“We decorate like this for every holiday,” Juanita said, surrounded by a patch of plastic pumpkins. Cecil grew up as one of eight children in a barn they called home. Coming from extreme poverty, family life as an adult has been rich.

“Every weekend, we go garage sale-ing. It’s one of my favorite things to do,” Cecil said. Her favorite things to collect are cows, dogs, pigs, bears and chickens.

Her son Paul Baldwin would add “holiday decorations” to the list.

Despite medical struggles in her family, their outlook continues to be as optimistic as their home is colorful. “I’d rather my kids spend their money on decorations instead of on something like drugs.”

While her only income is a disability check that pays the bills, life on Clay Street is truly rich surrounded with family, friends, and purchases that remind her of her blessings.

Two homes located on Clay Street in Chillicothe.