Growing Up in Northeast Louisiana

For a boy growing up in the crawfish dirt of Northeast Louisiana, the real world can look harsh and bewildering, even unfriendly toward its culturally and economically challenged rural neighbors. We came to understand that with hard work, sacrifice, and determination, anyone can rise above his lowly circumstances. Our cotton patch successes and failures taught us to appreciate what we have and accept our lot with humility until we can overcome the challenges and fulfill our dreams.