By SUE ELLEN ROSS

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Many years of recollections and special memories were brought to light recently when Twin Oaks Nursing Home sponsored a special program, “This is Your Life” to residents aged 90 and over.

“This was a dream of mine three years ago,” said Activity Director Theresa Brooks. “We have a lot of history here.”

Brooks felt that the families of the older residents had much to say and needed an avenue in which to do so. The first ‘Celebration of Life’ took place in 2002. It was such a success that Brooks decided to make it an annual event.

The Third Annual This Is Your Life program took place on July 30.

Reverend Kevin Fredricks, who also serves as a volunteer at Twin Oaks, welcomed everyone Friday and gave the opening prayer.

He voiced his admiration for the older seniors, feeling that the celebration set them apart and “gives them their flowers” in recognition of their life’s journey. “We are so grateful to have these people among us,” he added.

The party for the 32 senior citizens aged 90+ included both residents of Twin Oaks and Maisson Oaks (the assisted living organization located next door to the nursing home.)

Twin Oaks resident Pamela Vincent was the eldest honoree, at 105 years old. Although she wasn’t able to attend the party, due to ill health, her grandson Robert Jackson spoke in her honor. “If she could, my grandmother would be here thanking the Lord,” he said. ‘My fondest memory is just talking with her.”

He continues the tradition. As an employee in the maintenance department at Twin Oaks, he is able to visit her everyday.

Chad Ayme was in the audience with his son 24-month-old son Elias. The father-and-son came to watch Chad’s grandfather Alvin Terrio, as he accepted his special congratulations. “We wanted to show support for my grandfather,” said Chad.

Terrio, 91 years old, has eight children – four daughters and four sons. He also has many grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren, according to son George, who was at Friday’s celebration. “He knows what’s going on,” he said of his father. “He still likes to joke.”

Terrio’s daughter Rosemarie read excerpts from the family memory book as her father looked on. She related the early history of her dad’s childhood, as well as that of hers and her siblings.

Theresa Haydel is a Twin Oaks resident, but much too young at 70 to be among Friday’s celebrants. But she did participate in the program by introducing one of the honorees. “I hope to take part in this when I am in my 90s,” she laughed.

In addition to Vincent and Terrio, 30 other seniors have reached the status of those over 90 years old. They are: Thelma Barre, 99; Rita Becnel, 94; Mabel Breaux, 91; Bessie Brignac, 94; Mary Buttone, 91; Sybil Campbell, 93; Gladys Catoire, 91; Anna Belle Debautte, 93; James Duhon, 94; Emma Feucht, 90; Marry Guccione, 90; Iola Jackson, 90; Albert Johnson, 92; Helen Kelly, 91; Goldie Kendall, 92; Vincent Landry, 93; Elvira Laurent, 97; Beatrice Lasseigne, 93; Alma Leblanc, 92; Hortense Martin, 92; Regina Martin, 90; Mable Montz, 91; Dea Naquin, 92; Ethel Ockman, 91; Mabel Pulley, 91; Nellie Roddie, 94; Emily Rodrique, 90; Helen Seymour, 93; Ella Mae Slicho, 94; and Edith Tregre, 90.

Roses were presented to honorees and birthday cake was served after the program.