Have you seen the FaceBook page called: “Arnaudville Rocks?” Someone is painting just ordinary rocks and leaving them here and there in Arnaudville. I hope to find one because it will be a real treasure for me. It is just one more thing that brings Arnaudville citizens together. It makes us special. We are no ordinary community. I love to go to Russell’s, Courtney’s Thrifty Way, Timmy Guidry’s Station or the Post Office where you can chat with friends, shoppers and employees. And, I love to visit residents at J. M. Morrow Memorial Nursing Home! It is the French and the friendliness and the love and the hugs. It is Arnaudville and Arnaudville Rocks!

Recently, someone posted the above picture of a rock they found. As you can see, it is inscribed with “God is Love.” That rock seemed to pave my way down memory lane.

Once I found myself on a bus trip to Branson, which Mavis and Richard Fruge led. Our dear pastor at the time, Father Bill Ruskoski, provided spiritual guidance. He insisted we make a stop at little chapel somewhere along the way. I don't remember the name of the chapel or the location. When Mavis announced we were making a stop at a chapel, I thought: Why? I was eager to get settled in a room and away from a bus load of people. I thought: “A Chapel. What IS God anyway?”

We walked down the aisle of a very lovely little chapel and we all found a pew where we sat for a while. I prayed my usual prayers and my question came back. I meditated a while on “What is God?” Soon, I heard the shuffling of feet and realized that the group was making its way out. As I turned to leave, I saw the stained glass window at the back of the chapel. It read: “God is Love.” As that stared me in the face, I nodded, “Yes, I got it! Thank you, Jesus.”

“God is Love.” Lately, I have found God in many opportunities to love. On Thursday mornings, I visit friends at the nursing home in Arnaudville. Last week, I joined Charles Taylor and Allen LeBlanc of the Nonco Foundation for the Apostleship of Prayer meeting. On Friday, I started a First Friday Sacred Heart Novena for the residents. Sunday, as my husband, Rod “Brod” Roy, told me he was leaving for the nursing home for the Knights of Columbus Communion Service, I asked if I could join him. I don’t know why. But, it did not take long for me to know.

I helped roll in some of the residents. I met Sybil Stelly coming down the hall. Sybil is one of the residents who has become a good friend. Laughing, she told me: “You’re here again! You just as soon take a room.” I went around greeting everyone who was seated at the tables in the dining area.

As Mr. A.D. Durio handed out Saint John Francis Regis Church bulletins, I spotted someone I had not seen before. She was clearly sad; but, she was at the Communion Service and that was good. I introduced myself and she told me her name and hometown. I noticed that one of her shoes was untied and I asked if I could tie it for her. She agreed and I knelt at her feet and tied her shoes. She smiled at me and I told her that her blue eyes reminded me of the Blessed Mother. I knew in that instant that she was the reason I had come. I will visit her often.

Kenny Quebedeaux began the service. It was lovely, peaceful and so important to the residents and those who had come to see a loved one and to attend the Communion Service with them. The Knights brought Communion to the residents who are unable to leave their rooms. Soon we were home with lots of time to fix lunch.

Week before last, I visited Mrs. Lucille Thomas. Lucille and her husband came to Arnaudville after Hurricane Katrina. He has passed away now. Lucille was not in her room but I found Mrs. Beunice Mistric taking hair rollers out of a white grocery bag. I went in and asked if I could roll her hair and she let me. I smile now just thinking about that look on her face. I enjoyed that visit and just in time, Lucille was back and she invited me to sit on the bed next to her. She wanted to share a Bible passage with me. She knows so much about the Bible, I was impressed. Her Bible has tabs so she can quickly find the books. I read and we shared things from deep in our hearts. At the close of our visit, she asked her roommate if she had met me. Mrs. Beunice answered: “Who do you think rolled my hair?”

Today, I set up some of the residents in the dining area with colored pencils and pictures to work on. I headed to Lucille Thomas’ room and she and I joined the coloring group but we worked on putting tabs on my Bible. Now, it is all done and so nice. Thank you, Mrs. Lucille. She shared a beautiful prayer she wrote. She said I can share it with you. It is at the end of this writing.

After the residents have finished coloring their pictures, I will scan them. The Activity Directors told the residents that she will get the pictures framed and will hang them in their rooms.

On Sunday, September 11—Yes, 9-11! Brod and I attended the 9-11 Memorial Mass at Saint John Francis Regis Church. It was a beautiful ceremony. The police, firemen, VFW and many dressed in red, white and blue were there. Father Keenan Brown, our pastor, shared his story of being a resident of Washington DC during that time. His brother worked at the Pentagon in the area that was hit. He talked about his mother and how she worried about her sons. It was very special to hear Father Brown relating a personal story and how the following days impacted his life. Interestingly, Father ended his homily with the words: “God is Love. He’s looking for You!”

Yes, I have learned that God is Love and there is lots of love shared at J. M. Morrow Nursing Home. Those who wear the Volunteer name tags experience it every time they are around the wonderful residents and personnel. If you are interested in helping, just call one of the Activity Directors Mary Richard or Andrea Phillips at 337-754-7703.

PRAYER BY THE
DYING
November, 1999
By: Lucille Thomas

Forgive me, Lord, for ever hurting you.
Forgive me, Lord, for things I didn’t do.
Forgive me, Lord, for causing such pain.
Forgive me, Lord, for words uttered in shame.
Forgive me, Lord, for not always loving you.
Forgive me, Lord, for not listening, too.
Forgive me, Lord, for my obstinate will.
Forgive me, Lord, and let me love you still.

Help me, Lord, go through this door.
I don’t want to stumble anymore.

Thank you for giving me a long happy life.
It’s ending now after some strife.

Thank you for hearing this, my prayer.
Now, I know how much you really care.
I feel your love, show me the way.
I’m ready to go, I know I can’t stay.

I ask forgiveness for all my wrongs.
Please, Heavenly Father, let me come home.