With the living room full, champagne chilled and flowers at the ready, they welcomed matriarch Souvenise Bazile: 107 year old and on this day becoming an American citizen.
('What did they say when you told officials my 107 year old mother wants to become a citizen?') "They were happy and said it was a record!," said her daughter Philomene Balin.
Ms. Bazile has been here since she was in her late 80's and speaks only Creole.
"Je suis Americaine!," she said. (Today I become an American.")
And asked what is the best country in the world, her response was, "Here."
Moments later, citizenship officials arrived and with her right hand up and a yes, it was official.
Surrounded by cherished pictures of her family and from her life, she took it all in.
What are her secrets for looking so good at 107?
She says she has always stayed away from drinking and smoking and takes care of her 9 birds, plus clings to love, laughter, and faith.
She was blessed with 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
"107 years old and she becomes a citizen of the United States of America! What else you want?", said her daughter.
What else? I think we're good! Congratulations.
