Balloons finally flew, we are losing a great person

After three long years, the balloons at the Celebration of the Lakes finally got up. It was beautiful Saturday morning. Sunny and calm, just perfect for a flight. All of the balloons launched, and it’s a good thing, because the winds picked up later that morning which grounded them from their scheduled afternoon launch.

Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Even though there was no radar run, the event still turned out a good size crowd. I wanted to take this time to personally thank the committee who worked so hard to make this event a success. Without them we would be stuck with a long boring winter in our area. We have such a great base of volunteers in our area.

This week is a sad week in Lindstrom. Yes, the Celebration of the Lakes is over, but that’s not what I am refering to. I am talking about one of the staples of our community who is calling it quits. Cathy Gervais is retiring. “So what?  Who’s she?” you say? She is the cute little blonde who welcomes you to the Lindstrom Post Office with a smile every single time.

Cathy began working for the post office in 1983 and transferred to Lindstrom in 1985. She moved to Lindstrom in the early 70’s and then her family moved to Harris in 1994. Cathy has been married to Craig for 42 years and together, they have two sons and five grandchildren. The day I took over the Press, Cathy pulled me aside. She assured me she would help me learn the ropes and offered her assistance. Cathy is one of those people who you can tell immediately that she is special. We have formed a wonderful relationship over the years. Cathy has taught me so much about life, so much about faith and so much about myself. She has been instrumental in my growth as a business person and as a human.

There are not enough lines in this paper to tell you how special she is. In fact, when Cathy takes a day off or goes on vacation, the post office has to post a sign at the counter letting people know she is gone. If they didn’t do this they would have to answer the question “Where’s Cathy?” all day long. I look at Cathy as two professions, a bartender and a psychologist. She has heard thousands of stories that people have told her over the years. She also has offered her advice to those who wish to hear it. I am in both of those groups.

Sorry if I am gushing, but she truly is that special. And if you are worried you will never see her again, relax. She has a store called Country Charm in Harris. So make sure you take a short drive up to Harris and see our favorite postal worker. She will be behind that counter smiling, listening and giving positive advice. We will miss you Cathy. I will miss you.