I celebrated my 40th birthday last weekend in New Orleans with all of my family, in the house where we all shared so many deeply cherished memories.

It was truly special.

All of my most fondest memories growing up as a child were created in this home, a home my grandpa built.

I come from a great family—not because we are perfect or better than anyone, but because the love is real—unconditional and overflowing.

I am so very lucky.

As a child, we celebrated everyone’s birthday in this house—sitting at the kitchen counter surrounded by my grandparents and everyone who was free to pass by, drop in, to celebrate.

I was once a child, sitting in my grandpa’s lap helping him blow out his candles on his birthday cake, and now I have my son Harry and my nephew Fredo, helping me blow out mine.

After Katrina, these celebrations halted, with all our family scattered across the U.S.

To have this moment, celebrating and reminiscing about our childhood memories with my now grown cousins, I feel so privileged— to have deep roots in New Orleans, to know who I am and where I come from because of it.

This trip home was long overdue, yet deeply inspiring with many more subsequent posts to come.

Until then, here are a few favorite photos from my birthday, taken by my extremely talented and beautiful cousin Shanne Vignaud.

Special thank you to my Mom for planning and hosting this incredible celebration and for making this birthday so deeply special.

I am so very grateful.

My Birthday