Gifting my grandchildren with passports as a present

Passports make great gifts

A passport makes a great gift to give to a child or grandchild. You have just given them the gift of travelling the world.With a passport in hand, they can dream of exploring various cultures, tasting different cuisines, learning new languages and it is educational.  When giving gifts, I like to make sure they have a purpose. Would it be better to say that they are the gift that keeps on giving?

I took my grandchildren on trips when they were young. We enjoyed long road trips or short trips to a new place to explore, regardless of the distance. Our explorations included train travel, car travel, and plane travel. The purpose was to teach them how to travel and explore the big world we live in. When we traveled, I taught them to pay attention and how important it is to do so. I also taught them to be aware of their surroundings and to be open-minded to new experiences. It encouraged them to read, research, and how to plan a trip. They gathered information in advance. They also plan itineraries that maximize their time and enjoyment.

Passports are a gift they'll never forget. I can't wait to take our first international trip together with them. It will be an unforgettable experience, I'm sure. Gifts like these are priceless for a child. When I became an amputee, it was important to me not to let it affect my activities with my grandchildren. Gifting experiences like travel creates lasting memories and strengthen relationships. It will offer far more value than material items that may lose their appeal over time. My grandson Chase was so excited to get his passport. He accompanied me to the Clerk's Office to learn about the passport application process. He will be an adult when his passport expires. What better way to inform him of the steps he needs to take to renew his passport? I decided to explain to him the process in detail, so that he could easily follow it when the time comes. The importance of renewing his passport on time was also discussed with him. 

Their first passport is another way for them to hold on to the lessons and gifts their grandmother shared with them. They can use it as a tangible reminder of the legacy shared.  Let's get the Visa's Chase and get on the road. I'm looking forward to new adventures in 2025. 

Baking and cooking together create a bonding experience for grandmother and granddaughter

When my granddaughter was three years old, she loved being my little helper in the kitchen, bringing joy and laughter as we prepared dinner, set the table, and baked tasty homemade treats for her younger brothers. The warmth of these activities filled our home with delicious aromas and created cherished memories, deepening our connection. Her infectious giggles and curious questions brought us closer, as we discovered the joy of cooking and baking together. Through these shared moments, we built a foundation of love and trust that continues to grow.

Her passion for baking and making recipes remains unchanged 14 years later. "We still share recipes and have lively discussions about cooking our favorite dishes, which keeps our bond strong today." As I watched her bake homemade cookies, memories of that sweet and intelligent little girl filled my heart with cherished memories that we will forever hold dear. I was overjoyed to capture a picture of her baking at such a young age. When I searched for the photo to compare it with a recent one,  she quickly found one in her phone. It meant the world to me to see that she cherished that memory as much as I do.  So many special events of our time in the kitchen has been captured through videos and still shots. One day she will look back on the photographs and video with so much joy. 

I love seeing her in the kitchen preparing healthy meals and baking delicious sweet treats. Watching her cook and bake also brings back memories of her great grandmother Bell. It was her wish to pass on her strawberry cake recipe to great granddaughter. She would have been so proud of her, and everyone who listened would have heard her bragging about how Joelle enjoy cooking and baking.  Our time spent together in the kitchen is another treasured memory. My inspiration to write this article just inspired me to give her a special graduation gift that she will forever treasure. Keep learning, cooking, and baking. With her  mind set on something, she can accomplish it.  I hope she never gives up on her dreams.

Jo'Elle baking cookies

Jasper Harrell, Jr, and Primrose Bennett Harrell Legacy and Offsprings

Jasper Leon Harrell, Jr., was the second child of Jasper Harrell, Sr., and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell in Amite, Louisiana. In addition to carrying his father's name, he was the first born son. He attended O.W. Dillion Training School in Kentwood. Unlike most of his brothers, he didn't enlist in the military. After he married his sweetheart Primrose Bennett, they made St. Helena Parish their home. They built their family's home in a peaceful, tranquil environment.There were two daughters and three grandchildren in their family. 

