Blog Post

God is Love and Arnaudville Rocks!

J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • Sep 29, 2016

Prayer By the Dying

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.

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Around Our Home Away From Home, Our Stories

George Louis Frugé

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 26 May, 2021

George Frugé was sitting peacefully in the dining room with his brown jacket on a hanger in anticipation of an outdoor visit. Too bad it was bitterly cold and the nurse in change of visitation, “Mary,” assigned George to an indoor booth instead. George moves fast. He does not look or act like a man of 93 years. Mary Aileen Kidder, one of George’s fellow residents at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home said: “George is physical mobile and mentally sharp.” The nurse returned to the indoor booth over an hour later to tell that our visitation time had expired. George and I had had a lovely conversation, almost all in French. George remembers family details. His father was Christopher Frugé and his mother was Ida Lalonde. Christopher Frugé who was born August 10, 1905, the son of Henry Joseph Frugé and Adeline Thibodeaux. Christopher’s brothers, and George’s uncles were Willis “Bill” who married Olivia Bellard; Columbus “Boy” who married Louisia Noel; Albert who married Elvina Dupuis, and there were two other brothers, August and Wilbert who died in early childhood. George’s father’s sisters were: Isabelle, Mrs. Clophas Comeaux; Maria Rachel, Mrs. Frank Guidroz; and Ella, Mrs. Franklin Randolph Wright. Henry Joseph Frugé married a second wife, Nadia “Da” Perriou. They had two children: Joseph Henry who married Lorena Savoie and James Earl who married Mavis Olivier. Born on August 24, 1927, in Arnaudville, George lived his whole life in the area, except when he was working on dredge boats. He had four brothers: Lee Roy, Ludovic, John “Pete” and Milton “Bob.” George attended school in the school house on Highway 31 near Myran’s restaurant. He remembers there was a “little” graduation after the sixth grade. He also attended school in Chicago and became a Chief Port Engineer. During his long career working on dredge boats, he traveled the world over. And, he proudly proclaims he “knows machines.” One day, George drove down Highway 31 to visit with his mother who was caring for his grandmother. On the way, he stopped at “Faquin’s,” a little country store. There he met a girl from Arnaudville named Ethel Mae Bergeron. He told his mother that day that he had met the girl he would marry and he did. Ethel graduated from Leonville High School. She and George had three sons: Terry, Kenneth and Neal; and two daughters: Kathie and Tammie. They have nine grandchildren: Kristie, Brad, Hollie, Gerrod, Chad, Jeremy, Lydia, Brittany and McKenzie. They have ten great grandchildren: Joshua, Kolten, Blaire, Lesley, Dustin, Addison, Braylon, Gabrielle, Brayden and Noah. George and Ethel spent their time surrounded by a great family and many wonderful friends. The Catholic couple attended St. Leo Church in Leonville where George volunteered in service of his fellow parishioners. George remembers a homelife of nice quiet evenings watching TV. He and Ethel also enjoyed gardening. He liked to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, bell pepper, hot peppers, watermelon, merleton and crowder peas. Probably in the 1940’s, before television, many of the towns in the area had baseball or softball teams. There was the Nina Red Birds, Arnaudville Blue Jays, New Iberia Rebels and Cecilia Merchants, just to name a few. The large Richard family from Arnaudville had a softball team and George played on the Richard team. He explained that some teams played hardball or baseball. Dr. Robert L. “Bobby” Morrow, the Arnaudville doctor, was the pitcher of the baseball team. George played softball as the second baseman for the Richard Brothers Softball Team. Some of the Richards were Antoine, Louis, June, Francis, Lawrence and Carroll. Raymond Bergeron, Ethel's brother, also played with the team. The softball games were held on the Leroy Darby Field near Last Street in Arnaudville. Leonville also had a softball time. Some Team members George remembers were Leroy Carriere, Hoppy Morris and Alex Richard. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball )

Mary-Aileen Babineaux Kidder

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 05 Mar, 2021

Aileen Kidder is now a resident at J. M. Morrow Memorial Nursing Home in Arnaudville. In true Aileen fashion, she is making the most out of this stage of her life and serving as example to all.

