Tales From the Bayou: The Nomadic Life

Every week from now on I will be sharing a little story from my childhood growing up around the swamps of Louisiana. I promise every story is true and maybe you will even discover a little bit of your own childhood in my TALES FROM THE BAYOU. While I never had a pet camel growing up, I certainly know what it’s like to live the nomadic life. My family moved into five different houses in the first twelve years of my life. We were considered one of the poorest families in my hometown. With my mother trying to make ends meet on one cook’s income and six mouths to feed, it was a challenge just to keep food on the table much less pay the rent. So, we moved around. A lot. The first house I lived in on Second Ave I don’t remember. I was a baby, but I’ve been told it was in a rundown state with walls not quite reaching the ceiling which allowed rats to peek over the top and spy on my crib. Fortunately, the next home we moved to, 202 8th Street, had a large backyard where Mother could raise rabbits for extra food. That was where I ran away from home to the corner grocery store for the first time, with candy my sweet reward but that’s another story for another time. Then came 510 Garland where I did everything from collecting loose baby teeth for the tooth fairy to accidentally breaking the collar bone of a childhood friend. Yet another story for another time. The next home, 313 McMurtry, was where I started school, ran away from home for a second time, and collected some of my favorite childhood memories. The last house I moved to before leaving home for good was 407 McMurtry. The house itself was steeped in local history…as well as spirits. It was where both my parents died, I discovered secret passages and had ghostly encounters…more fodder for more tales later. I think living the nomadic life helped shape the person I am today. Not only do I appreciate the stability of having my own home now, but moving so many times taught me to think small…to minimize the material things in my life and to reevaluate what truly matters. To make sure wherever I go, I always keep what’s important to me…like friends and family…close to my heart. Thanks Mom and Dad for that nomadic life!

TALES FROM THE BAYOU