‘Live for the moment. You never know if there’s not going to be a tomorrow’It was an ordinary weekend for the Ehde family last weekend.We slept in on Saturday, ate cheesy eggs for brunch and Carson napped to the distant sound of a lawnmower engine criss-crossing the lawn.We did ordinary chores.Jonathan picked up sticks in the yard and hauled out the garbage. A few loads of laundry were washed and dried. Kitchen counters were cleaned and dirtied several times throughout the weekend.We enjoyed ordinary pleasures.Grandpa and Grandma Kroontje joined us for Sunday dinner after church, and a bike trip to the park resulted in a swimming outing with friends who were camping there.So why are all these ordinary details making the newspaper?Because for people with fragile health, participating in these ordinary activities would be extraordinary events.In the past week I found my thoughts drifting to the Mayo Clinic where Mike Van Der Brink and his family have spent a grueling week following surgery. (See the related front-page story.)Van Der Brink is honorary chairman of this weekend’s Relay for Life, and his responsibilities are relatively simple. He’s to provide a brief speech for Relay participants, and he’s to lead the Survivor Lap that kicks off the overnight trek around the city park.But at this point, it’s unclear if he’s up to the ride home from Rochester.With Mike’s health precariously balanced between post-surgery and recovery, the Van Der Brinks are no doubt longing for a return to an ordinary life of ordinary activities.I feel somewhat guilty knowing life stands still for them while the rest of us proceed with our daily routines. Once their routine gets back on track, it goes without saying that they won’t overlook life’s little pleasures. "It opens your eyes," said Mike’s wife, Kris, about dealing with cancer. "You live for the moment. … You never know if there’s not going to be tomorrow."Rock County’s Relay for Life starts with a community supper Friday night. The $4 meal is just one of many last-minute fund-raising opportunities to support cancer research.And you don’t have to have cancer to show up.You don’t even have to know anybody with cancer to participate.This is the fifth year of Relay for Life in Luverne, and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been part of it to see what it’s all about.Not just because it’s a worthy cause, but because it’s a worthwhile life lesson.It’s a powerful experience to bring together so many people who have endured so much … whether it be surviving cancer or surviving the pain of losing someone to cancer.They’re inspiring, they’re motivating and, if nothing, else, they’re solid reminders to count our blessings.

Down — To the petition effort to recall Luverne Council member Maynard Lafrenz. If for every council vote we disagree with, we have a petition circulating to get someone out of office, it will be impossible to continue business without an ongoing cycle of recalls.Down — On the same subject again, a down to David Hauge and people who claim the Star Herald was intimidating petition signers by planning to publish their names. If people are embarrassed to be publicly affiliated with the process, then they should question the merits of the process itself. If they aren’t proud to sign their name to something and be known for it — then they shouldn’t sign it.Up — To the Luverne Public Works crew who helped the City Park bounce back and look great even after a muddy Buffalo Days. We are sure it will look even better by the time they have it ready for Relay for Life.Down — To Section 3AA athletic planners who schedule a baseball tournament in Granite Falls for Pipestone and Luverne. The towns are only 30 miles from each other but both teams will have to travel 100 miles one way to play ball. What a waste.Up — To Relay for Life teams and volunteers who have been busy raising money for the good cause of the American Cancer Society. See the story for details on this weekend’s events.Up — To Relay for Life volunteer Nancy Kaczrowski, who is stepping down this year after five years of working on the event. Her energy and enthusiasm for this and other local causes are priceless. The world could certainly use more Nancy Kaczrowskis.The Star Herald welcomes submissions from readers for Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down editorials. The Rock County Star Herald Editorial Board is comprised of Roger Tollefson, Rick Peterson, Lori Ehde and Sara Quam.

Even the most loved and cherished fairy tales don’t live happily ever after. Researchers at the U.K.’s University of Derby note that fairy-tale princesses in particular are poor role models for young girls today. Cinderella, for example, is "down-trodden and miserable until she is rescued by a prince, suggesting that she is incapable of rescuing herself." Furthermore, stories such as "Beauty and the Beast" may suggest that love can "magically transform" an abusive man. Young girls consequently believe "if their love is strong enough they can change their partner’s behavior," stated one researcher. Excuse me, but isn’t that one of the reasons we marry — so that we might change our partners? The task is much more difficult with someone we might be casually dating. Before we subscribe to the poor-role-model theory from the University of Derby perhaps we should re-examine the valuable lessons taught to today’s young women by yesterday’s fairy tales. "Hansel and Gretel," for example, is more than a cautionary tale about children lost in a woods and a witch with unusual culinary aspirations. Consider this valuable lesson. Have you ever thought there’s nothing in the cupboards for dinner at the end of a busy day? Don’t worry, especially if you live in a Victorian-style house with ornate, gingerbread trim. The fairy tale teaches young girls that if they are ever in a similar situation as homemakers, they will only have to think positive thoughts and heat up a cauldron. Something (or someone) will eventually show up at the front door, and we’re not talking about a pizza delivery. The story about Hansel and Gretel also gives new meaning to the expression, "I’d like to have you for dinner." "The Princess and the Pea" is a reminder that you don’t have to sleep on vegetables to find out that some mattresses can give you a royal pain. Also, if you must sleep on a vegetable to prove your worth to prospective in-laws, peas should be your vegetable of choice. Peas are much better than prickly artichokes. Incidentally, if you still believe that a tiny pea could cause the most restless night’s sleep, you have never checked into one of those inexpensive chain motels where the mattresses are lumpy, the towels are threadbare and the TV is bolted to the top of a dresser. "Cinderella" teaches us that life can be cruel. When you finally find a pair of high heels that fit perfectly, you will immediately misplace one of them. "Little Red Riding Hood" offers us many lessons about life. The most important is that you should expect to draw unwanted attention when you wear bright colors in public. Secondly, there are worse things than becoming your grandmother as you grow older. That, of course, is running into a wolf who has just devoured her. Last but not least, be kind to woodsmen because you never know when one might have to save your life. Now that we think about it, what is it that woodsmen actually do and when did we last see one? Given that question, whenever we walk through a deep, dark woods it might be wise to avoid both wolves with hungry looks in their eyes and any stranger who might just be walking by and swinging an axe.

