Butte La Rose

Bonjour!
Spent my Thanksgiving with family and friends. You know what those holidays do to you. Got to eat a little here, run to another family, eat a little there and on down the road to someone else. By day’s end you’ve stuffed yourself miserable. You promise you ain’t gonna do it again. But next holiday comes around, you done forgot all the promises and deals made to yourself to not over eat again. I know what I am saying, I fail myself, do it in repetition every time. C’est tout ce bon!
Maurice Castania, veteran of the Korean conflict, living in Arnaudville, has died. He was 82. His daughter, Patricia Perry, kept me updated on his funeral arrangements. He was lovingly called Moe by his friends, calling him a jack of all trades. He loved hunting with his sons, grandsons and great grandson (four generations) along with their friends. He was a welder, mechanic, carpenter and musician. He had much pleasure playing music at the nursing homes.
Maurice was very proud of his service in the Army, and was exceptionally proud to call his fellow servicemen his brothers. He was a member of the National American Atomic Veterans (NAAV) and the American Legion Post 133 in Breaux Bridge. He is survived by his beloved companion Mary Lormand, two sons, Jimmy and David, one daughter, Patricia, their spouses, four grand-children and four greats. His motto was “Smile, it’s good for your heart.”
Dear Mary went live at a nursing home because of illness, and was worsening. His last two months of life, Maurice’s kids insisted on taking him into their homes, and were so glad to have him closer, caring of their dad. They were blessed! Than came the time he accepted reality and requested going to a nursing home for his final days, he did not want to die at home.
Maurice requested cremation. His funeral Mass took place at the Melancon Funeral Home. Prior to his Mass, this veteran soldier received a 21-gun salute by his brothers. In back of the funeral home, a double-wide door was opened and the veterans stepped out with their rifles. I’d never witnessed this before. At a military funeral this gun salute happens at the gravesite. This made his service all in one.
For myself, I saw it was good for all who were gathered. All shared each others emotions together. Made easier for everyone, more personal. Especially that family and friends, as Maurice was, small community, grew old and grieved together. Also considering weather conditions.
One of our memories, since the beginning of the Atchafalaya Basin Festival and church fund-raiser every November in Henry Guidry Park, I organized a Cajun and country jam session to open the festival the mornings. We were all amateurs, Maurice, Guilbert Guidry, Loylley Allemond, John Doré, Tut Cormier, just to name a few. These senior musicians looked forward to this all year long. We took turns in singing. Maurice loved my singing, giving a chance for him and I to sing “Wedding Bells” in harmony. Then to his disappointment we all got put out to pasture about two years ago. Ha!
Thank you Moe, love to you for the honor and pleasure of your friendship!

Cousine Hélène
337-280-1988.
helenboudreaux@juno.com