As a truck driver for Red Ball, Jasper was later a preacher of the gospel. Known for his beautiful smile and big heart, he was a man of great character. Among her many other major accomplishments, his wife was a teacher in St. Helena Parish. Primrose's teaching career left a lasting impact on the community in St. Helena Parish. She was beloved by her students and respected by her colleagues for her dedication and passion for education. Many of her former students went on to achieve significant success, crediting her as a pivotal influence in their lives. There two daughters and two grandchildren became successful in their careers. Wanda is the oldest of the two daughters.  Both of his daughters remained living in St. Helena Parish. The place they called home.

He was often referred to as "Boy" by his sisters and brothers. His nieces and nephews called him Uncle Boy. He had a close and affectionate bond with each of them, often acting as a mediator during family disputes. His playful nature endeared him to the younger generation, and his wisdom was respected by all. Despite the nickname, he was a pillar of strength and support in the family.

During their family reunion, Wanda chose a gorgeous gold tee shirt. She wanted to stand out and bring a cheerful, bright energy to the gathering. The color gold also symbolized the precious time they were spending together, making it a perfect choice for the occasion.

Myia Knigten

Reunions are a great way to celebrate family. They provide an opportunity for relatives to reconnect, share stories, and create new memories together. These gatherings help bridge the gap between generations, ensuring that family traditions and values are passed down. By spending time together, family members can strengthen their relationships and foster a sense of unity and belonging. 

It was amazing to see our Harrell family from each branch. The joy and excitement in the air were palpable as we reconnected with cousins we hadn't seen in years. Laughter and heartfelt hugs filled the room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was a beautiful reminder of the strong bonds that hold our family together.

Through many prayers and leadership, they ensured their offsprings would become the best people in life they could become. Through many prayers and leadership, they ensured their offsprings would become the best people in life they could become. They instilled values such as hard work, integrity, and compassion. By teaching them the importance of perseverance and honesty, they prepared their children to face life's challenges with resilience and moral strength. Additionally, they emphasized the significance of empathy and kindness, encouraging them to make a positive impact on their communities. Their most important lesson was to put God first in their lives and to apply the principles of the Bible.

Isabel Harrell Cook Legacy and Offsprings

Isabel Harrell Cook is the fifth child of Jasper Leon Harrell, Sr. and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell. Her education and upbringing were centered in Amite, Louisiana. She graduated from West Side High School in 1958. Among the many things she talked about was her love of playing basketball for the Big Zion School in Roseland, LA. 

 Isabel's love for cooking and baking started in her childhood. When she described how she baked her own birthday cake, her eyes lit up.While she was happy that she had baked and decorated her own cake, she was saddened by seeing her father Jasper cut the first slice. Those buttery fluffy homemade yeast rolls became her specialty. The homemade strawberry jam she made and her yeast rolls were unsurpassed.  Just thinking about her yeast rolls makes my mouth water. As Isabel grew older, her cooking skills became more refined and sophisticated. She began experimenting with new recipes and techniques, Her reputation as an exceptional cook spread throughout the family, and she frequently hosted family gatherings where her culinary talents were on full display. The delicacy of her strawberry cake is still talked about today by family members.

Isabel moved her family to New Orleans, Louisiana, after her mother Josephine passed away. On Touro Street, she found a house across from Catherine's. She made New Orleans her home up until Hurricane Katrina. She moved back to Tangipahoa Parish and returned back to New Orleans two to three years later. Hurricane Katrina had a profound impact on Isabel's life, as it forced her to leave the city she had come to love and call home. The devastation of the hurricane meant that she had to rebuild her life from scratch, facing numerous challenges along the way. Despite these hardships, Isabel's resilience and passion for cooking remained unwavering, and she eventually returned to New Orleans, bringing with her the spirit and flavors that had always defined her.

She gave birth to four children. One daughter and three sons. She has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.She passed on the family history to her daughter, Antoinette Harrell. Passing down family history is important because it preserves the legacy and traditions of previous generations. It helps family members understand their roots and fosters a sense of identity and belonging. She shared family history, stories, and photographs with her family at every opportunity with great pride and happiness. She would share the same stories over and over as if it was her first time sharing it. 

