My First Year Back in The Boot

After 11 years of living in the peach state, my youngest son and I packed up our home and moved back to my home state of Louisiana, affectionately known as The Boot.

The decision wasn’t easy, but I wanted to be closer to support my mom, who’d suffered some recent medical issues.

If you’ve ever moved across state lines, you already know how stressful the entire ordeal can be.

Not only did I end up giving away or donating half of everything we owned, but we also managed to stuff the rest of our lives into two Uhaul Uboxes and one sedan packed to the roof. Whew chile!

God is good.

Embracing the Acadiana Spirit

I miss my Savannahian friends, live music on River Street and the culture of Savannah. But Acadiana has its own unique pace, and it’s slowly working on me.

Lafayette, Louisiana, has a unique population, full of Cajun and Creole food influences, gift shops, festivals, and the always-present sound of zydeco music thumping through the air.

I’m still making my way around this city, once voted the happiest city in America, but the next three attractions deserve a mention.

• Moncus Park: A beautiful park perfect for walking, relaxing, and people-watching. The community vibe and weekly farmer’s market make it an especially nice spot to spend the day. I wish it were closer to me so I could visit more often.

• The Crawfish Festival: It’s everything you’d expect—huge crowds, zydeco music, and a lot of spicy crawfish. (Crawfish pies for me!) Such a fun experience!

• Downtown Lafayette: I’ve only spent a couple of Saturdays here, wandering the streets, looking at colorful murals, unique shops, and cute cafes.

 

I still have a lot to explore. Festival International de Louisiane and the annual Mardi Gras parade are on my list.  Blogging about my experiences feels like a natural way to share my journey and reflect on this new phase of life.

Looking Ahead

Starting over in a new city hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing life, business, and visits to my mom sometimes feels overwhelming, not to mention missing my oldest son who still lives in Savannah.

But even on the toughest days, I remind myself why I made this move: to be closer to family and to create new opportunities.

As I start this blog, I’m excited to share my journey. I pray this space resonates with anyone else who’s walking their own path of starting over.

Here’s to one year back in The Boot—and to finding beauty, even in the most bittersweet moments.

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