Brackett Family Birthday Celebration

Mark and Rachelle Brackett invited Liz and I to attend and celebrate Mark's mother Marie's 90th Birthday in July, at her home in Biggs, Ca, 22 miles north of Yuba City, thirty miles south of Oroville, off Hwy 99.

We enjoyed meeting Marie's beautiful, lively family. Her grandson Kevin Brackett, Mark's son, came all the way from Fayetteville, Arkansas along with his puppy Penelope (Penny). Interestingly, Kevin is a construction contractor and is investigating doing work for the Cherokee Nation. They are a beautiful family and we had a grand time and a lot of fun.

Marie was born in Floyd, Texas. Marie served 3 years in the U S Women's Army Corp. Marie moved to Modesto, California in 1952, where she met Jerry. She met Jerry because her sister had married Jerry's brother. Marie has great family support since Jerry died, and is lucky to have a great neighbor, Bernardo, who keeps an eye on her and voluntarily does chores for Marie. Of course, Mark and Rachelle are on the job every day checking in and visiting, they take good care of Marie.

Marie says I'm not Cherokee, then proudly states, "all my kids,grandchildren, two great, and two great great grandchildren are!" Marie and Jerry were always very active in the CNCV; over the years they generously donated many of Jerry's intricate and amazing wood scroll work to our door prize table. The birthday party turned into a double party, as we celebrated Rachelle's July birthday, too.

Liz and I love Marie. Several times a year, we call Marie and ask her if she would like a visit. We always have an afternoon catching up, eating, reminiscing, and plenty of laughter (Marie has a smart, witty sense of humor) when we take her to lunch at her favorite restaurants. Happy Birthday, Marie and Rachelle!

Please enjoy these photos of the Brackett family and the gorgets I made for Marie, Rachelle, and Mark. 

— Mike Webb