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Starting this business has been a bittersweet one. I mean, you can't understand grief and what others are going through without knowing it yourself. Our oldest son, Caiden, passed away suddenly in October of 2023. Living a mile from us, and always having such a close family, we knew something was off the day he wasn't answering his phone. (although he was 20 and had already spend 2 years away from home in the Air Force, this mama knew and felt when something wasn't right). Philip and I went to his home, where we found him. He had gone into cardiac arrest, after starting a new heart/anxiety medicine and dosage. That day will be forever etched in my mind, my heart and my soul. It's something I relive daily. But his story wasn't over... I pleaded with God for over an hour as they worked on him, for God to breathe life back into him or take me. I remember constantly quoting scripture over him. Over an hour had passed and they came to me and said "Ma'am, I'm not sure how or for how long he will have it, but Caiden's has a heartbeat." I knew that was an answer to my prayer and there was a reason for it, but I also knew (and felt) God's plan was bigger and probably not the one I was pleading for... but how can you doubt a God that just breathed life into a child that's heart stopped over 90 minutes before?? I couldn't. And that was my only peace.

The next day, they confirmed EVERY organ was in perfect condition except his brain for going without oxygen for so long... even his heart. I knew then, THAT was why God gave him a heartbeat again. He was an organ donor (that I fought against, but he made this decision, and I knew it was exactly what he would want) and God was allowing them to stay alive the moment he breathed life back into him. He saved 4 people through organ donation (2 of them got more than one organ!) and between 80-100 others thru tissue donation. 

God's purpose for my angel's life was far passed the 20 years I was blessed to nurture him. Because where our journey ends, God's begins. 

Keep the faith. Trust. Give grace. You are not alone. 

Caiden, 20 (would've been 21) was the oldest of four. Conner, 18, Layla, 17 and Caiden's little sister, whom he thought belonged to him, Kate, is 11. To know them all, is to love them. They all have such an amazing, unique relationship with each other. They love and love hard. You mess with one, you know had the other 3 to deal with. There wasn't a day that went by that they didn't talk, and never a day or night, that "I love you" wasn't said to each other. And for that, for those sweet memories, and the love they all share, I am forever thankful. 

Philip, was born and raised in Bunkie, LA and moved to Baton Rouge during his years in college at LSU (Geaux Tigers!!) Being an only child, the son of the Chief of Police for Bunkie, Ms. Mary Fanara, and having a military dad, he was destined for greatness. (And that he is!)

Me, being married before, had those four beauties I've talked about and knew God had to pick and have for me, a man that would love my children as much as he did me. And that He did. He is their "go to" when mom is too harsh. He is their safe haven. He is "dad".

I was born and raised in Alexandria, LA. My mom is from Cottonport, and if you know Avoyelles Parish, you know that everybody knows everybody and if you dig long enough, will find out everyone is related somehow. 

Our families have known each other for years and years, yet Philip and I never met... until randomly in 2020. 

The rest is history.