My First Year Back in The Boot

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

The decision wasn’t easy, but after a stroke and early onset dementia, my mom’s health required additional support.

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.

Lafayette, La, not my original hometown, became the place where I would start over and find a balance between caregiving and carving out a new life.

Embracing the Acadiana Spirit

I miss my Savannahian friends, live music on River Street and the rich culture of historic Savannah. But Acadiana has its own unique charm, one that’s slowly working its way into my heart.

Lafayette, Louisiana, with its diverse population, is rich in Cajun and Creole food influences, unique shops, lively 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 green space perfect for walking, unwinding, and people-watching. The community vibe and weekly farmer’s market make it an especially pleasant spot to spend the day.

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

• Downtown Lafayette: I’ve spent a few Saturdays wandering its streets, discovering colorful murals, quirky shops, and cozy cafes.

 

I still have a lot to explore. Festival International de Louisiane and the annual Mardi Gras parade are on my list for 2025. No worries, I’ll be taking you along for the ride.

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, a side 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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