The Voice of Southwest Louisiana September 2018 Issue

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My Senior Moment 2.0 By Joyce R. Kebodeaux In Sickness and In Health When on August 21, 1965 Ruby Deshotel and Carl O’ Bryan, pledged their vows they had little idea of what was to come. Theirs was a beautiful but simple wedding in the Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel at USL [Now University of Louisiana at Lafayette]. After their marriage and getting their degrees they moved to Lake Charles. Ruby taught Business Education in several high schools in Calcasieu Parish. Carl taught Electrical Engineering in colleges and later worked in the chemical plants. After retirement, they participate in community events and volunteer their services to local organizations. Christus St. Patrick, Lake Charles Memorial Hospitals and the Parish Library especially recognized the couple as assets to their operations. “For better or for worse” was always an important part of the couple’s vows. Last month they celebrated their 53 rd wedding anniversary. While this may seem like a life without problems by the time Carl was 60 he had survived two complete cardiac arrests. That his heart stopped beating twice after his heart attack, didn’t keep Carl from returning to a normal lifestyle. While in rehab and therapy he learned of the many benefits of exercising. He and Ruby began working out at a local fitness club. Their passion for the exercise program was as dedicated as it had been to their work. Ten years after his heart attack Carl suffered a stroke. After completing another round of physical therapy and rehab Carl was back again in the gym. It was here he suffered his second stroke. Ruby said “I thought I would leave there a widow.” Then she says “Fortunately a nurse was working out near us. She began CPR right away and continued until the emergency personnel got there. They took 14 Wedding day for Mr & Mrs Carl O'Bryan him to Christus St. Patrick Hospital where the doctor inserted a defibrillator. This was in case the same thing happened again. I was nervous about the surgery but I knew it would be a life saver if he ever needed it.” Working out in the gym a year later, Carl fell to the floor again. This time he got up on his own. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health. “The defibrillator saved my life.” Carl said, “I am grateful for the divine intervention that put everything in place that I am alive today.” Between Carl’s episodes Ruby encountered her share of problems. A torn rotary cuff surgery was necessary and later a knee replacement. Like Carl, Ruby didn’t let these keep her from returning to her exercises. In July 2017 she learned she had breast cancer. Chemo and radiation take a big part of her week but she still finds time to do her own exercise program at home. “I exercise at least 30 minutes a day. I do all the exercises the physical therapists taught me after my two surgeries.” Carl enjoys the equipment at the gym. He says “Walking on the treadmill keeps up my stamina and helps my breathing. It is good for my legs too.” Visiting with Ruby and Carl and hearing their stories is both a pleasure and inspirational. I asked them how they handle it all. I quote Ruby “Do the best you can with the situation.” Their positive attitudes and exercise are a big part of what keeps Ruby and Carl going. And even though their health isn’t what it was on their wedding day, they keep healthy outlooks on life. Carl O'Bryan in a daily workout September 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 2
A Shout Out to Nanu from Colten Toney By Joyce R. Kebodeaux September 9th is nationally recognized as Grandparents Day. This year Cheryl Toney will be celebrating it a bit early as she travels on September 1st to Troy Illinois to be with her grandsons Kaylin and Colten and their parents Lane and Lisa Toney. Several months ago, Cheryl was surprised to receive her grandson’s letter telling of his latest adventure. He received a certificate for a story he wrote that has special meaning to Cheryl, a retired Glad Tidings Preschool teacher. Colten’s dad Lane has been involved with the soccer teams for both his sons. Their family has lived in Alaska, Texas, Australia, Germany, England, Hawaii then Illinois. Lane served in the United States Air Force for over 22 years. After his retirement in 2011 he and his family settled down in IL. Since they’re back in the states they can come down to see Nanu [as Colten calls Cheryl] once or twice a year. Colten enjoys Nanu’s cooking and being where his father grew up, doing what his dad did with his uncles, Jeff and Stacey. On their last vacation they caught fish but like all good fishermen they won’t reveal where they caught them. Every year Triad Middle School, participates in the annual Young Authors Organization contest to encourage the students to write. Colten was recognized in a ceremony with other authors who submitted stories this year... It was interesting to learn Colten’s story setting is Lake Charles, La. His main character is named James. No coincidence that his grandpa who passed away in 2010 was known as Jim Toney. The story is a fictionalized version of himself applying for a job yet readers are drawn into the plot as if they were right there on the scene. His attention to details makes one believe they are right there on the scene. At the young age of 13 Colten has mastered the art of the “show don’t tell theory” that all good writers live by. Cheryl "Nanu" and her grandson Colten Toney Volume 6 • Number 2 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM September 2018 15
Page 1 and 2: September 2018 Vol 6 No 2 We are th
Page 3 and 4: editor’s By Brenda Hill Grandpare
Page 5 and 6: SWLA news Editor’s Note: This ser
Page 7 and 8: SWLA health, wealth & wellness Info
Page 9 and 10: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) By Etta P
Page 11 and 12: HOURS OPEN Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:0
Page 13: The vision of SWLA Sickle Cell is t
Page 17 and 18: Coordinator's position and worked i
Page 19 and 20: WE’RE ALL CERTIFIED! 100% HELPFUL
Page 21 and 22: "September is Suicide Prevention Aw
Page 23 and 24: Dana Simien (Suga) and granddaughte
Page 25 and 26: supports fellow members in completi
Page 27: DIANETICS T HE MOD ERN S CIENCE OF

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana September 2018 Issue

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