life, live life -- your own way, your own style. Don’t give a care about what others think or say. You can’t talk about Moma without talking about her friends. Many of the relatives I’ve already named were also some of her best friends. Others were: Ms. Ida, Ms. Vernice, Mary, Ms. Velma, Ms. Teacup, Dr. Bobby, Ivy Lou, Ms. Lillian, Dr. Earl, Ms. Beverly, Mr. Joe, Chick, Leroy, Ms. Marguerite, Mr. Sturgis, Ms. Lillian Durio, Joyce and Stanley, Eva and Jim, Ms. Gladys, Ms. Laura, Ms. Helen Arnaud, Ms. Ces, Ms. Lynn, Ms. Annie, and Ms. Nola. If I left anyone out, it is from sheer exhaustion. I can’t imagine the energy it took to actually interact with all of these people over 89 years. Wow! Add to that, nieces and nephews, like Mary Agnes and Pon and the number is staggering. It almost seems impossible but she did it! Moma could not have entertained all of these people without the help of Del, who lived with us for 25 years, and many more individuals who were in our home and yard constantly cleaning and cooking and babysitting and helping. Thank you to all of you for making Moma smile through the years. We would like to especially thank Dr. Paul Rees and Dr. Kirk Elliott and the employees of J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home for the care you gave Moma. But, most of all, we want to thank Linda. Linda has been at Moma’s side for more years than we can count. She is patient and kind and loving. There are no words to thank her for her unselfish service. Thank you to all of you for coming today and for visiting over the years.

Presentation of Gifts:

AVE MARIA Composer Franz Shubert 1825

Version Lyrics and Performed by Jewel

Ave Maria Gratia plena

Dominus tecum Benedicta tu In mulieribus Et benedictus Fructus ventris

Tui Jesus

Sancta Maria Sancta Maria

Maria Ora pro nobis

Nobis peccatoribus Nunc et in hora

In hora mortis nostrae

Sancta Maria Sancta Maria

Maria

Ora pro nobis Nobis peccatoribus

Nunc et in hora In hora mortis nostrae

Amen Amen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZABVkrKAPdo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Communion Hymn:

YOU ARE MINE Lyrics by David Haas

I will come to you in the silence I will lift you from all your fear

You will hear My voice I claim you as My choice

Be still, and know I am near

I am hope for all who are hopeless I am eyes for all who long to see

In the shadows of the night, I will be your light

Come and rest in Me

Chorus: Do not be afraid, I am with you I have called you each by name

Come and follow Me I will bring you home

I love you and you are mine

I am strength for all the despairing Healing for the ones who dwell in shame

All the blind will see, the lame will all run free And all will know My name

Chorus:

Do not be afraid, I am with you I have called you each by name

Come and follow Me I will bring you home

I love you and you are mine

I am the Word that leads all to freedom I am the peace the world cannot give

I will call your name, embracing all your pain Stand up, now, walk, and live

Chorus:

Do not be afraid, I am with you I have called you each by name

Come and follow Me I will bring you home

I love you and you are mine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14pPevY5sd8

PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

Make me a channel of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love,

Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord, And where there's doubt, true faith in You

Make me a channel of your peace,

Where there's despair in life let me bring hope, Where there is darkness, only light, And where there's sadness, ever joy

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek, So much to be consoled as to console, To be understood, as to understand,

To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love,

Where there’s injury, Your pardon Lord, And where there is doubt, true faith in You

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek, So much to be consoled as to console, To be understood, as to understand,

To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace, Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,

Where there is darkness, only light, And where there's sadness, ever joy

Make me a channel of your peace…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7itP2pVL05M

Recessional Hymn:

JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE Lyrics by Henry Van Dyke, 1907

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,

God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee,

opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All thy works with joy surround thee,

earth and heaven reflect thy rays, stars and angels sing around thee,

center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain,

flowery meadow, flashing sea, singing bird and flowing fountain,

call us to rejoice in thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,

well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine;

teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up6KRUG4D8Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player

GRAVESITE SERVICE

Sung by Millie Calais Darby and Annie Hardy Calais:

LA VIE EN ROSE by Edith Piaf

Des yeux qui font baisser les miens,

Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche Voila le portrait sans retouche

De l'homme auquel, j'appartiens

Quand il me prend dans ses bras Il me parle tout bas

Je vois la vie en rose.

Il ma dit des mots d'amour, Des mots de tous les jours

Et ça me fait quelque chose.

