SHARON: Family is the most important thing to me. Being a parent is the hardest job you can ever have, and it always comes first to me: God, family, then your job. With Jeff working and traveling, my main focus was to be there with JT. We had one child and I didn’t have another one to try out; I have to get this one right. It was really important for me to stay home, be with him through school, and all his extracurricular activities, being a caregiver, a scheduler, counselor—and we’re still doing that. He’s in college now, and so I was always home. When Jeff considered running for governor, I asked him to wait until JT graduated high school, because I knew in high school, Jeff would come in to play more. I always say I had him for about 15 years, and in high school, he needed his father. He needed the father figure, and so we agreed, and Jeff didn’t decide to run until JT’s senior year. He’s the most important thing in our lives, and we needed to keep the family together, be there for him, and [for him] to know that he came first. WHAT DOES “HOME” IN LOUSIAIA MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? SHARON: Home is back in Acadiana, back in Broussard, back at the camp. We have a camp in Catahoula, which is 20
stay here, to raise a family here, and the strong roots that we were taught. AS FIRST LADY, WHAT INITIATIVES ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING LOUISIANA’S FAMILIES? SHARON: When we started the Love One Louisiana Foundation, we didn’t want to focus on just one group. I wanted to reach across all of Louisiana on all its issues, because there are so many needs in the state, whether it comes to single mothers, education, health care, tragedies like January 1, or hurricanes for providing shelter and food. That’s why we called it Love One Louisiana, to encompass all of Louisiana. If something comes up and we want to help, we reach out and support them in their needs. We just started the foundation in January, so we’re just kicking it off. The tragedy on January 1 really kicked us into high gear, so we’ve raised money, and we’re working on getting that to the victims and the injured right now. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO FELLOW MOMS ABOUT BALANCING FAMILY, WORK, AND SERVICE?
minutes from our home in Broussard, so that’s home, and being either one of those places with family and friends, hanging out. The mansion is the work home, so we have lots of homes, and we try to make all of them as comfortable as possible and welcoming to everyone that wants to come visit. WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES? SHARON: That they have a safe community, where they have opportunities and can reach their goals, no matter what background they come from, and that they feel loved.
Quick Q’s Favorite date night… at home cooking on the back porch or by the fire at the camp. One word that best describes your family …chaos. Favorite movie or television show to watch … Friends. Favorite food …Cajun. Hidden talent …dancing.
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