This week I’ll be conducting my last character interview for my book The Heir to the Unexpected, with Jon’s uncle, Charlie DeBlanc.
Charlie– So, where are you from and what do you do?
Sure enough. I’m from Pleasant Grove, Mississippi. After the honor of serving my country in the Vietnam war, I travelled the world for a while, saw a lot of great things, but came to appreciate home all the more. So, about 30 years ago when my sister started having kids, I decided to settle down again back in Pleasant Grove. I took up a job as a long haul truck driver, which allows me to have a home base near my family, but get away when I need to.
What do you love most about Mississippi?
For me, it’s the family bond to the land. My family fled France in 1680 and came to Charleston, South Carolina due to religious persecution happening with the Calvinists (or Protestants, for those who aren’t versed in the history of that era). After a few years, they relocated to our current family homestead in Mississippi. From what my Great Grandmother told me, they wanted to be close to the French culture of New Orleans, but safely away from any religious persecution. I love that land and the rich history that it has given me the responsibility to carry on.
Would you have done anything differently?
I’m proud that I was able to serve my country and protect my land, but I sometimes wonder what could have been if I had pursued a career as a minister with a family. For all the fighting and killing I’ve seen and done, I think I would have done more good if I helped guide and grow people instead. Today, I’m trying to help a few folks get back on track who live on one my properties in a trailer park.
What do you do in your free time?
If I’m not on the road or fixing things at the trailer park, I do like hunting. I don’t go out to kill things for the sake killing. But I like watching, feeling and smelling nature at it’s most innocent moments. Don’t get me wrong, if a big ole buck comes walking into my tranquility, I’m obliged to fill my freezer for the next month or two.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
Well, I never married or had kids, but I do have a nephew, Jonathan, who I’ve always been partial to. I’m hoping I can convince him to move home from New York City and work down here instead. I have lots of stories and things I still want to share with him. I don’t think he’s wanting to return, but he doesn’t know what’s right for him. What’s going to be required of him some day…
Pingback: Maria Smith()