Il est entré dans mon Coeur, Une part de bonheur Dont je connais la cause

C'est lui pour moi, Moi pour lui dans la vie

Il me l'a dit, l'a jure pour la vie

Et dès que je l'aperçois Alors je sens en moi, mon coeur qui bat

Des nuits d'amour ne plus en finir

Un grand bonheur qui prend sa place Des enuis des chagrins, des phases

Heureux, heureux a en mourir

Quand il me prend dans ses bras Il me parle tout bas

Je vois la vie en rose

Il me dit des mots d'amour Des mots de tous les jours Et a me fait quelque chose

Il est entr dans mon Coeur

Une part de bonheur Dont je connais la cause

C'est toi pour moi

Moi pour toi dans la vie Il me l'a dit, m'a jur pour la vie

Et, ds que je l'apercois Alors je sens en moi Mon coeur qui bat

Eyes that gaze into mine, A laugh that loses itself on his mouth, Behold the portrait without retouching

The man to whom I belong!

When he takes me in his arms He speaks to me softly,

I see ‘life in pink” (Life is wonderful).

He utters words of love to me Everyday words

And it touches me.

A share of happiness has entered my heart Of which I know the cause.

It's him for me, me for him in this life

He told me so, swore it for lif

And as soon as I see him Well I feel my heart beating inside me

May the nights on which we make love never end,

A great joy which takes its place The trouble, the grief are removed

Content, content to die of it

When he takes me in his arms He speaks to me in a very low voice,

I see life as if it were rose-tinted.

He whispers words to declare to me his love Words of the everyday

And that does something to me.

He has entered into my heart A piece of happiness

the cause of which I recognise.

It's him for me, me for him in life He said that to me, swore to me forever.

And as soon as I see him

So do I feel in me My heart which beats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mEQiVy1q78&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Harmonica Rendition of Amazing Grace by Ignatius “Iggie” Castille

AFTER PARTY AT JACK’S

Musicians: Don Carpenter, Accordion, Karen Sellers, Drums and David Guidry, Guitar

STORIES OF ELSIE MARTIN HARDY

Debbie Hardy LaGrange: In 1968, at the age of 16, I came home after 6 weeks in the hospital following a motorcycle accident. I was told I would not be able to attend school and would be tutored at home. After the first tutoring session, I began to cry. Then, Moma started to cry. Del called Daddy and he came right home. "What's wrong?" he asked. Moma explained that I wanted to go to school. Daddy stormed out of the room and soon we heard his table saw screaming in the workshop. He walked back into my room and slammed the ragged piece of wood down on the arms of my wheelchair. Can you write on this? He asked. “Yes,” I answered.” I'm gonna bring you to school in the morning” he said. He looked over at Moma and told her in French, “Aller l'acheter un pantalon pour porter a l'ecole.” (Go and buy her some pants to wear to school.”) We wore only dresses then. Shopping! Moma was out the door in a hurry and came home hours later with a new wardrobe for me. Problem solved! That's how they rolled. After visiting with Moma one day, we were walking out the door when I saw Daddy pulling out 20 miles of tangled gill netting from a trash can. I said, "Hurry, go back inside." Too late. He'd seen us. “Come over here and help me” he said. I told him I had things to do. He said, "The United States of America is lucky that my gang didn't have to settle the west. Moma said immediately and with glee, "We'd all be living in California!” Daddy said: “No, Elsie, they would still be sitting on Plymouth Rock." Jack Hardy: It was the summer of 65', the year Pat and I graduated from high school. We decided to take a trip before starting college and were wondering where to go and how to get there. I had an old truck because I had wrecked the small convertible I got when I was 15. Daddy had just bought a new VW bug for the other kids and I thought we might borrow it for our trip. As it was always easier to get stuff out of Moma, I asked her if we could borrow the bug to go on our trip. We had decided Colorado might be nice, so that's where I told her we wanted to go. She said "Oh no, that's too far" and she suggested Biloxi--a place we had been 50 times. I told her we had no interest in going there so she suggested I ask Daddy to recommend a place that night. She was in the kitchen cleaning up after supper when I asked him. He said no problem with the bug and suggested we go to Colorado and the Grand Canyon. I heard her drop a pot in the kitchen and when I looked her way, I saw her looking down in the sink shaking her head.