The Star Herald should be commended for the editorial in last week’s edition by pointing out the fact that Minnesota is a leader in ethanol.We’re a leader in the building of ethanol plants by offering 20 cents per gallon payments up to 15 million gallons per year for 10 years. Also, our Legislature created markets for this product by mandating that every gallon of regular gas sold in our state contains a 10 percent blend of the product. A new law was just passed to increase the blend to 20 percent by 2013. Not only will that mean cleaner air but also less dependence on foreign oil and increase the value of our agriculture products, more jobs, and increased income in our rural communities. It’s hard for me to understand why other agriculture states like South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois don’t follow the Minnesota example and pass a similar mandate in their states since they have many plants also. It’s time, I believe, for them to stand up to big oil like Minnesota did several years ago. Until we get a new energy bill passed in the nation’s Congress to do this, we need them to step forward like Minnesota did years go and create a stronger market for this locally produced product. It will benefit everyone in the Midwest if they do. Lowell BinfordLuverne

Funeral Services for Leonard Bajema will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Steen Reformed Church in Steen with burial to follow at Eastside Cemetery in Steen. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Steen Reformed Church. The family will be present from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, is in charge of arrangements.Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital will plant a tree in memory of Leonard Bajema.

Gerald "Jerry" Herbert Rierson, 70, Beaver Creek, died Saturday, June 11, 2005, from cancer at Luverne Community Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Services were Tuesday, June 14, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. The Rev. Lowell O. Berg officiated. Burial was in Flowerfield Cemetery at Hills. Gerald Rierson was born to Clifford and Mabel (Colby) Rierson on March 22, 1935, at Luverne. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school near Beaver Creek. He graduated from Hills High School in 1955. After high school he helped on the family farm. He married Darla Scott on June 1, 1968, at Storla Lutheran Church in Storla, S.D. They made their home on the family farm. This farm is a fifth generation farm and has been in the Rierson family for 135 years. He farmed until he retired. He worked for a short time at the Minnesota Information/Rest Area on Interstate 90. He later worked for Ketterling Recycling for a number of years.Mr. Rierson was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he served on the church board. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed being a farmer. He was recognized as "Pioneer Livestock Shipper" to the Sioux Falls Stockyards. Survivors include his wife, Darla (Scott) Rierson, Beaver Creek; three daughters, Julie Rierson, Catoosa, Okla., Shari (Phil) Haen, Renville, and Roxi Rierson, Beaver Creek; two grandchildren, Maddie and Isaac Haen; one sister, Lois Rasmussen, Lakewood, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, LeeAnn (Roy) Cope, Artesian, S.D., and Bonnie (Wayne) Witzel, Mitchell, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Rierson was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, James, and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Rasmussen. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Willard John Gropel, 92, Luverne, died Sunday, June 12, 2005, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Services were Thursday, June 16, at United Methodist Church in Luverne. The Rev. Bart Fletcher officiated. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Marion, S.D. Willard Gropel was born to John and Ella (Heeren) Groepel on Dec. 12, 1912, in Marion, S.D. He was raised in Marion and graduated from high school. He continued his education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D. Following college he returned home and purchased the family store. He operated Groepel General Merchandise as a third generation owner for three years.He married Phyllis Grim on May 10, 1941, in Marion. The couple later moved to Wichita, Kan., where he was employed by Boeing Aircraft for three years. The couple returned to Marion for a brief time until moving to Ivanhoe in 1946. In Ivanhoe he became the proprietor of Gropel Hardware which he operated for 27 years until his retirement in 1973. At his retirement they moved to a farm just west of Ivanhoe. They sold the farm in 1993 and moved to Luverne.Mr. Gropel was a member of United Methodist Church in Luverne. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed wintering in Texas for 22 years of his retirement. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Gropel, Luverne; two sons, Bill (Florence) Gropel, Brooklyn Park, and Gregg (Jane), Gropel, Luverne; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Luella Schlueter, Hills; and other family and friends.Mr. Gropel was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Elmer Groepel, and one sister, Mabel GladseeHartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.

