Family Road Trip to Louisiana: Celebrating 92 Years with Momma Agnes in Shreveport

This past weekend, I found myself back in Louisiana after what feels like a lifetime.

For anyone who doesn’t know, I went to college in New Orleans at Xavier University, so Louisiana holds a special place in my heart. This time, the road led us to Shreveport to celebrate a milestone that’s pretty rare these days—my Uncle Carl’s grandmother, Momma Agnes, turning 92. Now, I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but Uncle Carl is the oldest person I know with a living grandparent. It’s one of those things that makes you stop and appreciate the legacy of family, especially since we recently said goodbye to my own grandmother.

The road trip was a bit of a reunion with the state that helped shape me, and I couldn’t wait to share that with my kids. We kicked things off with a stop at Orlandeaux’s Cafe. Now, let me tell you, this place has a reputation for good reason. The wait was almost two hours, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was a test of patience. But, as my son (who we lovingly refer to as old man Willie) said, it turned out to be worth the wait. While we waited, we passed the time with some good music from a DJ and took a stroll along the pier, soaking in the atmosphere. By the time we sat down, we were more than ready to dig in, and the food (and drinks) did not disappoint. Even the picky eaters were satisfied, and that’s saying something!

Saturday was the big day—the celebration on Uncle Roland’s and Aunt Lawanda’s ranch. Picture this: a piece of land tucked back off three turns down dark roads, surrounded by the kind of peaceful quiet you only find in the country. It’s the perfect spot where you can party until the late hours of the night, with the music cranked up as loud as it can go. What made it even more special was how everyone was so welcoming and inviting, making you feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The warmth of family and friends truly set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.

Just as the festivities were kicking off, a quick rain shower came through and cooled things down perfectly. It was as if nature knew we needed a little break from the heat. The rest of the day was a blur of food, music, drinks, and laughter. There’s something about being surrounded by family that just fills you up in a way nothing else can. We even spotted some deer on the way out, which the kids loved.

Speaking of the kids, they had a blast at the hotel. I’m not admitting to anything, but let’s just say we all may or may not have taken turns jumping on the bed. It was a weekend of simple pleasures and making memories that we’ll be talking about for a long time.

Now, I can’t forget to mention my little adventure at the casino. Let’s just say that losing $60 in under 10 minutes was enough to remind me why I don’t gamble. That was my cue to walk away and call it a night!

The food in Louisiana is legendary, and this trip only reinforced that belief. I tried pig’s feet for the first time—don’t ask me why, I was feeling adventurous! They reminded me of ham hocks, but what really stole the show was the a jus. It was award-worthy, hands down. I stand by the claim that some of the best food I’ve ever had was cooked by a Louisianian. No disrespect to anyone else, but if you know, you know.

All in all, the weekend was exactly what I needed—a mix of nostalgia, family, and good times. I can’t wait for the next celebration, whenever and wherever it might be. Until then, I’ll be reminiscing about this trip and counting down the days until the next one.

BTW: In the words of my Ghamma, “Blood don’t make a family!”

If you’ve ever been to Louisiana or have memories of a special family celebration, I’d love to hear about it. Share your stories with me—I’m all ears! 

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