I attended a funeral for a dad just before father’s day. The special music was a song, “You Can Let Go Now Daddy.” Part of the reading was an ode to the deceased father:

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle’s flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew his masterpiece was complete,

And so, he called it “Dad.”

In this modern world, what used to be two things for certain (death and taxes) is now three things, with the addition of change.

When we purchased a cabin at Beaver Lake in 1976, the beach was one busy place. You had to get there early on weekends and holidays to stake out a place by putting down a big blanket. If you got there in the P.M., it was standing room only. There was a line at the concession stand three or four deep at all times. Parking the car was also a problem. The lifeguards were very, very busy.

Thirty-eight years later (with change one of the three certains) the beach at Beaver Lake will have (for the first time) no lifeguards. If you use the beach, you do so at your own risk. (Geneva Beach and St. Olaf Lake will have lifeguards.)

Speaking as one of the volunteers who recycle magazines at Mayo in Albert Lea, we need your help. Please leave your used magazines with the lady at the desk as you enter and we will distribute them within the facility. Thanks.

Many of us drink bottled water. We take it for granted that there is something special about the water – like from a spring or an Artesian well. One of the major brands states that the source is a municipal water supply. To me, this means out of a tap. I like Hope Butter, how about Hope water right out of the tap? What are your thoughts, Victor Mrotz, owner of Hope Butter?

How about those Twins? Granted they aren’t a first-place contender, but they are playing good baseball.

F.R.O.G. of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church will be sponsoring a coach bus to Lutheran Night at the Twins July 21, leaving from behind Slumberland in Albert Lea at 4 p.m. Seating is home plate view with the bus parked nearby. The cost is $45 per person paid in advance – no refunds. Call Bob Hanson at 373-8655 for reservations.

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.