Maurine Bordelon Lacour   December 10, 2008

I graduated from Evergreen High School in 1955.  In my mind’s eye that was a thousand years ago, yet I can transcend into my childhood instantly, with the memories that this website has provided to all of us. Thank you, Ed.

As I read the Memorials and saw Mr. Reid’s photograph, it seemed like time stood still.

I was that young girl again. While in his Literature class, we had to memorize The Raven and Shakespeare’s Macbeth “Out, out brief candle, life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.”   After fifty-five years I can still recite his teachings. He taught us well. As our class began, we would engage Mr. Reid in a question and answer session about the ball game the previous night. He would get so wrapped up in analyzing the game; the hour would be over before Mr. Reid knew it. Therefore, we had to work harder in our next literature class.  I smiled as I reflected over our small class of nine students. But mighty we were, kindred spirits, Jean Riche, Sandra Goudeau, Huey Ducote, Ralph Juneau, Herbert Dubroc, Robert Hairford, Donald Spears, Betty Ortego and myself.

If I remember correctly, we were the first class to graduate either in a long white dress or suit and tie.  That night I felt like I was ready to embark on a journey of a life fulfilled. My dream was to go to LSU; however, my parents were unable to provide that for me. My goal in life was to make sure we could provide an education for our two sons, Kevin and Monty, and they were able to graduate from LSU.  Over the years, I periodically took college courses and at age 66 I was still taking classes. Now at 71 years of age, I am seriously considering enrolling in the spring semester again, or as my health allows.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then lymphoma. I am currently in remission and working with other cancer patients to help make the journey easier for them. I learned so much about myself, my family and my friends during this period of my life. I was blessed to have a friend that cared enough to spend the time and effort to help me during my darkest hours. So now I am ready to pay it forward. Luke 12:48.  I prepare meals in my home to deliver to anyone in need. I learned that nutrition plays a huge part in the recovery of cancer patients. If any of my friends in Evergreen are diagnosed with cancer or has a loved one diagnosed with cancer, please call me at 225-673-1731. I have a wonderful book that was my nutritional bible during my recovery and helped guide me through what I needed to do to become whole again. And I have.

In 2001, I lost the love of my life, Percy M. LaCour, my husband of 43 years, my friend, my mentor, my stabilizing force. He was the Rock of Gibraltar when I wasn’t. He was kind, gentle and soft spoken.  His concern and care for others was a trait we had in common. Over the years, he was the helping hand for the needy, the friend for the troubled. He gave from his heart and never took. How can I encapsulate all that he was?  I am truly blessed to have shared my life with him.

Now, as the years slip by, I sit and write, remembering the days gone by, the times we were laughing children playing on an old merry-go-round on the school grounds of our Evergreen High School.  Joyce, Yam and I talked to our friends on the long ride home, on a school bus with no air conditioning, waving good bye to each of them.  Mr. Mayhall made each stop in progression, Mary Jo Ducote, Roger Mc Daniel, Ethel Robson, Geraldine and Betty Galland, Vivian and Martha Redmon, and just before our home, Earl Juneau. I can remember each of their faces. It seems like yesterday. I would like to go back through the looking glass one more time.