When I was growing up in New Iberia, there were certain families that had the respect of the entire town. The Landry family was at the top of the list. A few weeks ago, the community of New Iberia lost a great man… Alfred Smith “Smitty” Landry passed away at the age of 91.
Though I often struggle with social media (details to follow), I have never been more grateful to have a Facebook page than I was last night. Mr. Smitty’s daughter, Helen, shared an email on her page that her father had sent to his family. I read the email message. I immediately read it again. And again. I hope that you will do the same now.
Courtesy Of Helen Landry
So well said. I’m not sure what the family “discussion” was, and it really doesn’t matter. Mr. Smitty’s love for his children and ability to be the calming force with incredible words of wisdom is far more important than the debate subject matter. I am in awe of his message.
We all have opinions about politics. And religion. And sports. And everything else. Many of us, myself included, are passionate about the things in which we believe. As a child, I was taught to never discuss politics and religion. Social media is a public conversation between millions of “friends” and “family”. Why do we find it necessary to write things for the world to see that we might be uncomfortable saying in the company of a few? I know that I have been guilty of this. Mr. Smitty’s message caused me to look in the mirror. I am ready to do my best to follow his advice.
RIP Mr. Smitty. Thank you for all you did for my hometown. And thank you for the most meaningful social media message ever.
Learn more about Mr. Alfred Smith “Smitty” Landry here