The legacy she left behind with her daughter and the rest of the family is remarkable. She will always be remembered for her commitment to preserving the past for future generations. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her family. Antoinette Harrell has taken on the mantle of preserving and sharing the rich history her mother left behind. She meticulously documents family stories, curates old photographs, and organizes family reunions to ensure that Isabel's legacy continues to thrive. Through her efforts, Antoinette has become the family's historian, keeping the spirit and traditions of her mother's cooking and storytelling alive for future generations. Her offsprings wore their beautiful light blue shirt in unity. A beautiful light blue shirt was worn for the family reunion by her offsprings. The light blue color symbolized tranquility and togetherness, which were meaningful sentiments at the gathering. A picture of Isabel, her parents, and four children is displayed on the front of the picture.

 

Raymond Harrell, Sr., offsprings

Raymond Harrell,  Sr., Offsprings

Raymond Harrell is the ninth child of Jasper Leon Harrell, Sr. and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell. He is the youngest son born to their union. His upbringing and education took place in Amite, Louisiana.  After graduating from West Side High School, he joined the military. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Amite for a while before moving to Kenner, Louisiana with his family. 

He and his former wife had two children together. As a legacy, he leaves behind grandkids and great-grandkids. Quiet by nature, he often spent a great deal of time alone. It was his nature to be neat and orderly, and he enjoyed everything to be in its proper place. He loved old school cars, as I recall.  His car was always kept clean at all times. Occasionally, he would take me to the store in the evening. I always receive delicious store-bought treats from him. Interestingly, I was the only one permitted to eat in the car, as I can recall now.  That's amazing! Right now, this means a great deal to me. There is no doubt in my mind that he did not permit some people to ride in his car, nor did he permit anyone to eat or drink in the vehicle. So I had to have a special place in his heart. There is something else that I can recall about him. He had a beautiful smile and kept his hair neat and cut all the time. 

Seeing his branch at the family reunion meant so much. I hadn't seen his son in a long time. I was happy he joined us with his son and granddaughter. Both his children Monteral and Raymond were there with their offsprings. Family gatherings hold unique significance as they provide an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen bonds with loved ones. These reunions become treasured moments where stories are passed down and relationships are rekindled, highlighting the enduring importance of family ties. 

Their electric green family reunion t-shirts indicated that they are descendants of Raymond Harrell, Sr. Each shirt featured a large, bold tree with branches representing various family members' names. I know many family members hasn't seen some of his offspring in a long time. Matter of fact that was the first time some actually met for the first time. 

After her father passed away, Monteral inherited his collection of photographs. Digital images of some of the photographs have been digitized by the Amite Genealogy Library in Amite, Louisiana. Some of them were also published in the book "Images of America" African Americans in Tangipaoha and St. Helena Parishes. It would make her father so proud to know that she handled them with great care and kept them safe. Monteral feels a deep connection to her father every time she looks at them. This is as if she is preserving their legacy and honoring their stories. These images are more than just pictures; they are tangible links to all our roots and the love passed down through the years. 

Frank Harrell, Sr. and Sadie Pearl Harrell Offsprings

Frank Harrell, Sr. and Sadie Pearl Harrell
 offsprings. The homestead of Emma Mead Harrell
Amite, Louisiana 

Frank Harrell, Sr. was the fourth child born to Jasper Leon Harrell, Sr. and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell. He was raised and educated in Amite, Louisiana. He enlisted in the military after graduating from school. His oldest sister Catherine lived in New Orleans, and he spent a lot of time in New Orleans before making it his home. 

That's where he met Sadie Pearl, the love of his life. Frank and Sadie built a beautiful life together in New Orleans, filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed exploring the vibrant culture of the city, from jazz music, Mardi Gras parades in the French Quarter to Creole cuisine. In later years, he became a gospel preacher. Through their beautiful union, they brought forth eight children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their branch was well represented at the reunion of Jasper Leon Harrell, Sr. and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell. It was the first time that some of the youth met other branches of Jasper and Josephine's tree. 

