Day 13

Today was the Prickett family reunion in Dill City, OK.  Probably most of you have no clue where that is.  It is a tiny town in Western Oklahoma.  Just Southwest of Clinton.  There isn't much left of it.  Even the school system merged with Burns Flat schools years ago.  But it is where my mom's family grew up and where they call home.  If you are ever driving down Hwy 152 and see a big red barn on the side of the road, that is the Prickett family homestead.  That is where the old farm house used to be where 10 children were born and raised working the land.  My great-uncle, Jimmie, lives in that red barn.  It is actually a house...he doesn't live in a barn!  :)  My great-uncle, Frank lived in the house next door with his wife, Daisy and a collection of clocks including several cuckoo clocks.  My Prickett family is amazing.  They continue to leave behind a Godly heritage and I am so proud to be a part of it!

My 28 thanks:

1. My mom's family has a strong Godly family legacy.

2. The Prickett family reunion today was refreshing.

3. The kids had a great time too.  As the only kids there, they were a huge hit with all the family!

4. In my life, I was able to meet all but 2 of the 10 Prickett "children".  My Nana was the 9th born.  Two of her brothers passed away before I was born, but the other 8 I knew and loved dearly.

5. My Papa is an amazing man.  He is kind, dependable, hard-working, determined and strong.  I love him very much.

6. My aunt Louan has lived in El Paso, Tx for most of my life and unfortunately, I didn't get to see her often growing up, but now she lives with my Papa, helping him out.  I get to see her so much more now and I am so blessed to have her as a part of my life!

7. My cousin Cricket was at the reunion today with her husband, David, and her son, Madison.  She is a joy to be around.  She makes me smile and she is so loving and generous.

8. My cousin, Kay is a dear woman.  She has always been so kind to me and it was great to see her and catch up today.

9. My great-uncle, Jimmie, is a hoot!  he is outgoing and loves to talk.  He never misses any opportunity to tell others about Jesus or encourage them in the faith.

10. My great-aunt Anna is such a loving person.  The love within her shows all the time.  She watched her husband, Jimmie, as he encouraged us to continue on the Godly heritage of the Prickett family.  Her pride and love for him was evident.  She is a special woman. 

11. My great-aunt Mary Lou is a precious woman.  She is always joyful and she always has a smile on  her face.  Her bright blue eyes and her expressions remind me of my Nana. 

12. My mom grew up as an Army brat, so when she settled in Oklahoma she made sure we were at every reunion, get together, wedding, funeral and holiday dinner that was held.  She loved to be with her family and she instilled that importance and love of family in me.  For that I am very thankful!

13. My cousin Ray is a fun guy.  He and my mom share a birthday, just one year apart!  We had a nice long conversation at the reunion.  I enjoyed talking to him because I know my mom loved him a lot.

14. My cousin Jane is such a sweet lady.  She moved to Cordell to take care of her parents, but has stayed around after they both passed because she feels home with her extended family.  She is a good friend to my Aunt Louan.  They both miss Texas so much, but know that they are where they are meant to be for now. 

15. My cousin Lynn is an interesting man.  I always enjoy talking to him.  His wife Marjorie is such a sweet woman. 

16. Even though Lynn's wife, Patsy, passed away 19 years ago I have a couple of memories of her.  She was a kind woman.  I still have the piggy bank she hand made for me when I was born.  I treasure it.

17. My cousin John and his wife were at the reunion.  He looks just like a Prickett, a whole lot like his namesake, my great grandfather, John Simpson Prickett.  I never met John much, his parents, Elmer and Naomi, lived on the East coast and I was never able to go there for a visit, although my parents did once and the pictures were beautiful!  I am so glad I have gotten to meet John a few times as I have gotten older.

18. My cousin Christa, John's sister was also there.  My interactions with her have been limited by distance, but I am glad to have met her on a few occasions now.

19. My great-aunt Helen still comes to reunions.  She married Joe in 1981 when they were both in their 50s and missionaries.  She has the sweetest, most loving and giving spirit I have ever met.  She was a missionary to Kenya and later she and Joe spent years in Trinidad and Tobego.  Her life has made an impact in the eternal realms.  I am blessed to call her family.

20. I love hearing stories of the past about my family.  It keeps the ones who have gone on alive in my heart.

21. God placed me into an amazing family.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this Godly heritage.

22. I got to laugh out loud when they told a story about throwing corn cobs at each other for fun.  Apparently, you have to make your own fun when you grow up on a farm. 

23. I was just saying the other day that my house is getting too small for us.  I am so blessed that I didn't raise 10 children in a two room farm house!

24. My "too little" house has electricity, unlike that farm house my Nana grew up in.

25. I have, and grew up with indoor plumbing.  Can I get an Amen?!?

26. Growing up in a two room farm house with 9 siblings builds character and relationships with others.  We need more of that today.

27. After the reunion, we visited the family members who have already passed away at Page cemetary.  It was windy, but peaceful.

28. I know my Prickett family members will greet me in Heaven one day.  I will see them again!

Bonus thanks:  I got to visit in person with Kendra for a few minutes as I delivered her pillow.  Even just those few minutes made my day!  She is truly my best friend.