Opinion

Diana Ross sang, “When I think of home, I think of a place where there is love overflowing.” So, love is what I thought about when I returned home to Louisiana for a visit after a long hiatus. While Olney has become home to me during the past four years, Louisiana will always remain in my heart. As soon as I exited the plane in the newly built New Orleans International Airport, I was reminded of the authenticity of the people, the eclectic melting pot of various cultures, and the delicious food.

It’s that time of year again. When things are running at a slower pace, and many vacations and trips to the lake are planned. For me, I am still looking back at recent events from the school year, and it’s time for my annual soap box edition that gets me frowns from some, and pats on the back by others.

Thunderstorms used to terrify me as a child. I remember waking up in the middle of the night in my grandparents farmhouse because thunder would shake the walls of the house. I would jolt awake, too petrified to move. Following the rolls of thunder, the lightning would light up my room just faintly enough so that my stuffed animals would cast eerie looking shadows around my walls. I would eventually scream for Nanny, or on the nights that I was brave enough, I would run down the upstairs hallway and dive into my grandparents bed. The older I got, the less I was afraid, but there was still an uneasiness accompanying them.