Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Thursday is the day designated by the Pilgrims and later legalized by Abraham Lincoln as the day when we thank God for the many blessings we have in this country.” Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellowcitizens, wherever they may then be, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. “ We ae told that our nation was not created as a Christian nation, but our historical documents speak the truth. We are blessed and privileged to live in a nation that allows freedom for its people. No matter our situation, there is something in our life that should cause us to be grateful. Russ and I like several families in the area buried our eldest daughter on Saturday. It tinges our gratitude with sadness, but it does not stop our gratefulness for all the blessings that we have. Our precious daughter is free of pain, our family and friends have stood with us in our grief, and our wonderful church family has helped us make our way through this grief. God is good.
Our football boys had a grand victory over the Zephyr Bulldogs last Friday. In just under an hour the score was 59-12 and the 45 Mercy Rule was invoked. On a side note, we noticed that one of the best tackles of the game was on the sidelines. Fortunately, Jessica Locker was not harmed by her sudden trip to the ground. Way to take one for the team Jess. The game was a series of amazing plays by all members of the team. Congratulations gentlemen and best of luck in your next battle. The next game will be against Oglesby on Saturday the 29th in Dublin, Texas. The game will start at 3:00 PM. The school is closed until next Tuesday, but our Coyote athletes will be hard a work preparing for their next challenge. The extended Skelton will be having their annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. The meal will be served around noon. There is no charge. If you live in Richland and cannot make it to the center but would like to receive a meal, please call the Perry residence and request a meal delivery.
Our big Christmas Market is also on the 29th. There will be plenty of time to head downtown, visit the vendors, have chili in the bank, and enjoy the stunning Christmas decorations that were prepared by the Soto family. They are a delight to the eyes. Please come by, enjoy, and later head to Dublin for the big game.
The new railroad company has graciously donated the Preservation Society a $2500 grant. There will be a presentation ceremony on December the 4th at 2:00 pm at the bank. We would love to have members of the community be a part of this event.
Thank you to everyone who prepared food and attended the funeral for our daughter. We live in a wonderful community. The family of Shane Phillips also thanks the members of the First Baptist Church for taking part in their memorial service.
Please pray for world peace, our country, our President, and government, our sick and housebound and our precious troops and their families. Happy Thanksgiving.