John Hardy: Like everyone else I have a thousand great memories of Moma and Daddy. The first one that comes to mind was of the day Moma drove home from one of her "big grocery runs" to Lafayette. We were all playing in the yard just on the other side of the crevasse. Moma slowed to a stop to talk to us then proceeded slowly toward the house. We ran along side of the car to help her unload the goods. Little did we know that Dave had slipped his fingers around the top of the back bumper and was being dragged behind the car down the gravel driveway. Someone noticed and we all began to yell. Moma finally stopped and helped unhitch Dave. After cleaning up his wounds and drying up his tears and her own, we carried on with the business of unloading the groceries. Life went on! Mark Hardy: Mom was a rich Lady. When I say the word "rich," I don’t mean money. Mom was rich in spirit and always gave of herself. Our house was everyone's home, always open to friends, family, swimmers and foreigners. I remember when Mary married Leroy Cormier and moved to Arnaudville. Mama and Dad opened our house to them, and they became lifelong friends. When Mama’s father died, I remember that she inherited a little money and a mobile home. She used all of the money to buy a new boat, and that mobile home became the core of our wonderful camp at False River. So, many people from Arnaudville were able to enjoy being with us at False River, where Mom and Dad had an open door policy. The more people who showed up, the bigger Mama's smile got. Even with six kids and three adults, Mama managed to keep our house presentable, and she was never worried about unexpected company. Mama hated bad weather and was scared to death of it, but sometimes I think she prayed for it so Uncle Leon and Wilda could come over. She equated bad weather with a party. Having friends and family at the house made her forget about the weather and made her happy. I am sure that Mom is looking down upon us hoping and praying that her family continues the wonderful legacy she left behind. Mom had dementia the last years of her life. I learned about the disease from Daddy, although it took 30 years for me to figure out the moral of the story. One day, I was sleeping in the car while Dad drove us to False River. Daddy never passed on an opportunity to teach me something new, and that day was no exception. He woke me up and pointed to the cattle grazing beneath a beautiful sunrise. He asked me if I could see the cows, and I said "yes." In French, he said: "I am going to tell you something that won’t make any sense to you now; but, someday it will." He proceeded to tell me: "If ever you are driving down the road and you hit a cow that you didn't see, don't worry about it. So long as you are not injured, and the insurance company pays to fix your truck, everything will be okay." Then he said: "If ever you

are driving down the road, and you see a cow that isn't there...vous etes dans la merde" (you are in shit). I was confused and asked Dad what he meant, but he had already made the point he was trying to make and refused to tell me more. That was about 35 years ago. I eventually forgot about what he told me and never thought about it again until later in life. One day, Mama began complaining about lots of small cars on the road, and I never thought anything of it. She was always in her car, and I just figured that traffic was getting to be too much for her to handle. Then, one day, I was sitting in her kitchen visiting and she asked why there were people on the roof at Jack’s house. I kept telling her no one was on the roof, but she insisted there were. I walked back to my house and told Trina about what had happened. She immediately got on the computer and confirmed that Mama was in the early stages of dementia, a disease I knew nothing about. It was not until I went back to her house and saw her walking around with cookies trying to feed the babies in the hall, or slapping imaginary roaches on her counter top, that I remembered the story about the cows. Mom etes dans la merde. Please learn the lesson that Daddy taught me and pass it on. We recognized early on that Mama was in trouble. It was hard taking away Mama's car keys, because to her, we were taking away her independence. As hard as it was, it would have been much more difficult to watch her injure herself or someone else in a car accident. Mom and Dad, rest in peace and pray for us! Dave Hardy: As the years went on, Mama use to come by the house more often to let me know that she would be going to Lafayette to visit Uncle Lester and Barbara, or possibly making a casino run to Cypress Bayou. She assured me she would have a friend with her to help her navigate the service roads, she didn't like the interstate anymore. I asked her one afternoon before one of her runs why she had come to let me know and she said that Debbie thought it would be best if she quit driving. She looked like she was ten years waiting for my approval. I told her not to worry about Debbie and go and have fun. She grabbed her purse with a smile and walked out of the house. At the time, Spencer was out in the driveway playing basketball and he told Grandma “Bye.” He moved to the side so that she could leave. While backing up to leave, she backed up into Spencer's goal post and knocked it over. He stood there and started laughing but couldn't believe she never noticed. She just drove off with her beautiful smile and waved goodbye. He came running in to tell me what had happened. I went outside to take a look at the complete goal post and backboard laying in the yard. I looked at Spencer and Nadine and said: "Whatever y'all do, don't tell DEBBIE!" Michael Hardy When my mother got older, she and a group of her best friends loved gambling excursions.

