Woman standing by a fence on a sunny roadside, wearing a blue cardigan and white top.

Zelazny to be honored as 2026 Cromwell Harvest Festival Grand Marshal

CROMWELL, Minn. — After nearly a decade of service as Cromwell’s mayor, Sharon Zelazny will have a special place of honor during this year’s Cromwell Harvest Festival as the 2026 Grand Marshal.

Zelazny has served as mayor since 2016, a role she never originally set out to pursue. Instead, she wanted to become more involved in the community and city government. When no one else stepped forward to run for mayor, Zelazny decided to take on the challenge. “I wasn’t motivated to become mayor,” Zelazny said. “I was motivated to get involved with the city, but there was nobody running for mayor. And that’s actually why.”


The decision launched what she describes as a steep learning curve. Zelazny had previously served on a school board but had never been involved in city government. She also had never lived in a city, having previously lived in a township.


What she lacked in municipal experience, however, she made up for with hard work and a willingness to learn.


Over the years, Zelazny has helped oversee and pursue a number of major projects that have changed the look and functionality of Cromwell.
One of the first major projects she inherited was the Highway 210 reconstruction project. The project was already in the planning stages when she became mayor and required the city to address its share of the costs. Zelazny noted that although such projects often involve substantial outside funding, the Highway 210 project cost the city approximately $400,000. The city used the opportunity to complete additional utility upgrades as part of the work.


Other projects came about because of needs Zelazny saw around the community.


The city park and pavilion became one example. What began as an effort to improve the pavilion’s dance floor expanded into a larger effort to address drainage problems in the park. Zelazny insisted the drainage issue be corrected before improvements were made to the pavilion because rainwater was flowing into the building.


The city pursued a Clean Water grant for drainage improvements, followed by a Department of Natural Resources grant for outdoor recreation and additional funding for pavilion improvements.


For Zelazny, the projects were more than improvements to buildings and streets. They represented an opportunity to change the way residents viewed their community.


“When I first started as mayor, I really felt like the people of this community were downhearted,” she said. “All I would ever hear is, ‘Well, we used to have that,’ or ‘We did that.’”


She began seeing opportunities rather than empty buildings and lost amenities. As projects were completed, she said, residents began seeing tangible evidence that improvements could happen in Cromwell. “They are optimistic now that things can happen,” she said. “They’re very proud of our little city right now.”


Among the projects closest to Zelazny’s heart is the city’s new multiuse walking trail. She had long been concerned about the lack of a safe place for residents, particularly students, to walk. She recalled seeing track athletes running along the shoulder of the road and knew the community needed a safer alternative.


The trail project took approximately seven years to develop before the city secured a $2.25 million grant. The completed trail provides a safe walking route between Villa Vista and the stop sign, connects with the Riverwalk and provides access from a nearby development.


The project also helps address a longstanding problem created by the absence of sidewalks along Highway 210. “When we did the Highway 210 project, I felt like this town just didn’t have sidewalks,” Zelazny said.
The city’s efforts have extended beyond visible construction projects. Zelazny points to the installation of a modern emergency alert system as one of her first projects as mayor. The system, funded through multiple grants, connected the community with the National Weather Service and improved local emergency notification capabilities.


She also considers bringing high-speed internet to Cromwell an important achievement, even though it may not receive the same attention as a new road or trail.


During her tenure, Zelazny estimates she has helped bring more than $4 million in grant funding to the community.


Looking back on her years as mayor, Zelazny said it is difficult to identify one accomplishment as the most rewarding. “I will say that my work has been some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in my life,” she said. “I don’t think I can even say what is the one thing, because I’m just proud of our city.”
Zelazny credits the residents, city staff and council members who supported the work along the way.


As she prepares to step away from the mayor’s position, Zelazny said the decision was not about one particular issue. After nearly 10 years, she simply believes it is time.


“When I started this venture, my husband was still working part time,” she said. “He doesn’t anymore. And so now when I go to meetings, he’s home sitting by himself.”


Zelazny said she wants to be more available to her husband and family.
Her decision to leave the mayor’s office will close a significant chapter of public service, but her legacy can be seen throughout Cromwell — from improved streets and utilities to parks, recreation, emergency services, high-speed internet and a trail designed to make the community safer and more connected.


As the 2026 Cromwell Harvest Festival Grand Marshal, Zelazny will have an opportunity to celebrate alongside the community she has spent the past decade serving.


For Zelazny, the honor is fitting recognition for a mayor who entered the position unexpectedly but embraced the opportunity to help Cromwell move forward.

Cromwell Harvest Festival Set for Sept. 11-13

The Cromwell Harvest Festival returns Sept. 11-13 with a weekend of food, music, games and community activities. Most events will be held at the Cromwell Pavilion unless otherwise noted.

