The Second Line

How lucky you are. Since this is my first column as HomeCare’s editor-in-chief, I was going to talk about some serious industry issues. I could have chosen the state budget crisis, inherent reasonableness or competitive bidding, among many.

But the weather is glorious, spring fever has hit, and I’ve decided to tell you instead about a recent family celebration in New Orleans.

More than 200 relatives and friends gathered there in March for a wedding, the first for any of our family’s grandchildren. We sat at the Cafe Du Monde, where you can spend hours people-watching and sipping café au lait. We rode the Garden District streetcar, explored the French Quarter’s back alleys and browsed the shops. And of course, we ate, sampled those famous Hurricanes, and ate more.

Then there was the ceremony, the hugs and kisses, the photos, the cake, the band and — traditional at such affairs in this city — the Second Line dance, so named for the “second line” of mourners who follow jazz funerals. Twirling a fancy white parasol, our beautiful bride led reception guests, all waving white hankies, in a long, dancing line.

Keeping up with every step were my 84-year-old aunt and an 87-year-old family friend. Recovering from surgery and in a wheelchair, my aunt partied into the wee hours, and rolled right along with the happy line dancers. Our longtime friend, on the mend from a broken hip, used a cane to keep up — and keep up she did, all the way through the hotel and out onto Bourbon Street to wish the newlyweds off. It was a spectacular weekend, and I’ll cherish the memories for years.

Sometimes the pressures of remaining profitable in the HME business might make it hard to remember why you chose this profession. But this family story is a positive reminder that what you do — giving people the means to enjoy their lives in the ways they want — is Important with a capital “I.” The next time you’re feeling stressed about the industry’s challenges and the squeeze on your business, just remember my Aunt Helen and the Second Line dance.

And by all means, if you ever get the chance to celebrate a wedding in New Orleans … laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)