Despite the fact that I hated the idea of her sitting in a smokey casino, she would tell me all about her times that she would go and about how she would win. This one time she did hit the "big ole" JACKPOT! Well, of course, she had to brag to me that she hit it big!!! My response to her excitement was: “Mother, if I am driving around Baton Rouge and I see your face on a billboard as an advertisement for a casino, I will never speak to you again. I will disown you”!!! She looked at me with eyes that could KILL and said: “Michael, you can just go to HELL..." and immediately we died laughing uncontrollably. Barbara Martin Domingue: I guess some of my remembrances of my beautiful sister would be her dragging me along wherever she went. Before the days of blended families, it was amazing how she always said I was her sister--not half-sister or step sister. She was always in motion. She loved to dance. She rocked her babies (and mine ) for hours. She loved to have a gang at the camp at False River. I can still see her roaster with 5 or 6 chickens and a "big gravy" for anyone who dropped in. Her fish courtboullion was fantastic, her spaghetti, divine. She befriended anyone and everyone. She would come to Lafayette several times a week and lots of times she had someone with her. I would ask who they were and she would say somebody's mother or sister who didn't have a ride "so I brought them with me.” I can still see her and all her kiddies in their pajamas in her Model T early in the morning at my house to have cinnamon biscuits my Mama made for them. She brought me to get my driver’s license in her car, which was automatic, when I had learned on a standard shift. She immediately coached me and I passed my test. Elsie was so memorable in high school that when I went there all the teachers called me “Elsie.” Our frequent card games after Soup Saturday was a delight for her. Sometimes she would laugh so much she would have tears. She taught me that all people are the same and you treat them all alike. She taught me that there is always more love in your heart even when you think you used it all up. She taught me that there is always something good that comes out of bad things and you can live through them.. She gave me her perpetual smile and for that I will always love her. Bon chance Ma Souer! Julie Arnaud Hardy: I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Elsie, aka Grandma. I found myself calling her this often. I suppose my kids said it so often that it was drilled into my head and so, she became "Grandma" to me too!

She was always so kind and generous, so it's difficult to pinpoint one fond memory, but I think my favorite (and most vivid) memory is this: Before the birth of Alex and Eric, Grandma offered to let us stay at their house for a while. After all, twin babies would be ALOT of work and we would need help... (an understatement)! After 6 weeks of "bonding," which included numerous daily feedings, burping them, rocking them, singing lullabies, changing diapers, and changing their clothes (often 4 to 6 times a day because they spit up after EVERY feeding), Grandma and Pop decided to go on a camping trip. I highly suspect the purpose was for some much needed peace and quiet! Pop had nicknamed the boys "Tracasser" and "Tourne' 'a l'envers", which is French for "Trouble" and "Turned Upside Down." After hooking up the camper and throwing a few necessities in it, they waved goodbye, and the message in their eyes was clear.....THEY (meaning us) HAD BETTER BE GONE WHEN WE GET BACK!! Elizabeth “Boo” Landry: What a wonderful mother-in-law she was, and also a great grandmother to my children, Jack and Scott. I will never forget you Elsie, hold my son for me in heaven, Love, Boo Mary Agnes Hardy de la Houssaye Belleau:

My Memories of Elsie

As a little girl, our family and Uncle Abel’s spent a weekend in New Orleans so that the Hardy Brothers could seal the deal on the Esther Williams Swimming Pool. Elsie had brought a couple of new dresses and she let me chose the one I wanted to wear; yes, believe it or not, we wore the same size. As a recent widow, Elsie and Uncle Abel invited me to go snow skiing with them and Mike, Debbie, and Dwight. We went in the new four-door truck and dropped Del off in Houston to visit her folks and picked her up on our way home. As a mother, Elsie and Uncle Abel helped me broaden my children’s horizon by taking us in the Blue Bird for several years to Camp Petti Jean Park, Arkansas, to celebrate Thanksgiving. Aunt Elsie brought the turkey, oyster dressings, etc. so we could have Thanksgiving Dinner alongside a babbling brook.. As a mother of teenagers, Elsie and Uncle Abel helped me entertain my children at False River. They encouraged us to get a camp alongside theirs and for several years the Hardy Gang spent the weekends in the summer at False River.

Later, each year, we brought in the New Year together in their beautiful new home, enjoying delicious gumbo and all the trimmings and desserts that went with it. These are just some of the wonderful memories which allowed me and my children to learn from Elsie and Uncle Abel about life, generosity, and love of family. Florent “Pon” Hardy, Jr.