Sherril R. "Sherry" Buysee, 56, Granite Falls, formerly of the Luverne area, died Saturday afternoon at Granite Falls Municipal Hospital. Services were Tuesday, June 14, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Granite Falls. The Rev. Jim Devorak officiated. Burial services were Wednesday, June 15, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Hills. Sherril Hoffman was born to Walter and Marge "Helen" (Stanton) Hoffman on Nov. 5, 1948, in Luverne. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and grew up near Hills. She attended Hills-Beaver Creek High School. She married John Buysee on Nov. 12, 1966, in Luverne. She worked as a nursing assistant at Granite Falls Manor. She volunteered her time to numerous community activities and also worked as a retail clerk. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Buysee enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, bowling and crocheting.Survivors include her husband, John Buysee, Granite Falls, one son, Joshua (Teri) Buysee, Minneapolis; one daughter, Charisse Meyer, Cottonwood; two grandchildren, Samantha and Steven Meyer, Cottonwood; five brothers, Wayne (Marilyn) Brown, Luverne, Darrell (Marie) Brown, Chuck Hoffman, all of Hills, Bruce (Donna) Hoffman, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Dennis (Stacey) Hoffman, Cannon Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Mrs. Buysee was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ken Hoffman.Wing-Bain Funeral Home, Granite Falls, was in charge of arrangements.

I survived my first Hills Friendship Days.I am sure that doesn’t seem like a very big feat to my readers, since most of you haven’t had any problems making it through the weekend in the past, but for me it seems like a big deal.Early this past spring, when I first heard about Friendship Days, it was explained to me by my co-workers in Luverne as a two-day celebration centering on one day of activities. Instantly, I became excited – a celebration in my little town — a celebration bigger than an auction or a football game.I was quickly warned not to get too excited because the events would probably not meet my expectations. Well, that didn’t stop me from looking forward to the weekend in June.I attended a Community Club meeting to get details, put as many of those details as possible in the paper and invited every member of my family and all of my friends to town for the day.Obviously, my anticipation hadn’t wavered; I knew that whatever happened that weekend, it had to be more activity than Hills sees every other weekend of the year.Unfortunately, on Friday I began to feel a bit of pressure. In my capacity as the only reporter for the Hills Crescent I wanted to be sure to cover every event.The kids shooting free throws deserved just as much recognition as the men golfing. Plus, several family members actually decided it sounded like a fun day and drove to town for the festivities. I had volunteered an hour of both my husband’s and my day to helping with the Whopper Feed. How would I pull it off and still manage to enjoy myself?Friday I started at the Beaver Creek Golf Course. This turned out to be an easy assignment, mainly because it involved a delicious meal prepared by H-BC’s Andy Blank, and Rodney Scholten made sure my table never got too thirsty.As I sat on the patio laughing and taking photographs of golfers, I settled down and realized covering Friendship Days would be easy.That must have been the Miller Lite talking, because when I woke up at 7:45 a.m. Saturday for the FFA alumni pancake breakfast, the pressure was on again.Starting with the breakfast, people had questions for me. Where was this being held, when did this start, was it going to rain all day, would things be canceled???Thankfully, I had committed the schedule of events to memory and was able to answer most questions, and although the weather did look pretty bad, I knew Mother Nature would pull through for me, as she always does.Following the breakfast I began showing up to photograph various events with occasional stops at rummage sales.I didn’t manage to get to every event, but I did have a GREAT time, better than I had even expected. I figured I would use this week’s column to share some of my favorite and most memorable moments.By far my favorite moment of the entire day was standing with Anthony and Alana Ranfranz in the drizzling rain at the Beaver Creek Sportman’s Club MinnAqua Program at the Rez.The brother and sister duo were preparing their rods for fishing. Anthony had rigged up a black lure and was attempting to attach a bright orange lure onto his sister’s pole. I took their photo and when I asked what they hoped to catch, the response I got was priceless and worthy of any Cosby show…"We’re gonna get a northern."Later that day I ran into Anthony at the park and asked if he had any luck getting his northern."Yeah, I caught one."Throughout the day I had the help of my 9-year-old nephew. He kept a lookout for children with trophies and other photo opportunities, and he let me know when the kids playing with the snakes were getting too close. Without him I wouldn’t have gotten nearly as many good photos.Finally, the biggest surprise was seeing how well Lois Leenderts handled the Whopper Feed situation. She must be a very patient and understanding mother and wife.As a volunteer on the first shift, I was privy to the kitchen disaster brought on by a power-hungry Burger King employee. The man Burger King sent to Hills to orchestrate the Whopper Feed acted like he was the president of hamburgers, and those of us volunteering knew nothing about toasting buns, serving fries or dressing a burger.It certainly didn’t help the situation when he made a very big mistake by running out of propane — halting the preparation of all fries and burgers.Fortunately, Lois remained calm and kept that warm and friendly smile on her face as she explained to the hungry townsfolk that they would be getting chips instead of fries.I would not have handled it that well, especially after seeing how long the line had become. Lois deserves the 2005 Friendliest Friendship Days Award for her flawless handling of the worst Whopper Feed disaster I have ever witnessed.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.