Lake Charles, LA

Kennon Fontenot's mom, Shelley Fontenot, provided me these "misc" photos today from Williamsport and Lamade Stadium.

I've always thought of Shelly Fontenot as kind and considerate, but the photos I am having to endure that illustrate all the fun they are having borders on cruel and unusual punishment! Because of her son, Kennon, I'm hooked on Little League and would much rather be in Williamsport.

Reminder, South Lake Charles plays Tampa, Florida in the US Semi Finals tonight.

The picture below really strikes me!

While I'm entertaining Trooper, the Ryder's lovebird and their two cats, taking litter box duty, taping the games, and clipping the newspaper articles about Kennon, these two are having the time of their life.

I've already called this foul play. Is there an umpire that will listen to my case.

Of course, Robert and Stephanie would argue that I'm drinking their beer, watching their TV, and eating their left overs. With that being their only "points", I'd put that debate down as a win for me by the mercy rule!

If I don't get one of those blue Southwest shirts, I'm gonna be some upset!

Kennon's sisters, Kristine and Emma painted Robert's head.

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.

The South Lake Charles Little League is now enjoying Williamsport, PA and will compete in their first game of the Little League World Series at 8:00 Eastern, 7:00 Central time, this Saturday, August 16th. Like other pool games, it will be televised on ESPN.

With many of the regional tournaments played this past weekend, the brackets are now complete and available at littleleague.org for the World Series games.

Lake Charles is in pool A, representing the Southwest Region, having won the regional title in Waco.

Their first opponent, representing the Northwest Region, will be Mills Creek Little League.

Go South Lake Charles!

I've written before about Calcasieu Parish's new, beautiful Prien Lake Park.

Recently, the Southwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS held what I hope will be our first annual picnic and Bar B Que at this wonderful facility.

A busy bunch, we REALTORS! We work hard, and sometimes do not take time to play.

We know the value of getting to know each other, but seldom are afforded the opportuntiy to do so.

And, we all need to spend more time with our families!

Armed with this knowledge, the entertainment committee of our local board put together a function that would satisfy each of these issues, including the competitive nature of our members who entered the "Cook Off" contest.

Pictured here is my company, CENTURY 21 Bessette's BBQ rig. As you can see, we took the competition in stride, while showing our support of our LSU Tigers.

Hopeully, board members will be able to spend time in a similar fashion next year. Did I hear someone mention "Crawfish at Prien" for next year?

Regardless, if you are new to the Lake Area, or live here but have not had time to see the park for yourself, it is worth the time. My cautionary comments are that when you arrive, you'll want to take a stroll along Prien Lake. So, take time!