My Favorite Memories of Aunt Elsie Many people come into one’s life, but a select few remain indelibly in both heart and memory. If you’ve ever heard of a brain-smile, that’s what Aunt Elsie gives to me – a very happy memory of a unique individual who always warms my heart with a mixture of happiness, caring and love. During the summers of my years as an early teen, brother Paul and I went with Dad daily to Arnaudville to “assist” in the sweet potato business. During these summers, we bonded with cousins and made life-long friends in Arnaudville. Since Dad and Uncle Abel were partners in the sweet potato business and the Esther Williams Swimming Pool enterprise, we were especially close to Uncle Abel and Aunt Elsie. Fortunately for us, the model pool was at Aunt Elsie’s, and we were ALWAYS welcome. The many New Year’s Day parties at the Hardys were very special – what a way to begin the New Year! Additionally, during several Thanksgiving Holidays, Mary, Joey, Monique and I were included in the Hardy entourage traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, parts of North Carolina, and all parts of Arkansas. I often joke that I think we traveled on every dirt road in Arkansas. Yes, Uncle Abel and Aunt Elsie were masters when it came to having fun. Several years ago, Debbie called me on Saturday morning before Mardi Gras. She wanted to go to New Orleans. We quickly organized our trip and off we went to the Roosevelt for the weekend. While we were relaxing in the hotel restaurant, Elsie asked me if I planned to walk to Canal Street for the parade. It was obvious that she would have preferred to remain in the hotel. I said that I wanted to grab some beads. Without hesitation, she said, “Then, let’s go!” That fun-loving and agreeable spirit was so typical Elsie, and I loved her for it. The memories of one’s youth are some of the most enduring. What I remember most fondly about Aunt Elsie is that whatever the occasion, she always welcomed me with open arms and a happy smile. Whether it was an unexpected visit, sleepovers with Jack, our weekends on False River or our MANY swimming parties, she ALWAYS welcomed me with open arms and genuine happiness. I treasure those memories and I am forever grateful for having Aunt Elsie in my life. She generates such happy memories for all who were fortunate to have known her, and yes, she always produces one of my favorite brain-smiles!

Nicholas’ Family remembers Grandma by Katrina LaGrange: Katrina The very first time I met Ms. Elsie we were at Uncle Jack’s looking at his house with Ms. Odile. When we got in the back yard, Grandma “stole” me and brought me to a bench where we sat and talked for about 30 minutes. I only wish I could remember the conversation. For Lauren On the day of Ms. Elsie’s funeral, I told Lauren: “We are about to go to the church.” Lauren answered: “But Mommy, Grandma is still sleeping. She didn’t wake up yet. Why is she not waking up?” To which I answered: “She’s not going to wake up, Baby. She’s in heaven.” Then, Lauren asked: “This is heaven?” “No, Baby, she’s with Jesus and Paw Paw,” I answered. For Lily We tried unsuccessfully to get Lily to say “Grandma.” In church she did said: “Gummies!” Close enough for a baby. Abbie Hardy One of my favorite memories of Grandma was a camping trip that I went on with her and Pop. After a long day of playing in mud, riding bikes, cooking and playing around the fire, Grandma insisted that I “wash my head” before going to sleep and that is what I did. Only problem was it was chilly outside and Grandma did not want me going to sleep with wet hair. She was trying to figure out how to get my very thick hair to dry – stand by the fire, towel dry it, until she had the wonderful idea to use the hand dryer in the bathroom. I had to crouch under that thing for about 20 minutes, and afterwards my hair was no dryer than when we started. We ended up taking Pop’s truck back to Arnaudville to blow dry my hair, and made it back to the campsite in time for Pop’s bedtime story/song/life lesson. Seemed like a lot of trouble to dry my hair, but I didn’t catch a cold! Elaine Stelly: I remember referring to the three as the "Golden Girls." They were Elsie, Vern Stelly and Annie Stoute. If the word “go” was mentioned, they were already gone!! Gambling that is!! And, did they have a good time! It didn't matter where they went to gamble; I think they tried everyplace in Louisiana and Mississippi; probably more than they told us, LOL!! If it

