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o c c u pat i o n mom, wife, former teacher and businesswoman, and
first
lady of louisiana h u s b a n d john bel
edwards
c h i l d r e n samantha, 25; sarah ellen, 21; and john miller, 15 h o b b i e s my family live / m o m n e x t d o o r donna d onna
edwards
is the quintessential steel magnolia: southern, sweet, lovely, and strong. she takes her position as
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lady seriously, dedicated to leaving both the governor?s mansion and the state better than she found it. her public duty though, cannot compare to her devotion to her family. being a mother who is always available to her children no matter photography by dafina dervishi how did you meet your husband? d: we were high school sweethearts. we
went
to junior high and high school together. though he
went
to west point and i
went
to southern miss, four years later, we got married. tell me about your children. d: they?re all very unique. our oldest, samantha is laid-back, a good listener, and is going to be a school counselor. sarah ellen loves to have fun, laugh a lot, and likes to travel. john miller is all boy. he loves to hunt, fish, and play every sport. three things you always have with you? d: something religious in my purse like a cross or a rosary, my lipstick, and my phone. my phone mostly because of my kids. i want them to know they can get me no matter what. three words to describe yourself? d: i don?t know if i have three, but loyal is one. i am the friend that reaches out to keep friendships. i try to invite old friends and fam- ily to the mansion for dinners when we can. how do you keep it all balanced? d: spending the
first
part of my day in prayer and meditation. otherwise, i?d crumble. i also have to exercise as well, play tennis, or go for a walk. balance is so important. greatest thing about being a mom? d: my kids. loving them and watching them grow and learn. if you could invite anyone over for dinner, who would you invite? d: jackie kennedy onassis. she
went
through so much tragedy, but handled it so gracefully. what good habit do you have that you would like to pass on to the kids? d: my prayer life any bad habits you would not want to pass on? d: i?m easily distracted. i like to think i am a great multitasker, but i?m not. i?m also a people pleaser. how would your friends describe you? d: i?m loyal, fun, and full of spirit. if you call me, i?m there. how do you like to spend time? d: i like to volunteer if i have time. i like to go to the homeless shelter for women and children. i like chilling on the porch and listening to music.
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thing you notice about people when you meet them? d: their spirit, i?m a pretty good judge of character. every now and then i mess up, though. most recent proud parenting moment? d: my oldest daughter texted me to tell me she really enjoyed spending time with me. last mommy fail? d: you know, you never feel like you do things just right. looking back, i wish i wouldn?t have let them quit playing an instrument. then, they wanted to quit, now they ask me why i let them quit. i still play the piano. i?ll play for hours downstairs. e d w a r d s where she is ranks as top priority for this important woman. she has many plans to speak up for those who do not have a voice and to reach out to those who need encouragement. as a former music teacher, her passion for the arts in public schools motivates her to make a lasting impact long after the
edwards
family vacates the highest position in the state. through her intelligence, kindness, and faith, donna
edwards
is on track to fulfill her purpose as
first
lady of louisiana. by joy holden 54 brparents.com | may 2017
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