CCJC Audio Podcast Episode 00047 Season 2
Francoise LeBlanc of Cajun Chronicles Podcast Corporation is a popular speaker for all aspects on behalf of those who are visually impaired and blind. Blind herself from an unfortunate bomb expulsion while delivering aid in a war torn mission effort, she is no marshmallow tip when it comes to drawing in others in her efforts to educate others on navigating life when you can’t see.
She often uses such folktales to introduce to those who are new to using a white cane to the very important facts about the different kinds of white canes. Such stories are used to illustrate in a memorable way certain key elements that make it less boring than a lecture about the mechanics. For her, one of the missions is to make learning fun and unsighted life less scary.
The Ghost Bear of the Atachafalaya River Basin
Being a Cajun from Mamou, Louisiana, as a child she sat on the lap of her Grand-mere Marie Francoise. She was listening to folk tales of the Ghost Bear of the Atachafalaya River Basin. It was no secret that the LeBlanc family had over time handed down new versions of hushed stories about a massive white-furred bear that still roams the deepest parts of Evangeline Parish. However, that ancient and wise guardian of the swamps, only appears to those who are truly lost and in deep need of help.
Naturally, the Ghost Bear’s descendants redefined and expanded the depth of the help given and figured out new ways to help the truly lost. Few Cajun people could argue that those of us who are visually impaired or blind are more than worthy of expert guidance from the wise and benevolent Black Bears of Louisiana. After all, they are a native species that while named Black Bears, could be found in many bear colors.
One of the most famous ones was a certain bear named Antoine Rene. He was a Master Bayou-bear-a-cuda fisherman, a berry-picking prodigy, and unfortunately due to his natural poor vision a walking disaster. Antoine Rene, you see, also had a deep fondness for honey that bordered on obsession.
One day while attempting to liberate a particularly large hive from a towering Bald Cypress, he misjudged a branch. He took quite a tumble, landing squarely on the beehive he’d just knocked off. He not only knocked it down, but it landed on a very large and grumpy cocodril!
The ensuing chaos involved a lot of buzzing, snapping gator teeth, and Antoine Rene flailing wildly. Ultimately all of this resulted in him being further more blinded by a face full attack of angry European Honey Bees. That was followed by a glancing blow to the head from the gator’s tail.
Then there was the “Great Pecan Pie Incident,” when Grandmere Marie-Francoise’s irresistible aroma of pies cooling caused him to attempt to “borrow” a pie resting on the kitchen window sill. Unfortunately with his vision not being great even before the bees, he got tangled in strings of Tabasco red chili peppers having above them to dry. This resulted in a fiery watery explosion of burning pepper spices in his eyes. The result was a very embarrassed bear who immediately dropped his pie prize.
The final straw came when Grandmere Marie Francoise stopped using that window sill for cooling her baking. Antoine Rene was a desperate bear. His sweet tooth was haunting him like a Rougarou gone wild. He had to find something to fill that. Given his great ability to follow inviting scents he soon found himself on the trail of a “Beignet Bonanza.”
Now, Black Bears are known to roam about 100 square miles in their claimed territory. This enticing bakery sweetness led him to venture beyond that by an extra 30 miles to the streets of New Orleans. That would prove to be a mistake.
Even though he could run 35 mph in short spurts, his sustained speed over that distance took him more time than he anticipated. It was in the cover of darkness he tried to sneak into a bakery in the early morning just after dawn. Exhausted and visually foggy, he tripped over a stack of flour sacks, covering himself in a white cloud.
Next, he stumbled into a wedding cake that the baker had just opened for the bride to approve. The bride understandably was distraught and fainted. The baker fainted at the sight of Antoine Rene. Then Antoine Rene, covered in frosting and flour, fainted too.
The local animal control in conjunction with the wildlife authorities, citing “repeated incidents of culinary-related chaos,” decided a Black Bear intervention was in order. Antoine Rene, much to his dismay, was enrolled in the Bear White Cane Blind School, nestled deep in the Evangeline Parish backwoods.
Bear White Cane Blind School
Antoine Rene’s first day was interesting. He bumped into a White Tailed Deer, mistook an Eastern Spotted Skunk (which prompted a handstand defense posture) for a Spotted Bass. He also sat on a North American Porcupine during lunch. But luckily for him, then came Bear White Cane Class.
“Now, Antoine Rene,” Professor Daniel Hebert boomed, “A White Cane is more than just a stick. It’s your eyes, your guide, your key to independence, and your best way to find all things sugary!”
He showed him different types of White Canes. “This,” he said, holding up a long slender cane, “Is a Long Cane.” It’s excellent for detecting obstacles at a distance. It’s useful for those honey hunting expeditions, perhaps?” Antoine Rene chuckled nervously, not sure he’d ever want to mess with bees ever again.
Then he showed him a Folding White Cane. “This one’s compact, easy to carry. Perfect for sneaking into unattended bake sales, but stay away from bakeries,” he laughed. Antoine Rene blushed, remembering the shock of his first and last visit to New Orleans.
Professor Hebert explained the different tips. “A roller tip is good for smooth surfaces, while a marshmallow tip is better for uneven terrain,” he said. Holding up a large, fluffy tip. Antoine’s ears perked up. “Marshmallow? Does it taste like a marshmallow?”
Professor Hebert chuckled, “No, Antoine Rene, it just looks like one. Although,” he added with a grin, “I’ve heard rumors of a Beignet-flavored sugar cane tip. Hard to tell in these dark days of misinformation and disinformation.”
Finally, he explained the reflective tape on some Bear White Canes. “This helps you be seen at night,” he said. “That’s important when you’re out late, uh, fishing?” Antoine Rene nodded, knowing night fishing was against the law, trying to look innocent.
Antoine Rene’s first day was a revelation. He learned a white cane wasn’t just a tool. It was a way to navigate the world safely and confidently, even with limited or no vision. He still had a lot to learn, but for the first time he felt a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps there will come a day when he could still enjoy his honey, cakes, beignets, and cinnamon rolls without causing a statewide Fish and Game Wildlife disaster. Maybe he’d even find that rumored beignet-flavored sugar cane tip. After all, this is Louisiana, where anything was possible, including Blind Black Bears using Bear White Canes like a pro. His White Bear Ghost ancestors would be proud of him!
Our tales are inspired by real Louisiana and New Orleans history, but some details may have been spiced up for a good story. While we've respected the truth, a bit of creative license could have been used. Please note that all characters may be based on real people, but their identities in some cases have been Avatar masked for privacy. Others are fictional characters with connections to Louisiana.
A Word of Wisdom:
As you read, remember history and real life is a complex mix of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tragedy. While we may have (or not) added a bit of fiction, the core message remains: the human spirit's power to endure, adapt, and overcome.
© Jerilee Wei 2024 All Rights Reserved.
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