Special Christmas Display

Like many this time of year, Carolyn Boudreaux’s home is decorated for Christmas.
Most of the decor is traditional, with reindeer and the like placed nicely in the yard. Lights are strewn about, providing Dutel Street with some colors of the season.
None of it the focus, though.
It is what is on her front window that stands out most, photos of those from Abbeville who are no longer with us, many of whom were lost to violence.
“I put it up because I want people to know how short life is,” Boudreaux said.
She knows all to well how devastatingly short it can be. Among the more than two dozen photos on the window is her son, Nijeal Comeaux.
“He was shot and killed in 1999,” Boudreaux said. “They found his killer, but a lot of these up here are still unsolved.
“Whether they were kids or grown ups, nobody deserves to die like that.”
Comeaux, who was killed on Dec. 7, 1999, would have turned 36 in October.
“I wanted to do something in honor of him,” Boudreaux said.
After some thought, Boudreaux decided to collect as many photos as she could of those lost to violence.
“I hope, maybe, this inspires the younger children to see how many people we are losing and what Abbeville is becoming,” Boudreaux said.
“It was something I enjoyed doing. I thought maybe it would touch somebody.
“Hopefully this can encourage people to live peaceful lives.”
The response has been positive.
“So many people have stopped by,” Boudreaux said. “I come home at night from work and they are all in front of the house.”
Visitors can leave their mark. Boudreaux has placed a “Loving Memory” card, a poster board on a stand, in the front yard. The front of the card is nearly full.
“Once that side if finished I will turn it around,” Boudreaux said. “We will start all over.”
The window memorial is by no means a finished product. Boudreaux said she will still gladly take photos from other families who have members lost to violence.
All of those in the photos will be remembered on Saturday, Dec. 20. Boudreaux has a candle light vigil planned for 7 p.m. It will take place in front of her home at 412 Dutel St.
“I wanted to do it right before Christmas,” Boudreaux said. “Anyone is welcome. All of these people (on the window) had mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children.
“I want people to know they are gone, but they are not forgotten.”
Boudreaux said she is not sure if this will become a tradition.
“This is something I had in my heart to do,” Boudreaux said. “I would love to do it next year.
“My hope is that I don’t have to add anyone to the list.”