was too far to drive, they made an overnight trip or sometimes a weekend trip. They had nothing but time to have some fun. It wasn't about the money; it was about friendship, freedom and the opportunity to do the things they enjoyed together. The "Girls" just wanted to have fun!!!! Dana Rush: I have many memories of the times that I spent with Nannie. This one involves gambling, so I thought it would be fitting. On a 10-day journey with my mom, Barbara, and Nannie Elsie, we drove through the Tennessee and North Carolina Mountains. Lo and behold! We came across the Cherokee Indian Reservation… which meant gambling! As everyone knows Mom and Nannie love(d) to gamble. As we walked into the casino, an attendant asked us if we needed help learning how to work the slot machines. Being the professional that she was, Nannie answered, “I know what I’m doing, no thanks.” So, Mom goes her way and I decide to stay with Nannie. As we proceeded through the casino, she found the machine of her choice. The machines looked different to me, so I decided to sit and watch her play. She puts in a $100 bill and hits the button. Well, it took all of her money!! She hits me in the arm and says, “Dana, go get that attendant!” John Sturgis: I came to know both Abel and Elsie through my association with Mark and Dave at Arnaudville High School. They invited me over and I was welcomed with open arms. Through the years I spent many days over at Abel and Elise's home and was always treated as one of their own. Some of my most fond memories were the camping trips and swimming parties. One camping trip to Chicot State Park I told Mr. Abel I would bring some fish from the freezer at home to cook. I grabbed a frozen container when the day came and ran out to meet Mark and Mr. Abel. When Mr. Abel defrosted it, It ended up being heavy on the ice and light on the fish. He wanted to know where I had found a "minnow in an iceberg.” It was the highlight of the trip and we still laugh about it to this day. Each time I went over to the Hardy residence, Miss Elsie would always greet me with a warm smile. As kids, we had the best times during those hot summers at swimming and dancing parties and Miss Elsie always made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. She always took good care of the invited guest. Abel and Elsie were the best!

Sarah Olivier: Hi Debbie, I just wanted to send you my sincerest condolences for your great loss. I remember your mother was nothing but kind, generous, and warm to me and my family. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I am very sorry that I could not be there but I have finals this week and I could not miss class. I don't know if you remember this but when Mona died you shared an act of kindness with me that I have never forgotten. After they placed her in the plot I remember standing there, crying, and being full of the worst sadness I had ever felt. And in that moment, you came up to me and gave me a big hug, a sincere hug. It may have seemed like a small gesture but it meant a lot to me. You have always been so kind to me and I appreciate that. I hope you and your family are doing well and if you ever need anything at all don't hesitate to call. Charles Adams: After reviewing the eulogy you provided, I don't believe anyone can add any more. I surely cannot. Please rest assured you honored Ms. Elsie. In my mind, Mr. Abel and Ms. Elsie will always be regarded as friends and remain fondly in my thoughts. Millie Calais Darby:

Open House My young, fondest fun times at Aunt Elsie's consisted of a drop-in visit with swim gear in hand. We never called, just dropped in to chat and swim at the Hardy pool. Aunt Elsie wearing her smile and Uncle Abel's stern glance, welcomed us in through the open kitchen where Del had coffee, coke, cookies, pie, or ice cream to offer us. We sat in the bright den overlooking the large picture window out to the pool. The furniture was so comfortable and inviting. I listened as the grownups talked of family, friends and relatives. Then, off I went outside to run, swim and play for hours. Lots of cousins around. Oh heavenly day. Vickie Morrow Gibert: I have such fond memories of Miss Elsie. Our parents were very good friends. My family spent many weekends hanging out and I could always be found in the pool with Mark and Dave.

Miss Elsie was the ultimate host and always ready for a party. We would go camping at Chicot State Park in their Holiday Rambler and ride that mini bike all over the place. For some reason, Mark would never let me drive. I guess he had his reasons! When I look back at all the years that we all spent together, the one event that makes me laugh most is when Mama, Daddy, Dave and I went skiing with the Hardys. My mom had done some research and, since Miss Elsie and company would be staying in their RV, my mom thought we should stay in the park also - to make things easier, of course, since we were only renting one car. She received a brochure of a cozy mobile home surrounded by snow, nestled near a stream, with a wood burning stove. How beautiful! It looked perfect! My mom booked it. The RV pulled out of Arnaudville early one morning with Trina's family right behind in their RV loaded with her family. Mark rode with them so that he could help Mr. Leonard drive. We had our crew and were so looking forward to escaping the heat and could not wait to get on the slopes! Miss Elsie, of course, had all the food and drinks we needed. Since the guys took care of driving, we played card games and laughed and laughed. As we were approaching the snowy mountains and started going through the windy roads, my mom became a nervous wreck. Miss Elsie kept saying: "Teacup, just relax. The men know how to handle this thing!" From the look on my mom's face, she wasn't so sure. And neither was I! You could look down the side of the RV and see a mega drop that no one could possibly survive! My mom did not sleep a wink that night as they drove along but Miss Elsie was just as calm as could be. She just knew that we would all get there in one piece. We finally arrived at the campground and checked in. My mom and dad asked where was our cute little mobile home. Well, I wish you could have seen our faces when they brought us to see it. It was, as it became named, Ice Station Zebra! They did a whole lot of photo shopping on this one. Man oh man!!!! I could hear Miss Elsie laughing, so we all joined in. My poor mama. The only heat was through this so called wood stove. Then, as we started to bring the luggage in, Dave fell in the creek and my mom thought he was going to freeze to death. Needless to say, they eventually found a hotel room in town where they would all be more comfortable but I stayed in the RV. Years later, I married Kip, who was from New Orleans, and we had Elizabeth and David. Kip was laid off from Texaco and we had a few months before he would start his new job. One day I told him that I thought we should rent a motor home. He looked at me as though I was crazy. But then I explained to him all the adventures and good times we had with Miss Elsie and Mr. Abel at Chicot and our famed skiing adventure. Staying in a camper at a campground is a whole lot different than staying in a hotel. You become one with nature and get to smell good clean air. You get to bond with your kids, bring your dog and never have to lug suitcases in and out of hotel rooms. He was reluctant but caved in. Our city slicker friends thought we were out of our minds. But they were so wrong. They did not grow up like me. They grew up in a city with lots of concrete. I wanted my kids to see what simple life was all about. We headed out west and traveled for a couple of months and had many adventures!

