On Mother's Day 'black sheep,' the depot, and my dad

Wooly sheep grazing peacefully in a pasture with lots of new lambs jumping and running around - it's a Kodak moment.

The scene that is played out each spring in the field near Charlie and Theresa Silm's farm on Price Road is one I never tire of seeing - especially when some of the newborn lambs sport jet black wool. There's just something about a little black lamb that's appealing to me - probably for a lot of reasons.

In the past couple of weeks my annual wish to see those little black lambs frolicking in Charlie's field was granted once again - many times over, in fact. There's a bumper crop of ebony-fleeced kids this year - a black sheep bonanza.

Charlie says most of the dark-hued lambs will eventually change color, bearing the white wool that will be sheared and sold to companies where it can be dyed any color of the rainbow - even back to its original black.

The fact that white wool was more highly prized in earlier times due to its ability to be dyed is the basis of the 'black sheep in the family' phrase. A black sheep simply wasn't as profitable as a white one - it was a liability, sort of like the human kid that trouble always seems to find.

While the little black lamb may not be as desirable in the farmer's eyes, the mother sheep has a much different view - black, white or somewhere in-between, color doesn’t matter to her. All her little ones receive the same attention in Charlie's field - every lamb has an equal shot at dinner.

The same is true on the other side of the fence. The little black sheep of the family are loved just the same as all the other kids. Like the mother sheep, a human mother's love is unconditional. As a child, mother and grandmother, I know this is true - both from the getting and giving sides.

Charlie's black lambs reinforce that belief for me each year. They're one of the marvels of spring - and a symbol of Mother's Day.

To all our mothers - and special 'mother figures' - have a truly wonderful day.

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Like most of the Depot Committee, I was amazed at the number of visitors who toured the newly renovated building at the open house last Saturday - close to 500 guests. A wonderful turn-out.

While making arrangements for the open house and preparing the site was all in a day's work for St. Johns city staff, a public "thank-you" is certainly in order for a number of people who clearly went above and beyond the call of duty to pull the event off on short notice.

City personnel from the Department of Public Works deserve praise for their extraordinary effort in getting the grounds in shape - including the installation of a new sidewalk to the main front entrance. I know the request by the depot committee to get that job done prior to the open house probably required DPW guys rearranging their regular schedule - we do appreciate it.

Ditto for city recreation director, Bill Schafer. I can only imagine the assortment of spring rec duties Bill is digging out from under this week - thanks to the many extra hours of work he was asked to provide in coordinating the open house event. Great job, Bill.

Now that the depot interior is basically complete, the advisory function of the committee shifts direction a bit - what should the depot be used for, and how can exterior landscaping be accomplished? Anyone with ideas on either question should call St. Johns City Manager Michael Cain, 224-8944, or contact a depot committee member.

We look forward to your suggestions.

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Last but clearly not least, a belated Happy Birthday to the most special gentleman in my life - my dad, Clemens Kloeckner. Daddy celebrated his 88th birthday May 7 in a typical low-key fashion - mowing some of the lawn.

Not exactly the most exciting way to celebrate the day, but considering that just a little more than six months ago we weren't too sure how many more days he'd be spending at all, doing some yard work on a bright spring day was just about the best gift he could receive.

We love you, Dad. Happy Birthday.