Friday begins with the Scarecrow Contest, featuring $50 prizes in kids and adult categories. Scarecrows must be set up by noon, with winners announced Saturday at 3 p.m. The Steak Fry runs from 4-7 p.m., with steak dinners, hamburgers and hot dogs available. Ice cream will also be served, and a quilt raffle begins at 7 p.m. The Muni will host a meat raffle at 5:30 p.m., followed by free jukebox music.

Saturday starts with a Pancake Breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m. The Alzheimer’s Walk begins with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk at 9:30. A veterinary clinic will be held at City Hall from 9 a.m.-noon.

Craft and food vendors will be at the Pavilion from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., along with a bouncy house from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Medallion Hunt begins at 10 a.m., with hourly clues posted until the $50 prize is found.

The parade begins at 10:30 a.m., with Sharon and Bill Zelazny serving as Grand Marshals. Patriotic floats are encouraged. A Fire Department Water Ball Fight begins at 11 a.m.

Saturday afternoon includes a Pie Social, kids games, a historical society presentation and live music by the North Smoke Band from 1-4 p.m. Sports activities include 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball and an adult bean bag tournament.

Evening activities include Cash Bingo and a Silent Auction at 5 p.m. at the Pavilion. Music at the Muni features Ike & Gwen, Pine County Line and DJ Dean.

Sunday begins with a Community Worship Service at 9 a.m., followed by fellowship. The offering will benefit the Tri-Community Food Shelf. Sunday activities at the Muni include Racing with the Northern Pine Riders at 1 p.m. and a Vikings-Packers game potluck at halftime.

The festival is sponsored by the Cromwell Area Community Club.

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  • 2026 - Bandy comes to Cromwell

    January 13, 2026 • Voyageur Press


    CROMWELL, Minn— Hockey enthusiast Steve Jecha has gone above and beyond to promote skating at the Cromwell City ice rink. Steve donated about 20 pairs of quality youth sized hockey skates. Add to that, he designed and purchased Cromwell Bandy Club jerseys for families to wear at the rink. Steve is promoting Sweden’s national pastime, Bandy, a sport similar to hockey. He also provided Bandy sticks and balls for families to use at the rink.


    Steve played hockey for Edina and ran the Minneapolis Youth Hockey program (about 800 kids) for many years. “I just reached out to families who participated in the hockey program to see if they had any second hand skates collecting dust,” Steve explained. “If skaters can’t find a skate that fits, they should reach out through the Cromwell MN Neighbors Facebook page and I will try to round up a pair.”


    Posted in the warming house is a QR Code that can be used to find out more about the sport of Bandy. “Bandy in Sweden is like baseball is in America,” added Steve. “It is played throughout Scandinavia and Russia.”


    Steve has just one request for those that show up to use the skates, jerseys and bandy equipment. “Take a photo and post it on the Cromwell MN Neighbors Facebook page.”


    Steve concluded by sharing that he has really enjoyed spending time at his home on Eagle Lake and this was a perfect opportunity to give back to the community. “My goal was to make sure that every kid in Cromwell has the opportunity to skate in the Cromwell area.” 

  • 2024 - Cromwell Pavilion Grand Opening

    September 3, 2024 • Voyageur Press


    CROMWELL, Minn— A  Cromwell Park Pavilion Grand Opening was held recently, highlighting its unique design with water quality in mind. The park also includes signage describing the Big Sandy Area Lakes Watershed. A map shows where the water throughout the region flows. The Tamarack River cuts through the Cromwell Park and eventually into the Prairie River, which then flows into the Big Sandy Lake. The water flows out of Big Sandy Lake into the Mississippi and ends up in the Gulf of Mexico.


    The Cromwell Park Stormwater Project also includes Rain Gardens and Bioswales that will collect stormwater from parking lots, roofs and sidewalks.


    One more sign along the path includes a brief history of the City of Cromwell.

  • 2019 - Cromwell YOT Dances

    May 7, 2019 • Voyageur Press


    CROMWELL, Minn.— The Cromwell Young Old Timers (YOT) still enjoy hosting dances at the Cromwell Pavilion the fourth Thursday of the month. Florian Chmeilewski played this past month. On May 23, Two for the Road will be playing, followed by Florian again on June 27.

    On July 25, Jerry’s One Man Band will play and on August 22, Florian will be back in Cromwell.

    The dance season concludes with Marie Oja on September 26 and Jerry’s One Man Band on October 24.

  • 2018 - Cromwell skating rink is a cure for the winter doldrums

    January 9, 2018 • Voyageur Press


    CROMWELL, Minn.—One way to shake the winter blues is to get outside (despite the cold) and do something fun. The City of Cromwell’s ice skating rink is the perfect solution.


