Expressions of sympathy, and birthday wishes for Nurse Fuzzy Wuzzy

We had never met - but I knew them well.

Although sports is no longer part of my weekly job assignment, many, many previous seasons spent writing about high school teams from Fowler and Pewamo-Westphalia creates that sense of familiarity with student-athletes like Carli Smith, Chris Spitzley and Brandon Weber.

Hard-working, dedicated, team-orientated, talented.

I'm certain those are accurate descriptions of lives led to the fullest measure - but, for reasons unknown to us - for too few years.

Our sincere sympathy to the friends and families of Carli and Chris, and prayers for comfort and healing to Brandon.

* * * * * *

It may seem totally inappropriate to follow expressions of grief with wishes for a happy birthday - unless the person receiving those greetings is Muriel Gilson.

No one I know loves and appreciates high school athletics - and the young people who 'play the games' - more than Muriel. At 90-years-young Feb. 19, she's probably spent more time sitting in bleachers or along sidelines than - well, than maybe anyone else in Clinton County.

While she's not a county 'native' - Minnesota is her state of birth - St. Johns and the surrounding community have been home since 1934. Many have known her as a nurse in the office of Dr. Sherwood Russell, in the years following her retirement in 1980 on countless Red Cross Blood Drives, and finally as a hostess at the St. Johns Big Boy, Muriel's smiling eyes are recognized by countless county residents.

Anyone looking for a positive role model - whether they’re 5, 15, or 50 - need search no further than Muriel.

Finally, thanks to a couple of true "Blue" friends, Jim and Cathy Sanderson, who frequently send words of wisdom - like the following - via email. The message seems particularly timely in thinking about events of the past week, and in looking forward to the sunshine of Spring that is most surely coming.

A portion of Jim and Cathy's message is:

"When we say, 'I wish you enough' we want the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

"I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

"I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

"I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

"I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

"I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.'

"I wish enough 'Hello's' to get you through the final 'Good-bye.'"