Talent Runs Deep in the Kirksey Family

Talent runs deep…and it flows in many directions in the Kirksey family. But the common thread of FAITH is always there.

I first met Patrice at the Outback Bowl in 2014 when her son Christian was an Iowa Hawkeye football player. And our friendship has only grown stronger since then. (If you haven’t read the heartwarming story that caused our paths to cross you can read it right here.)

When I learned that Patrice would be attending the Outback Bowl again this year, we made plans to meet again. (We have followed each other on Facebook and instagram since our first meeting in 2014, and we were anxious to reunite in person once again.)

I was so happy when Patrice tracked me down before kick-off in Raymond James Stadium!

We only had a few minutes to talk before the game, so we agreed to try to connect the next morning before Peepaw and I headed back to Fort Lauderdale.

I knew Patrice would be busy after the football game because I knew she wanted to say hello and reconnect with many of the Iowa coaches and staff members who recruited and coached her son Christian when he played for the Hawkeyes. And there is no question where Christian’s talent lies. He is enjoying a successful professional football career as an inside linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. He was drafted in the third round in 2014, and although the Browns have struggled, Christian has enjoyed much individual success. He was recently named the winner of the Good Guy Award by the local chapter of Pro Football Writers of America. According to Dan Labbe of cleveland.com, that award is given to a player for his cooperation with the media and for the way the player carries himself in the community and with his teammates.

Yes, Christian Kirksey has made Hawkeye fans and Browns fans proud. But more importantly, he has made his FAMILY proud. (And am I the only person who thinks Patrice looks much too young to be this guy’s MOTHER??? I keep telling her there must be something good in that St. Louis water!)

Since Patrice and I couldn’t connect after the bowl game, I called her early the next morning and asked her to meet us for coffee so we could spend a few minutes together.

And Peepaw and I were both thrilled when her son Caleb joined us.

We shared a good laugh when we asked Caleb if he was a football player like his brother. He was quick to tell us he played one season on a youth team with Christian when they were little. And even though Caleb is several years older than Christian, Caleb said he preferred staring at the clouds instead of getting pounded to the ground by his LITTLE brother! Caleb says he loves to WATCH football…but playing the game? Not so much!

So what is Caleb’s talent? He has so many talents I hardly know where to start. First, he is a minister just like his father and his mother. (Yes, Patrice is also a minister just like her dear departed husband. And when it comes to talents…how about this? Patrice is the ONLY Roller Skating Reverend I know! I’ve seen photos of Patrice and her whole family at the roller rink at their recent family reunion.)

So after listening to this articulate and kind young man, I am sure Caleb can preach a heartfelt and riveting sermon. He is also currently making revisions on his first novel which he hopes to publish soon, and he is also an amazing and talented artist!

Some examples of his work? 

Caleb is also an illustrator…and his artwork adorns the cover and the pages of the children’s book entitled Tales From Kabekona. (I think our grandchildren will love the stories in that book.)

Caleb even shared his artistic talent with his “little” brother by creating this awesome piece of artwork showing the famous Cleveland Browns “Dawg Pound”. (Some folks say they’re the craziest fans around!)

And even though I’ve never met “Brother Number Three” I feel as if I know Joshua through his music…and through photos on Patrice’s Facebook page. Joshua’s musical talent is evident. And so is his faith. (In fact his nickname is ‘Church’.)

Check out his debut single called “Until You Bless Me”. 

Our time spent that morning with Patrice and Caleb was much too short. But it allowed me to catch a larger glimpse of the bond that holds the entire Kirsey family together.

And yes…there are many more talented Kirkseys in this close-knit family…but we simply ran out of time to share more stories over coffee that day. But one thing became crystal clear to me during our short visit that morning. Even though Rev. Elmer Kirksey has passed away, his legacy will live on for generations…thanks to his wonderful wife Patrice and ALL of their talented children.

Yes…Elmer Kirksey’s legacy of FAITH and FAMILY were truly priceless gifts to leave behind.