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The principles and concepts I present in this column are far more than nice theories. They work, they produce good results, and they help people. Reading them is a good start but not enough. To have them work for you, you must actively put them into practice.
My motivation for writing this column is to help others improve their lives while realizing their potential. I receive many letters from the readers of this column relating how these concepts have helped them. Others write asking for advice with particular situations.
My readers are from all walks of life, from across the country. In this week’s column I would like to share some of this correspondence with you.
One reader from the Northeast, “Susan” wrote that she had been divorced for 20 years. Susan related that she had children and was estranged from her ex-husband. She thought she was failure as well as a bad mother. Susan said her thoughts were very negative. She didn’t feel good about herself or her life.
Susan wrote a letter to tell me how much she connected with one of my columns, “You Do Make a Difference.” The following two paragraphs are the essence of this article.
“You do make a difference. You are important. Who you are and what you do does matter. You may have wondered what’s the purpose of life. Or perhaps you contemplated the nature of the big picture.
There are many more questions than answers. But we don’t need all of the answers to lead meaningful lives. Everything you do and each person you impact has a ripple effect, just like a stone thrown into a pond.”
My column helped Susan feel better about herself. She realized her life was important and that she had indeed had a positive influence on many people.
“Robert,” a reader from the Midwest wrote to say how uplifting and helpful he found my columns. He asked if I could send him a copy of my article “Life is Messy.” Robert wanted to give it to his sister who had just been diagnosed with cancer.
Robert said his sister was devastated by the news and wanted to give up. He thought my column might help improve her mood. Along with a copy of the column he requested, I sent Robert the following:
“We all have to deal with unfortunate circumstances. Giving up is never an option. A defeatist attitude has no benefits whatsoever. Having a strong, positive, and determined mental attitude is the foundation for all of life. It’s especially important for overcoming adversity.
Each of us has the power to get the most out of each day. All we can do is live for the present moment. Lance Armstrong is a perfect example of a person who chose to live his life to the fullest in spite of being diagnosed with cancer. He is an inspirational example of the power of determination.
Your sister has to keep in mind that there are many people who love and care about her and that she is not alone. She is more important to others than she realizes. We all have more power and potential inside us than we comprehend.
I wish you and your sister all of the best.”
After receiving my letter Robert sent me the following note:
“Thank you the beautiful and encouraging letter. It helped me and even moved my wife!”
Just like other readers, you can apply the principles from my column to your own life. They are proven to work by many of my readers. I wish you all of the best and invite you to write to me anytime.

On June 6, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., the Abbeville Police Department responded to a shooting that occurred at McDonald's on Veterans Memorial Drive.
Upon arrival officers spoke with victims and witnesses, that stated a Black male in a hoodie walked past a vehicle in the drive thru lane and shot multiple rounds from a semi-automatic weapon hitting the vehicle numerous times. The victim and juvenile exited the vehicle and ran for safety. The suspect ran across the street towards Circle K then down Nugier Street.
From video surveillance the officers were able to identify the suspect as Clarence Matthews Jr. 27, of 1603 Fairmount Ave. in Abbeville. An arrest warrant was issued by the 15th Judicial Court for 2 counts of Attempted 1st Degree Murder, and 1 count Felon in Possession of Firearm. His bond was set at $1,125,000.00.
Matthews was arrested at the scene of another shooting that occurred a week later. He is currently being held at the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office Jail.
Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy urges the public to provide any further information regarding this crime or any other crime by calling the Abbeville Police Department at (337) 893-2511. You may also contact our "Tips" line at (337) 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Vermilion by calling (337) 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or at Google Play Store.

November 27, 1943 ~ June 20, 2023

ABBEVILLE — Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Thomas Harry Lege, 79, who died Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Abbeville General Hospital.
Harry was a lifelong resident of Vermilion parish and spent his entire career in the oilfield industry. He was the co-owner of United Production and Construction Services and offered many their first job in the service industry. He was a member of the Seventh Ward Gravity Drainage District No. 2 Board. He never met a stranger and was always quick to make life-long friends. Harry leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love for everyone who crossed his path. He was a loving husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Opal “Gayle” Lege; daughter, Laurinda Calongne and her husband Dan of Destin, Florida; daughter, Donella Davidson Miller and her husband Gary of Aledo, Texas; daughter, Janessa Dubois of Scott; son, Brandon Lege and his wife Marcy of Abbeville; step-children, Lea Dautreuil and her husband, Herman, Jr. “Buddy” of Breaux Bridge; Vince Viator of Kaplan; Lori Dubois of Duson; and Leslie Greene Varney of Hockley, TX; sister, Joyce Gaspard and her husband, Nelton of Kaplan; brother, Pervis Lege and his wife, Dorothy of Nunez; twenty-four grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Boniface “Black” Lege and the former Amelian Gaspard; three sisters, Goldie Blasingame, Ruby Hebert and twin sister, Helen Hebert; three brothers, Harold Lege, Dudley Lege, B.J. “Bub” Lege and his son-in-law, Patrick Davidson.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 10 a.m. until services. Memorial services will follow the rosary at 2pm.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

A memorial mass for Mary “Faye” Foreman, 78 will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, LA at 10 a.m. with Deacon Timothy Marcantel presiding. She will be brought to her final resting place at a later date at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Erath, LA.
Mary was born in Kaplan, La but has resided in Erath, LA for many years.
She loved spending time with her family but especially with her great grandchildren. She enjoyed working in her yard, playing softball when she was younger. She enjoyed watching game shows on television, listening to music and dancing. She also enjoyed taking care of her two cats, Socks and Blondie. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and magnolias. Mary prayed many rosaries a day for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.
She is survived by her 3 daughters, Annette Foreman Langlinais, Angela “Angie” Teer and Rebecca “Becky” Foreman. Her grandchildren, Paden Langlinais (Amberly), Christian Teer, Brei Rageur (Tyler), Victoria “Tori” Teer and Quintin Broussard (Rachel McGraw). Her Great Grandchildren, Reese Langlinais, Coen Rageur and Kip Rageur. She is also survived by her brothers, Anthony “Tony” Schexnider, Patrick Schexnider and Terry Schexnider. Her sisters-in-law, Sandy, Ruth and Kayla Schexnider.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth “Bobby” Foreman and her parents Velma Harrington and Clevenis Schexnider. Her sisters Loretta Cormier, Verna Dugas and Linda Schexnider. Her brothers Gerald, Thomas Wayne, Keith, Maxie and Kenneth Schexnider.
She had a special bond with Tasha, Brett, Tai and Sethon who she loved as her own.
Special thanks to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, LA and Calcutta House in Lafayette, LA for their loving care given to our mother.
There will be a gathering after the services at Pope John Paul Hall next to the church in Erath, LA.