This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

Page #2
and also much sadness.'?	?-
They were gifted with a great sense of humor and an ability to see the bright side of life even under the most adverse conditions. They lived life to the fullest and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. They lived in the 'Now', free spirits, with not too much regard for the future. Not so Grandpa and Grandma. For them life was a serious commitment and they had a high regard for the future and the hereafter and were guided by a higher Power.
I am amazed at how well I remember Grandpa considering that he was at home for such few hours each day. He was the breadwinner for all those people and rose early to go to work supervising stevedoring at the river docks of New Orleans; returning late to read the paper, eat supper and go to bed to rest and be ready to start the same routine the next day.
I remember Grandpa with great respect and love - in that order. He was aman of very serious mien and rarely spoke, but when he did, he spoke with great authority. No one dared question that authority, not even those who grew to six feet tall and had families of their own. They respected and loved him. I think his physical attributes may have influenced their respect to some degree. He stood with a certain stance, a sort of Napoleonic stance - commanding attention and obedience and no one ever crossed him. He had beautiful, piercing, steel-blue eyes.
When he looked at you he looked straight into your souland commanded your full attention. I think this is why his children loved and respected him. They knew they were dealing with someone who loved them but would tolerate no nonsense as to who was in charge. To my knowledge there was never any corporal punishment - only discipline. My Grandma handed out a few slaps to the more determined ( I being the recipient of only one that I can recall). -Being one of the 'more determined' I'm sure I. merited more.
There was another side to my Grandfather that only a privileged chosen saw; Grandma, the little children,(especially my little sister. Lucille), and the babies (at that time, Marti, as Uncle Martin and Aunt Olivia were living with us). We knew his soft side and the love he so quietly gave. Money was scarce in those days and I remember my Grandmother telling him before Easter that there was not enough money for finery for the children (as was the custom). He looked at her with those piercing eyes and said, "Never mind the others, just see that little Lucille gets a dress and hat". And she did. There were many such stories. He had a great awareness of the helpless and dependent and showed great compassion and caring. He left the rearing of the children to my grandmother, but from time to time asserted himself in a positive way.
In closing I would say that despite the fact that I was deprived of my parents in my childhood, I am most thankful and grateful for the love and care given to us so unstintingl.y and the lasting influence of their teachings and example which have sustained me throughout my life.
If there is anything commendable in my character there is no question as to whom the credit goes. It was my Grandmother and Grandfather Blanchard, the Benedictine nuns of St. Scholastica Academy, and Aunt Ida Davis (another saint), who unquestionable influenced my life. They laid the foundation for my future life and their guidance and teachings took deep roots and saved me from many a misstep. God bless them and dearest love from the depth of my heart. It could have been so different. 7/23/91