It was our handshake that sparked this connection. You see, Pat Green did not let go of my hands once we shook. In fact, after about a minute, I didn’t want to let go. I could have held her hands even longer. No words were necessary in this instant. All of my grandparents have passed, and for a moment, I felt reconnected with all of them. Pat’s smile drew me over to her, as she stood with her daughter Holly and son-in-law Javier on Jefferson Ave, preparing to watch her first Mardi Gras parade ever.