Lucy Jane Hardy Frederick

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 05 Feb, 2021

Lucy Frederick shares memories.

"Veavil"

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home and the Nonco Foundation Volunteer, Betty Roy • 02 Feb, 2020

Veavil Latiolais Guidry's story of life, career, love, losing a child and the senior care at J. M. Morrow Nursing Home.

Joseph Dorret and JoAnn Meche Mallet

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 31 Dec, 2019

It is a joy to sit and visit with Joseph and JoAnn Mallet. Though JoAnn does most of the talking, the love they have shared for over 63 years is apparent. Joseph is a resident at J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home and JoAnn visits him every day. Although it is difficult for Joseph to get around, JoAnn was happy that they were able to bring Joseph to share a special Christmas celebration at their son's home this year.

Leonard Angelle Shares His Memoirs

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 31 Dec, 2019

Leonard Louis Angelle shares his memoirs and those of Franklin Wright.

Julius and Betty Jo Courville, Jr.

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 26 Dec, 2019

It was a beautiful summer day when Julius Courville Jr. decided to walk to the store in his hometown of Breaux Bridge. His route took him by City Park where a little bandstand stood. On this particular day, a pretty girl sat on that bandstand. Julius learned that her name was Betty Jo Young and the two began a courtship that resulted in a marriage that has endured for over 65 years. Now, Julius and Betty sit side-by-side and visit at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. Julius learned that Betty Jo Young came to Acadiana from Oklahoma when she was only 9 years old. Her father worked in the oil patch. Julius also worked in the oil industry; but, when he was 19 years old, he joined the Army and served his country for 8 years. He says that he and Betty’s first home was in Clarksville, Tennessee. They lived there while he was stationed at Fort Campbell, in Kentucky. The Courvilles returned to Acadiana and raised a family of four children, two boys and two girls. Their daughter Debbie resides in Abbeville. Their youngest son Tim lives in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Their daughter Becky lives in Fort Worth. There was another son Kenneth who was very kind. One year, for Easter, he made a gift for every one of the residents at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. He brought smiles to all of their faces. Kenneth is deceased now but Betty doesn’t know that and Julius is careful not to upset her. Kenneth was only 60 when he passed away. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, crabbing, shooting his gun at the range and spending time with his grandchildren. Kenneth faithfully loved visiting his mom in the nursing home and being a sidekick to his dad. They are a close-knit family. Five years ago, when Betty first became a resident at the nursing home, she loved to entertain all of the residents and guests. She had learned to play the piano as a child watching her mother. She says she became an even better piano player than her mom. She no longer plays but when Mavis Arnaud Frugé prompts her, Betty breaks out in song! Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te plumerai. Je te plumerai la tête. Et la tête! Alouette! A-a-a-ah Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te plumerai. Je te plumerai le bec. Et le bec! Et la tête! Alouette! A-a-a-ah Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te plumerai .... In April of 2019, Julius joined Betty at the nursing home. How does he like it? He says: "It is what you make of it." He continues: "When you wake up in the morning, put a smile on your face. If you can't, get back in bed and get up on the other side. If you want life to be bad, you can surely make it so. But, if you put a smile on your face, you can meet your challenges and find pleasure in life. It depends on YOU!" Julius even sings in the nursing home choir and finds many activities to fill his hours. Remember: "It is what you make of it."

The Walking Ladies of Opelousas

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 11 Oct, 2019

J. M. Morrow Memorial Nursing Home is proud of Alice Morrow, wife of Pat Morrow, who was named one of the 2019 Leaders In Philanthropy Honorees for St. Landry Parish by The Community Foundation of Acadiana on September 25, 2019. Congratulations to Alice and all of the Walking Ladies of Opelousas.