Tuesday, December 23, 2014 1:20 pm

By ANNA PATRICK

There is a lot of sickness in this neck of the woods what with Strep throat, flu, viruses especially with the children. Praying they are all well by tomorrow night.

Also many from here are fighting battles with life threatening illnesses. Our prayers go up for Danny Gaither who is currently in the hospital (hope he is home by the time your read this). Ernest Davis is still dealing with a serious heart condition and grandson, Jonathan Francis is dealing with the side effects of chemo. We pray for these as well as others who are going through the holidays with these difficulties.

Grandson, Kullon Patrick spent Friday night with us. He left out Saturday afternoon with Tim "Mim" Reed, and Janna and Ryan Womack to attend the "Marvel Universe Live" at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

That night, it was Rylon and Amaieah Morrison's turn to get spoiled by us as they spent that night and attended the Cancer Tournament basketball game where they saw cousin Adrianna Reed, help the Lady Knights place third.
Congratulations to Madison Gaither and Katelyn Duggin on making the girl's All Tournament team.

Sunday one of my wishes came to fruition when Ray Patrick (he left off Taco Bell long enough), Bethany Morrison, Daxton Patrick and Alayna Reed went to the hills and cut down a cedar tree for my Christmas tree. They also decorated it with help from the youngest grandyoung'uns!

It was "candy-making day" for the rest of the family. It used to be "cookie-making day" for the kids but has now been taking over by the women.

A thank you to the CCHS cooks who prepared a delicious breakfast Monday for us school bus drivers. And thanks to Lisa Black and Barbara Parker for making it possible.

Tuesday night was Christmas Open House and TCAP Awards night at Auburn Grammar. There were 148 who signed the guest register. K-4 sang Christmas carols. The Jr. Beta performed the song, "Betas Rockin' the Country" which they performed at the State Convention. The cheerleaders performed their routine which they do at ballgames.

Then it was time to enter the Roger Turney Gym for TCAP Award Medals. There were 239 medals given out to students who were Proficient or Advanced on the 2014 TCAP.

Principal Melinda Crook and staff truly appreciate all the support received from the school families and the community and those who attended this event.

It was the annual Christmas caroling night for several members of Prosperity Baptist Church. We "serenaded" Martha Hays, Tom and Ladye Allen, Billie Foutch and Joe and Mainell Foutch. At this last stop, the Foutchs treated all to hot chocolate and Christmas "goodies".

More caroling was done Thursday when Auburn School grades 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th traveled to Woodbury to bring joy in song to many businesses.

Celebrating a birthday on Christmas Eve are Nell Summar and Sarah Hackney. Then for the greatest birthday of all on the 25th - Happy Birthday Jesus! Shawna Kennedy Ervin turns 28 on the 26th. Betty Thomas tucks another year behind her on the 27th. Destiny Melton turns 17 on the 28th. The 29th belongs to Mitchell Davenport and the 30th has Brian Leyhew, Dalton Lack, Dustin Lack, Dawson Reed and Lindsay Cooper all celebrating the 30th. Happy birthday to you.

It's 59 years of wedded bliss for Ray and Jean Barrett Melton on the 26th. Happy anniversary.

My prayer for each of you readers is to have the most meaningful Christmas ever. May we never forget the reason it's called CHRISTmas. If it wasn't for Him there would be not Christmas. God bless you.

If you have news for this column, please e-mail me at apatrick@dtccom.net, or call 464-4310 and leave a message if no answer.