Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
All donations are tax deductible
Copyright © 1997 - 2010
"It's interesting to look back and realize how fortunate I've been. You can't realize these things as you're living through them; it is only as you get older that you're able to reflect on all that you have witnessed." ~ Ruth Dreyfous, Louisiana author, It's Been Very Interesting
Born and "raised" in the Deep South in the state of Louisiana is a rich, fullfilling and rewarding experience. There have been many female role models in the colorful history of my native state that I personally feel all Southern women can apply the ideals and goals of those women's lives to their own: women who weren't and aren't fearful to take bold steps to pave a positive road for the South, the nation, the nation's children, and womanhood in general - both young and old of any culture or race from all walks of life. Each has left a loving legacy for other women, in this country and abroad, as inspiring examples of womanhood.
The foremost female role model in my own life is my mother: a petite, soft-spoken, gentle but determined, selfless woman who is the epitome of the expression "a genuine Southern lady." She has been a devoted daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother during her 70 years. Though her life has been anything but smooth and tranquil, her steadfast loyalty and faithfulness, her deep trust and faith in her God, and her cherished friendships are woven into the very tapestry of her being. Above all these beautiful virtues is her ingrained sense of responsibility and duty toward her family - sacrificing herself in caring and providing for, in loving, and far too many times to count, in carrying on her fragile shoulders a member of the family who has given up. She is steel beneath velvet; she is a gracious, genteel woman who long ago earned her gilded wings and crown of sainthood. These attributes are only a tiny fraction of who she is. My only hope before I leave this world, for whatever my reward (or lack thereof) may be, is that I can be just half the woman my mother is ...
Women such as my mother are the very backbone of Louisiana - all were another woman's mother, or daughter, or sister, or friend, all came from varied backgrounds of poverty or wealth. The state has produced many women who have made a difference in the lives of others. From Arts and Entertainment to Women Suffrage, they have graced the South since this country was a fledgling, leaving in their wake a Southern legacy for other Southern women to fashion their own lives after. The following page is a small list of Louisiana women who have devoted their lives carving out a place in a man's world for themselves ... and for other women living in their lifetime. In doing so, they've enriched life for future generations of women - changing forever the beliefs, attitudes, and conception (or misconception) of female roles in day to day living for the betterment of womanhood.
What an honor, dear Magnolias! I'm thrilled to accept your beautiful gift!
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