    City maintenance manager, Tom Johnson has been creating a skating rink in the horse arena across from the City Hall for about a decade and he has honed his skills to a fine art. Tom has created a sheet of ice like glass for all to enjoy any time, night or day.


    “The city just bought a brand new Bobcat that I use to make the rink so that has made my job a lot easier,” Tom said. “I’m on the Cromwell Fire Department, too, so I’m able to use the fire truck to flood the rink and I use a brush on the front of the Bobcat to get a nice sheen.”


    Everything skaters need is right there—a warming house with lights, an electric heater and benches to sit on, and even a box of used skates to borrow and leave for the next person. (If you have a pair you’re not using, consider dropping them off for others to enjoy.) Someone even left behind a hockey puck and stick for others to enjoy.


    Ann Markuson, one of the many people who enjoy skating at the rink each year, said, “Watching Tom create this rink over the past few years, I see that it’s quite a bit of work to build a berm and even out the ground in the fall so that water freezes evenly into ice. It’s a lovely space, enough to work up quite a sweat and even do a few jumps and turns. And a very good place for kids to learn to skate.”

  • 2017 - A community continues to gather & remember Kaleb

    July 11, 2017 • Voyageur Press


    CROMWELL, Minn.— The 7th annual Kaleb Anderson Memorial 5K Family Fun Run/Walk was held Saturday, July 1 in Cromwell, Minnesota.


    The Family Fun Run/Walk began with a goal to build a special playground near the Cromwell Pavilion. Recently, the family reached their goal, however, interest in the 5K Run/Walk continued. The family decided to continue with plans to purchase additional equipment.


    The pancake breakfast also raises funds for the Kaleb Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

  • 2013 - Come skate in Cromwell

    January 8, 2013 • Voyageur Press


    The Cromwell ice rink and warming house are open for play! You are welcome to skate day or evening, once Tom Johnson’s morning ice-making is finished and set. Turn right off Highway 73 into the Cromwell City grounds, just north of the stop signs in town, and the rink is on your right, across from City Hall.


    Everything you need is right there. A warming house with lights, a heater, and an unlocked door. Benches to sit on, a place to leave your boots to keep warm. For those of you who don’t have skates, there’s a box with several sizes – please leave them there for others when you are done. For beginners, someone donated a plastic chair that you can push around the ice as you learn to balance on blades. For night skaters, there are rink lights you can turn on in the warming house. 


    Over the past few years, Tom, City of Cromwell’s jack- of-all-trades, has been developing the skating rink on the west end of our horse-riding arena. Before Christmas, Tom levels off the ground with a riding mower and builds a bunker on the east side—the other three sides have waist-high board walls. Every working morning, if the weather obliges, he hoses out an inch of water on the surface to build up a smooth sheet. 


    It’s a lot of work. Tom hauls out three lengths of hose and hooks them up to the fire hydrant nearby. He experiments with flooding techniques. This year, there is a slight bulge towards the south end of the rink, and he has tried watering from the south and north ends in creating a level surface. When he’s done, he detaches the hose from the hydrant, and then unhooks each hose to empty it of water. The hydrant drains downward, but since the water table is quite high there, not much above lake level, Tom has to take the extra step of hooking a small pump up to his truck battery to suck out what remains in the hydrant’s shaft —otherwise the valve would freeze up. He finishes with a touch of preventative antifreeze. The whole process takes about two hours!


    People, Rod and I included, have already skated there multiple times. I love the workout on skates. Bending my knees, leaning forward, and pretending I’m a speed skater. Doing a few jumps where I switch from left to right skate landing backwards and gliding until I’m ready for another. I can work up a good sweat in ten minutes. Or, I can just skate along with whomever I’m with, talking, and feeling graceful. A bit like flying. Or help a child learn to shift her weight from one skate to another and gain confidence. Skating is wonderful balance training, too, comparable to roller blading and cross-country skiing. 


    What we have to date, like almost everything in our community, has flourished from volunteer input. People bring in skates for others to use. Do you have some sitting on a basement shelf? I have two size 7 pairs that I’m donating – I’ve outgrown them. How about a toddler-sized chair? Got any good skating photos or pictures we can hang up? There are some pucks in the warming house – anyone have some spare hockey sticks? 


    Tom is still working on the ice. He talks about a finishing stage, where he puts a sheen on the ice using spray. That’s an effort where he could really use some help. He needs someone to hold the hose for him while he sprays—it’s quite cumbersome to do both as he moves. Anyone up for a half-hour good upper body workout? I plan to put in a morning or two myself.


    A big thank you to Tom Johnson and to City Councilor Lisa Lund, a staunch advocate for the ice rink, and our Mayor Sam Clark and the whole Council. Just one of the many things that the City does for our fitness and quality of life!

