Jazz Fest is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s rare for me to miss it. This year, though, I wrestled with the decision to come. This is Home Fest overlapped with the first weekend of Jazz Fest, and for a while, I wasn’t sure if I could make it work.
But something in me knew I needed to be there.
Early this morning, I made my way to the Fais Do Do stage to see Amis du Teche. Two men stood in front of us, and one turned around, excited to tell us his niece was playing in the band. He asked where we were from. I said Crowley originally, and immediately, the connections started falling into place. He was from Mermentau and had grown up in Crowley, too.
In true small-town Louisiana fashion, he asked for my last name. I told him, “I’m a Duncan.” His face lit up.
“Boochie Duncan?!”
“Yes,” I said, surprised, “that’s my grandfather. I’m Shea Duncan’s daughter.”
“Shea Boy?!”
In that instant, tears welled in my eyes. I hugged him tightly, both of us laughing and crying at the sheer magic of it all. He had grown up next door to my dad. For the next hour, we stood there talking about my dad and sharing stories about their childhood. I couldn’t thank him enough for everything.
Afterward, I called my mom and my sister to tell them what had just happened. I sent a message to my boyfriend too, who called as soon as he finished playing Sunday church service, eager to hear every detail.
“You won’t believe the timing,” he said. “During church today, the pastor shared a verse that I saved because I felt like it was meant for you.”
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Aidan said, “That man was an angel in your presence today.”
And he was right. Today wasn’t just about the music or the serendipity of small-town connections. It was about something greater. The way we are placed exactly where we’re meant to be, with the people we’re meant to meet, in the moment we need it most.
Today, Jazz Fest gave me something more profound than music.
It gave me connection.
It gave me healing.
It gave me divine affirmation that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
KATHRYN SHEA DUNCAN 