They Legacy They Influenced

When I think about the women who shaped me, who built me into who I am today, two names come to mind above all others—Marie Adair-LeRoux, my grandmother, and Eloise LeRoux-Beaux, my mother. Their strength, wisdom, and grace are etched into my very soul. They were the first to show me that the truest measure of who I am lies not in the world’s expectations of me, but in the love, respect, and determination passed down through our family.

Grandma!

My grandma, Marie, lived a quiet but powerful life. To the outside world, she might have seemed reserved, but those who truly knew her understood the depths of her strength. She didn’t speak loudly or demand attention, yet her presence commanded it. Watching her care for others—whether through her crocheting ministry, her Bible study sessions, or the simple acts of kindness she showed daily—taught me that power comes from consistency, from showing up for others even when it feels like no one is watching.

I remember sitting by her side, listening as she shared stories of her life, and I began to understand that true strength isn’t about making noise. It’s about having the courage to be who you are, regardless of what others think or say. She taught me that you can be soft and gentle and still carry the weight of the world with grace. She taught me that, no matter how small or unseen your actions may seem, they make a difference. Her legacy lives on in everything I do, in the quiet way I choose to stand tall and walk through the world, knowing that my strength comes from deep within.

Momma

Then there’s my mother, Eloise,
whose love, and ambition have always been my guiding light. Watching her juggle to find that work life balance, I learned that I could be both strong and tender, ambitious and grounded. My mom showed me that we don’t have to choose between professionalism and authenticity. She was never afraid to be herself whether in the workplace, with family, or in the community.She taught me that my value isn’t defined by anyone but myself, and that I could take up space in this world unapologetically.

The conversations I had with my mom, the words she spoke to me, those were the moments that shaped me the most. She taught me how to love myself without needing validation from the outside world. She would always remind me, “You are enough, just as you are.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand the depth of her message, but now, looking back, I realize those words were the foundation of my journey towards self-love and acceptance.

Together, my grandmother and mother laid the foundation for me to walk my own path with pride and confidence. They showed me that we don’t have to shrink to fit into the world’s expectations; we have the power to define ourselves. Their love, wisdom, and strength didn’t just help me survive—they taught me how to thrive.

As I stand today, I carry their legacy with me every day. When I walk through life, I am not just walking as myself. I am walking with the echoes of their wisdom in my heart, and I know that the lessons they taught me will continue to guide me, just as they continue to guide every woman in our family. I owe them everything—the strength to be myself, the confidence to claim my space, and the love to lift others up along the way.

My grandmother and mother may have been the quietest forces in the room, but they have been the most powerful ones in my life. Through their love, their guidance, and their unwavering belief in me, I’ve learned that being true to yourself is the greatest power you can have. And that’s the legacy I carry forward—one of strength, grace, love, and authenticity.