Marilyn Hagerty: The things fathers say stay with us

Fathers come in all shapes and sizes. And age. Some of them rule the roost. Others sit back and assess each situation.

Whatever.

Once again, Father’s Day rolls round on Sunday. The things they say linger on.

My own father used to tell me, “Don’t get canary, or I’ll make you sing.’’

Linda Lamoureux remembers, “You can do it. Go be a winner.” Those were the words of her late father, John Soli. Her own daughters went on to be international ice hockey champions.

Words of advice are long remembered. Bill Olson thinks of his father saying, “Don’t do anything you are going to be ashamed of in the future.’’

Alyssa Muus is moving on from high school to UND. She is taking with her the words of her dad, Dan Muus. He says, “Do what you want to do, once you are sure you are right to do it.’’

Then there are the classics:

• When I was your age . . .
• If I want it done right, I will have to do it myself.
• I don’t care what your friends do.
• Ask your mother.
• Whining won’t ever work.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. In spite of coronavirus restrictions, the annual Firecracker Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for the Fourth of July. As a matter of fact, an independent run or walk will be held with participants following distance guidelines.

The Sertoma Club, which usually sponsors Fourth of July events, has bowed out on the downtown kid parade this year. But there will be fireworks.

Q. What happened in downtown Grand Forks in June of 1889 – the year of statehood?

A. The Herald reported back then that there was a fire in the alley between Kittson and DeMers Avenue. The Harley Bros., barn was in flame with a fierceness at times appalling. Chief Whitlock could be seen everywhere. A mighty murmur of relief went by when the fire was controlled.

Cheerful people of the week: Mary Wakefield and Tom Wynne.

Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or by telephone at 701-772-1055.