About Calcasieu Parish, LA

Friday, July 11, 2008, our world lost a true icon in the world of medicine and more important a true Humanitarian.

Lake Charles Native Son Michael DeBakey passed from our world. I wish I could take credit for the coining of the phrase “King of Hearts”, but I must report that I read this in the very first of many multiple full page tributes printed in the Lake Charles American Press.

These pages allowed those whose lives he had touched to express their gratitude and love. I could fill many blog post if I were to attempt to convey all the reports of generosity, humor, kindness, genius, and sheer exceptional energy of this man.

One story that stood out in my memory was retold by a gentleman on behalf of his Father who had since passed. Dr. DeBakey had completed surgery on his Father and the bills that ensued reached a point the man could not repay without refinancing his home. Dr DeBakey found out about this, called the man, and said “No man would jeopardize his family’s home to pay him. His bill was paid as of that day.” There were so many stories similar to this story that it became evident that this man truly lived to improve the life of others.

He tackled every day in a run to see how many people he could help that day. What a wonderful world this would be if we all tried to do the same. We can’t all be doctors, King of Hearts, but we each have our talents that could help our neighbors.

What if we tackled life like DeBakey; each day trying to help as many of our neighbors as we know and introducing ourselves to those we don’t know.

There were also stories related by those who had worked with or under DeBakey over the years. All held the man in awe with total respect for his ability and drive.

DeBakey was a perfectionist, intolerant of incompetence, sloppy thinking, and laziness. A DeBakey quote taken from the New York Times goes as follows: “If you were on the operating table would you want a perfectionist or somebody who cared little for details?”

Some of his residents reported difficulty keeping up with him, even in his progressing years. It seems that the patient may have had the better end of the deal at times. After all, it was always for the patient that everyone was in the room or the knowledge that would be attained for the next patient.

Lake Charles City Council passed a resolution on August 20, 2008 to change the name of South Ryan Street to Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. This street runs through one of the densest medical areas in our city.

I would like to think this would bring a smile to his face. All who knew him knew he still loved his Cajun roots and food. I would like to think he would be pleased to know that in our hearts he will always be the King of Hearts.

Michael Ellis DeBakey died Friday, July 11th of natural causes. One of the 20th century's great pioneers of cardiovascular surgery.

Amon a host of other things, DeBakey was:

-Chancellor emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston

-Director of The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center

-Senior attending surgeon of The Methodist Hospital in Houston

I've been asked what I think about the city council's decision to change the name of South Ryan Street to Dr. Micahel DeBakey Drive.

Knowing that I had not been in favor of previous consideration regarding another name change, it was assumed I'd be against this decision. NOT SO! The following are just a few of the reasons why the Lake Charles city council should be applauded for honoring Lake Charles native Michael DeBakey:

• DeBakey was internationally acclaimed for his cardiovascular accomplishments
• He has been called "the greatest surgeon of all time".
• The list of accomplishments, inventions, and contributions coupled with the articles and accolades that have been written about DeBakey would exceed the length of South Ryan should we print them!
• The name change will end the geographical confusion. No longer will we have to explain that "South" doesn't really mean "South."

Will it be a hassle to make the change? Probably. Worth it? Without question.

Yes, it is a state park, but those who reside in Moss Bluff consider this beautiful park as an extension of their neighborhoods.

Like the good neighbors Moss Bluff residents are, they happily share the park with year-round visitors and campers from across the globe.

Be sure to reserve time for relaxing when you go to visit Sam Houston Jones State Park, in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. This wonderful little jewel along the Calcasieu River provides biking and hiking trails for those who wish to explore great distances. When it is time to relax you can return to your cabin, or bring your own RV since they do provide parking facilities, and enjoy a good nights rest.

If a day trip is more to your plans, there are plenty of picnic areas and playground equipment. There is something for everyone to enjoy and the grounds are manned by State Park Rangers who are familiar with our area and conduct classes periodically on various aspects of our local natural habitats.

Our last overnight RV visit to the park featured a night trip led by the Rangers to investigate the night life of the park with flash lights. This was a HUGE hit with the Kids. As you can see, the deer, ducks, etc. are nice enough to share their territory with those who are pleasant to them.

Yes, we live less than 20 miles away, but take the RV there with our Grand Children. Once you are in the park, you feel as though you are miles away from home and the smores and hot dogs over the campfire are just as good as if we had spent $hundreds traveling a long distance.

Put this on your must see list when you visit Southwest Louisiana. For more information visit these these websites:

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Moss Bluff on Derenda.com

When coach Charlie Phillips speaks, I listen! When the South Lake Charles Little League coach said in an interview that he felt that the Washington team SLC faced in the first game was one of the strongest teams in the World Series, it got my attention.

The game, televised on ESPN last night, started out as a pitcher's dual. SLC came to play and play they did. The kept their focus against a very strong Washington pitcher.

Kennon Fontentot's pitching? The Washington coach called Kennon a "fantastic pitcher" and said that "If there's somebody that throws harder, I'd like to see it."

Bryce Jordan, twin Beau Jordan, Peyton McLemore, Hunter Self and Kennon Fontentot all contributed at bat to a final score of 5-1.

LittleLeague.org offers the box scores, game story, and an interview which, for me, was difficult to hear.

The quest continues today. South Lake Charles, representing the Southwest Regionplays Jeffersonville, Indiana (Great Lakes Region) at 2:30 central time. Like all of the games, this match up will be televised on ESPN.

South Lake Charles are the Louisiana State Little League Champions and represent the Southwest Region at the World Series.