November – Happy Fall, Y’all!

This is my 12th blog post and the one year anniversary of my Loving Louisiana blog! It has been both exciting and enlightening to share with you all the amazing men and women serving in our communities who are doing such amazing work across our great state. Last month’s blog highlighted these areas and my initiatives with Louisiana First Foundation. It has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase their hard work and to share opportunities to become involved with these initiatives.  

We have had guest writers, recently addressed women’s health issues, and have been increasing our blog readers each month. So, make sure you encourage others to read the blog or share it with friends and family.

This month’s special guests were quite a surprise. A special note from our pastor, Father Mark Beard who has been our friend, mentor and prayer warrior over these last few years was truly a treat. I was also surprised and honored to have a wonderful addition to the blog about the Mansion Foundation from former First Lady Alice Foster, whom I am blessed to call my friend.

So, I have contemplated what to write this month being that this is the month of the final election for governor. Over the last couple of weeks, I received emails and articles in regard to bipartisanship. I also started my own personal Facebook page, Donna H. Edwards. Facebook gives me the opportunity to talk to people about political issues and concerns, and to talk about what bipartisanship means and how important it is to the success of our state and country. Follow and like my Facebook page to stay informed about the issues. 

John Bel and I have tried to raise our children knowing and understanding the premise behind being a public servant. Our beliefs tell us it is important that all people be treated fairly and all people have an opportunity to share their points of view and ideas, regardless of a political party, socioeconomic background, race or gender.  It is important to treat each other with respect and dignity. 

We grew up in a very small community where pretty much everyone knew one another. You wave to everyone you pass on the street because you either knew them, or because you were raised to always be friendly to everyone. We worked alongside our friends in the community, in our church, and in our schools. I do not remember ever wondering or even asking if they were Republicans or Democrats. It seems like things have really taken a sharp turn in regards to what political affiliation we belong and the way we treat each other once we know. 

Somehow my small-town mind did not get caught up in much of this type of behavior. Maybe it was my parents that shielded me from bigotry and racism. I cannot remember my parents ever using ugly words or derogatory comments towards someone of another race or political party. So I would like to thank my parents for teaching me to have a heart for people. I want to also thank my husband’s parents for giving him a heart and service for people. We are both so very blessed and very grateful to have been raised by such good and Godly people.