I remember spending a week with them in New Orleans during the summer when they lived on Touro Street and Mazant Street. What I recalled the most was the luxurious hardwood floors and high ceilings. From breakfast to dinner, the aroma of delicious cooked meals filled the air.  Sadie was an excellent cook and kept an immaculate household. Their home was always filled with people eating delicious home- cooked meals on Sundays. I will never know how she  fed so many people, all I know is there was always enough food for everyone. Greeting you with a beautiful smile and hug, she gave you a warm welcome. Every time you visited her, you felt welcome, and she treated everyone in the same manner. If they didn't have enough food,  Frank would go out and purchase food for everyone. That was just their nature and hospitality. "But let me also point out that from the homeless person to the dignitaries, everyone was treated the same." 

Seeing them at the family reunion brought back these beautiful memories. Their  eight children  are now parents and grandparents. Their dedication to family and love for each other left a lasting legacy on their descendants. Their children and grandchildren were deeply influenced by the values of hard work, faith, and unity that  they embodied. The warmth and strength of their household continue to inspire generations fostering a deeper connection within their family. 

Family History at the Amite Genealogy Library

Their family wore white shirts with a family tree on them. It is not uncommon for this branch to have tee shirts made for family events. The white shirts with the family tree stood out as they played games, shared stories, and took a massive group photo on the homestead of Jasper's mother Emma. Since 1869, the land has been in the family. The shirts became a symbol of unity and tradition, capturing the spirit of the day.

That is the spirit of their branch. They come together to celebrate each other and support each other. This is something that has been passed down to them by their loving parents. 

The offsprings of Catherine Harrell Lewis

Children and Grandchildren of 
Catherine Lewis Harrell

Catherine Lewis Harrell was the oldest child of Jasper Leon Harrell, Sr., and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell.  Amite Color School was the school where she was educated. She moved to Violet, Louisiana after marrying Ernest Lewis, Sr. The majority of her life was spent in New Orleans and Amite, Louisiana, where she raised her children. "She was called Cat by her family members most of the time. Catherine was known for her tasty home-cooked meals. Her infectious smile made her a beloved figure in her family. 

Every summer I went to New Orleans and spent a week with her and my cousins. I recall most vividly the house she lived in when she lived on Gov. Nicholls and Touro Street. On Touro Street, she lived down the street from Caruso's, the local corner store. Her home was between Urquhart and Marais Streets. We walked to that corner store for our favorite treats. That was the first time I tried Big Shot Pineapple and Giant Cola sodas. A nice cold soda and a bag of potato chips was our treat for the evening. 

When the children were growing up in New Orleans, they all got dressed to go outside to play, riding their bikes and skating around. Occasionally, me and my cousins would walk to the frozen cup lady's house and buy cool sweets. After a slow walk back home, I watched the other children play "cool can" with anticipation of participating in the game myself before the street lights came on. As soon as the street lights came on, every child knew what it meant. It was time to go inside. These memories instilled in me a deep sense of community and family togetherness. They taught me the importance of simple pleasures and the joy that comes from shared experiences. Growing up with these traditions has left a lasting impact on my values and the way I cherish relationships today. Spending time with my cousins was very nice. It really made me want to have a large family. Catherine's family was the largest of Jasper and Josephine.

Left to Right: James Lewis, Darren Lewis, Alvin Lewis and 
Tomekia Bergeron Diamond

She had fourteen children. Her children and grandchildren have all achieved great success in their careers. Several of her children left the Deep South and made the East and West Coast their home. Elaine, her daughter once lived in Japan with her family. Darren and his family travel extensively domestically and internationally. She has a son who is a renowned chef and has traveled around the world as well.

Many of her grandchildren have achieved great success. I am sure she would have been proud of her family. Her legacy lives on through the achievements and principles of her descendants. Her offspring wore purple t-shirts for the family reunion. The purple t-shirts symbolized unity and a shared heritage among the family members. The matching attire served as a visual reminder of the family's deep connection and the values she instilled in them. I enjoy seeing all my cousins again. It brought back so many childhood memories. 

Tomekia Bergeron Diamond and her older sister
Elaine Lewis Daniels.