Over the past two months I have been traveling more than usual, unfortunately often leaving my offices and my family in New Orleans to conduct various business and to seek knowledge from important people around the country. Traveling outside of my city, our city, has forced me to reflect on how much I truly love New Orleans — my home.
On November 24, we celebrate the traditional holiday full of food and family — and this year on this day. I am blessed to also celebrate my 27th wedding anniversary with the love of my life, Andrea; my inspiration in everything I do.
Whenever Thanksgiving comes around, we are reminded to take pause and give thanks for what we appreciate most in our lives. All of this traveling and time spent away from the city just so happens to be perfectly, and coincidentally, situated around this holiday of gratitude and recognition.
Being away from New Orleans, a city unlike any other, has reminded me how much my heart and soul belongs here. Much as Louis Armstrong once sang, “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?” As a man born and raised here, yes, I truly do.
When you miss something in life, you realize how much it meant or means to you, and as I end my last trip of the year, I yearn for home.
I miss you, New Orleans. No other city compares, and I am glad to be home.
Todd Matherne