I smile when I think of those wonderful times and feel fortunate to have grown up in Arnaudville surrounded by such loving people. Miss Elsie was honest, loving, hard-working, and caring. She is truly a hard act to follow. Mildred “Millie” Nichols: Yes, Elsie was a special friend! She would come and pick me up in her brother Leonard's convertible. We would go to Lafayette and visit her Grandpa then ride around the university. On the way back to Arnaudville, we would stop and ride horses on the farm with Alice Fuselier; then, go home to visit with Mama and my sisters and friend, Melba Darby on the Mistrot porch. Yes, Elsie was special and we will miss her. Willie Barnet, Captain of the “Blue Moon” Elsie and Abel Hardy entered my life by way of a bus trip to experience the fall foliage color change of the Smokey Mountains. I suppose I was chosen to pilot the 1981 Blue Bird Wanderlodge because I was the captain of their son Jack’s yacht “Blue Moon” and the fishing season was over. “If he can drive a yacht, surely he can drive a bus…” The journey begins October 1997 in Arnaudville. I meet Abel and Elsie Hardy, Annie Calais, and Ms. Elva (?) a nun, for the first time. All boarded the bus and before departure, we prayed. Off we go, destination Atlanta, Georgia. While crossing the Atchafalaya Basin bridge, the overhead entertainment console fell from the ceiling and across the steering wheel and dashboard. Pop and the ladies removed the console from my lap and we made it to Butte La Rose. With the console re-attached and more prayers, we are off again. With no radio, we begin singing hymns. Arrival in Atlanta welcomed us with a massive traffic jam inbound, but no traffic outbound. An airplane had crashed on the freeway and made a huge mess of the place. More prayers for the victims (thankfully not us) and we finally arrived at Ms. Annie’s son Kevin’s house. The ladies (or “guineas” as Pop called them) slept in the house, with Pop and I sleeping on the bus. I began to experience the world according to Abel Hardy. Fascinating! Next morning, all aboard and we pray. Off to Vidalia, Georgia, for onions and such. The beautiful hymns continue and we arrive in Cherokee, North Carolina. Motel room for the “guineas” and men on the bus. Battery problems begin on the bus so we unplug the soda machine and plug in the bus. She started the next morning and we thanked God. Indian history and trinkets, Maggie Valley, then off to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The old bus struggled up the steep mountain roads, but we sang and prayed and she always made it. Our efforts were rewarded with spectacular views and scenery.

