I would like to take a moment and honor a really good friend of our family. Brent Prince has been teaching school for 25 years. He teaches the kids the Code of the West and what it really means to… Live Each Day with Courage, Take Pride in Your Work, Always Finish What You Start, When You Make a Promise Keep It and many others. These are all great things for our young youth to learn.
How many of us really know how to live each day with courage. Brent does he watched his beautiful New Harmony burn, his dad become ill. His life has had a lot of changes and when most of us would crumble he is facing it all with courage. Brent always finishes what he starts and when he starts something he finishes it no matter what.He always gives his best effort, nothing is ever done half way. And there is no doubt if you saw his class room he takes a great deal of pride in his work, both in the class room and with his awesome metal sculptures.
Brent on his Birthday in 1960!He has a love for his heritage and we could all take a lesson from him on that. He turned his blog in to history of the town he loves and the people who made it what it is today. He has made the Cemetery in New Harmony a beautiful place. I know if his mother were here she would be so proud of the kind of man he is today. Every night since the fire in New Harmony Justin prays for his friend Mr. Prince and for New Harmony.
Brent has had a huge impact on our family. When Jayson was in his class he got very sick. One day after being in the ER Jayson insisted that he had to see his horses, no we do not own any but he wanted to see Rookie and Shorty. I was not sure that was such a good idea I knew Jayson would want to ride and I knew he could not climb on. I will always remember that moment when I watched Brent and JD pick him up and put him on that horse and walk him around, it brought life back to a sick boy. He called me all the time wanting to know how Jayson was and giving his class mates updates. Justin has gotten to ride with Brent on many occasions he loves it. Justin’s neck muscles are not as strong as I would like and horseback riding is so good for that. Justin also got to pick apples at Brent’s apple orchard and cannot wait to do that this year. Riding horses has given my boys such confidence. The lessons they learned from picking apples is priceless.
Those of us that have gotten the chance to know Brent are better people. Our youth are better youth and our young kids who see his example are better kids.
I would like to thank him for his kindness, compassion, friendship listening ear, Since of Humor, Courage, positive outlook on life and for caring enough to teach our children what matters most.
A year ago at this time we were getting ready to honor him as our Rodeo’s Grand Marshall.
This Thursday Brent will be celebrating a birthday and to honor him on that day. Ask yourself this question… What have I done to better the people around me? How have I served my neighbor, friend or family? What legacy am I leaving? I hope today you will make a decision to do something for someone without asking what’s in it for me?
Because this is how we can honor a man who has done that for us.
Brent and Jayson
Happy Birthday Cowboy & We Wish you MANY Happy Trails!
3 comments:
Very well put, April! I am most certainly a better person for knowing Brent. You can't help but ask those questions of yourself when you see and learn from his example! I've often wondered what incredible cowboy or person served as the inspiration for the Code of the West? I've come to realize that it was actually created by combining the unique and individual qualities of many, many cowboys and pioneers, and that it is a creed of character for all to aspire to! Brent is the only person I've ever met who embodies them all instinctively, but who continually strives to improve upon each of them with full consciousness. What's more, he inspires those around him to do the same. He's an amazing person and it is an honor for me to call him my friend. My hat is tipped to you, Brent! Happy Birthday!
April,
I think a man is only truly rich when he is honored by his peers. Many men have money in the bank and are rich, but the only richness that counts in this life is the richness friendship can provide. I was touched by your blog and want to tell you that you have made this old cowboys day. I love Jayson and your family. I guess its not just your family, because I consider your family as myne.
With a tip of this old cowboy again I say a heartfelt thanks.
Brent Prince
Amen, Amen Amen...
I truly agree what a great friend that each of has in Brent Pace Prince! I count myself so blessed that I can call him friend.
Your blog says it so well April. He truly is a great man.
He teaches and inspires me each and every day. He always takes time to listen to my piddley little problems when he has much better things to do. I appreciate him so much! He truly is an amazing person! Sure love ya Cowboy! Hope you have a very happy birthday! Thanks so much for all the lessons you teach me and leading by example. The world would be such a better place if there were more Brent Pace Princes in it!
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