How did I come this far?
A question I cannot answer,
In only one sentence
I started young and kept
Ongoing, while growing.
I competed with my group
Avoided trouble, at least.
Stuck up for the underdog
Showed up for my assignments
Never strayed from duty
Accepted responsibility
Avoided anxiety as well
Endured many unpleasant things
Kept the rules as a boy scout
Had an early morning paper route
Every day at five A.M.
It was shut off the alarm and get at it
Sold subscription to the paper
Cut grass and shoveled snow
Was a soda jerk, the best, I’m told
Worked at a wholesaler for a summer
Then at Pepsi Cola stacking cases
Worked at Drug Stores to earn money
College was cheaper in those days
I did need on student loan
Was president of my senior class
Finished studies at the Pharmacy
School in Cincinnati. Did well for once.
Took my State Boards in Escanaba
A long drive from Ohio, but I met
My future boss there, who asked
Me to intern for him in Adrian.
Then I worked in Sparta, MI and
After a year bought my own store
I married and we had six children
Bought a house in Ada, where my
Store was located. The house was
In the country and needed a lot
Of updating. I brought it around to
Excellence in 30 years. Sold the
Store after 38 years. There were
Many who hated to see us go but
We gave the town all we could.
Our children all moved west of
The Mississippi. We moved to the
Upper Peninsula. A great place to be.
Stanski June 9, 2023,
Steve Haarman 