Asheville, North Carolina, brought bus servicing and a rent car for sightseeing, culminating at the Biltmore Mansion. What an experience! Words cannot do it justice. Must be seen to believe. The behind-the-scenes tour with Pop was priceless. More prayers and thanks then we depart for Nashville, Tennessee, and more majestic scenery. The ladies played cards, sang and cooked. Pop navigated and philosophized. Every morning in the motel lobbies, Pop would approach a random person in the crowd and ask them: “And, what good are you going to do for the world today?” The various reactions he received were hilarious! We then followed the Natchez Trace and spent a night in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Ms. Elsie named the place “Kosakovia” because that country was tangled up in a civil war and that was the big news story of the day. Down the “Blues Highway 61” to Baton Rouge, then back to Arnaudville. We unloaded the bus and when I went to put it back in the garage, it refused to start. Believe the power of prayer kept her going…? My next encounter with Ms. Elsie and Pop was at “Blue Moon” in Galveston. They would come from Arnaudville with friends, cook, boil crabs, play cards, tell great stories and pass a good time. The camaraderie they exhibited was a classic example of the Cajun lifestyle for my family to witness. It was an awful day when Pop passed. There were storms and flooding at the boat. A true Christian was lost and he did “much good for the world today.” Life, post Pop, found us on Jack’s jet flying to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to meet with the people who were building the new “Blue Moon.” Ms. Elsie was not impressed with the interior designer and suggested that her daughter-in-law Jacque and her son Mike could do a much better job. Her suggestion was taken and the resulting interior is spectacular! Later that summer, Ms. Elsie and her lady friends: Vernice, Velma and Ms. Annie, vacationed on the “Blue Moon” in Destin, Florida. My family was visiting from Texas, so we caught and cooked crabs and the ladies shared casino techniques and experiences. While weathering a tropical storm, the ladies, with their Cajun charm, entertained us with comical stories of raising large families in small town Arnaudville. The impression left with us was, although a challenging task in challenging times, it was very rewarding. These matriarchs did a great job, as all of their children are upstanding members of society and making a difference. The later years often found Ms. Elsie requesting my services to change a light bulb, unclog a sink, or some excuse for me to come to her home conveniently at lunch time. There always happened to be a delicious pot of gumbo on the stove. Many times, she gave me an uncashed casino voucher, along with a tip for my wife on which machines to play. More often than not, that machine paid…. Even though Ms. Elsie is gone, she continues to affect our lives in a most positive way. Her cheerful demeanor and wisdom will live on forever in our hearts.

Stephanie Taylor

I’ve been summoned to reminisce about my first snow ski trip with the Hardy Family during my senior year of high school. However, long before that ski trip began my relationship with Mrs. Elsie and Mr. Abel. At a very young age, I spent lots of time during my summers at my grandparent’s (Debbie’s in-laws) in Arnaudville. Many visits were spent at the Hardy’s and some of my first swim lessons were taught by Debbie at her parent’s pool. I had my first taste of homemade chicken pot pie made by Mrs. Elsie. They were huge and stuffed with goodness, not like my experience with the frozen variety made by Swanson. I remember on several holidays helping with dismantling the Hardy Christmas tree. Mrs. Elsie was so protective of her “breakable” ornaments. As a child, I remember them being so beautiful and comparing them to my own grandmother’s, which were similar.

Next came the many trips to the Hardy’s camp on False River. Always food and people aplenty, and Mrs. Elsie and Mr. Abel always had a way of keeping a watchful eye on everyone, no matter how many visitors they had, particularly around the water. Again, Debbie put on her teaching hat and taught me how to water ski.

Now for the ski trip to Taos, New Mexico: I arrived home from school one afternoon during my senior year of high school to find out I was leaving the next morning at the crack of dawn to go on a 10-day ski trip. It turned out that the Hardy Family, along with more family and friends, were taking a trip via motor home and had room for one more passenger. Debbie thought it would be a great idea for me to go and in one afternoon okayed it with my parents, and gathered enough ski clothes (in my size) for the entire trip. My grandparents came to pick me up in Opelousas and I stayed the night with them in Arnaudville. Low and behold, the “big bus” pulled up to their house at dark-thirty the next morning and our excursion began with a prayer. It was a full 2-day drive and since we were traveling on a Sunday, Mr. Abel (while driving) held Mass and appointed several of us to do the readings. We were about halfway there when the motor home experienced engine trouble and, of course, it happened at night with no repair shops open. We had to stay in a hotel, repairs were made the next morning and we were rolling again.

Next came the scary part, winding up the mountain in a motor home. I thought Mrs. Teacup was going to have a heart attack. But, we arrived safely at our nice stay-in, ski-out accommodations. Mrs. Elsie and Mrs. Teacup had prepared every meal in advance of the trip and we never had to leave the condo to eat. It was like having personal chefs while we skied and played all day. Benjamin came along, without his mom, and was being such a trooper at the age of 3 or 4. He was so excited about going to ski school; but, when the time came, he decided against it and never stepped out of the condo the entire time we were there, even with all of us and Debbie on the phone coaxing him. I made many lifelong friends within the group on our escapade and have been on many a ski trip, but that was the best one yet. And, 30+ years later, still talk about it.

As I got older, the visits diminished since we lived out of state. However, once my grandmother moved to the nursing home and was two doors down the hall from Mrs. Elsie, I never failed to stop in her room when visiting Odile Maw-Maw.