  • 2012 - Waltzing away a rainy day

    June 5, 2012 • Voyageur Press


    The “band,” Mr. Morgan singing at his accordion with taped bass, pours out music that makes your feet want to move. Men and women partner up, creating small circles of joy that slide counter-clockwise around the maple dance floor. Feet move together, or occasionally not, moments of amusement. Skirts billow out, hips sway, and couples grin at each other. 


    First, several polkas that encourage a little hopping. Then the more sedate foxtrot. And finally my favorite, the waltzes where you feel you are gliding on air and could take off any moment.

    It’s the monthly Young Old Timers (YOT) dance, held on the fourth Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Cromwell Pavilion. Volunteers–this year, Bobby and Mamie Seppanen—book the bands and take your $6 at the door. Regulars bring lunch to share–sandwiches, pickles, cakes and bars. And coffee is flowing.


    It’s a miracle that we have the Pavilion at all. In the mid-1990s, our mayor, Dick Huhta, scrounged some funding from the DNR to put in a building with a roof and cement floor, just gaping rectangles for wannabe windows. The YOT dances started shortly thereafter, but only in the summer. Later, with funds from Carlton County, the US Department of Agriculture, the Lutheran Brotherhood Fund, the YOT, Eagle Lake Township and many individuals, the city added windows, a beautiful dance floor, and an addition with kitchen, restrooms and meeting space. Now the dances run April through November.


    You might think of “old timers” as one undifferentiated mass of aged people. But it’s surprising the age range at the dances, from around sixty to well into the nineties. Nor is age the measure of sprightliness.


    Some dancers remember the days of their childhood. Whole families would gather at the Old Raju Hall south of Cromwell where the Finns held educational programs followed by dancing. At age 8 or 9, Siiri Mononen and her childhood friends would practice behind the band backdrop: “When we felt we knew how to dance, we went out on the dance floor.” When she was older, she danced with her Dad: “He was a good dancer!”


    At Lakeside Clubhouse south of Wright, families would gather for dances or Basket Socials, where men would bid on covered lunch boxes made by women. As a lad, Rod always bid on Mrs. Kari’s, “because she made a delicious lunch, and she was fun to visit with.” Men and women, boys and girls, would play Wink’um, where women sat in a circle of chairs and men stood behind them. “One man stood behind a sole vacant chair and would wink at a woman, who would then try to move to that chair before the guy behind her could touch her shoulder.” She moved faster if she really wanted to change chairs.


    These days, people drive quite a ways to dance. A couple celebrating a birthday come from Orr, several from Cloquet. A group of women from the Oak View in Moose Lake arrive by van. A Carlton man in a black hat, Larry Johnson, takes off work to join in. His special pleasure is inviting women to dance with him. He danced with one of the Oak View visitors who, eyes shining, told him she hadn’t danced in thirty years. Group numbers like the Schottische, where everyone trades partners, help break the ice and encourage people to visit when they are not dancing. 


    I especially admire the freedom women feel to dance with each other, something I remember from my ‘60s sock hop days, when boys were often too shy to dance. Though she comes with dancing partner Dave, Siiri makes a point of inviting women to dance– she knows how to lead as well as follow. I met two Cloquet women who’d come for the first time. One, Maureen, was recently widowed, so her friend Kay, also widowed, swept her over to the dance. “Finally,” said Maureen. “My husband didn’t like to dance!” They danced with Siiri, with Larry, and with each other. 


    I didn’t start ballroom dancing until I was 55 and married Rod. I didn’t believe I could follow at close quarters. But Rod has a way of putting his hand in the small of your back and signaling direction and changes wordlessly. I found it amazingly easy, like floating. I stumble if I try to think about it analytically, which still happens. 


    When polled, Americans say that dancing is the art form they most want to participate in. We do have lots of dancing in our area, though it tends to be age-stratified. There are the YOT dances and equivalents in surrounding communities, the younger bar dances at holiday times and on weekends, and school proms and homecomings. Recently, Christie Eliason added a Zumba option, a cross between dancing and workout with peppy music, well-patronized by women from their teens through 60s, sometimes with children in tow (Cromwell Pavilion, Mondays at 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.) Where are the guys, though? 


    Maybe, someday, if I ever really retire, Rod and I will teach ballroom dancing again, and we’ll hope to replenish the ranks. Let me know if you’d like that.

  • 2012 - Second Annual Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fun Run/Walk Continues to Grow

    July 17, 2012 • Voyageur Press


    The second annual Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fun Run/Walk, held Saturday, July 7, in Cromwell, once again brought the community together to celebrate the life of a special little boy while raising funds for meaningful causes.


    The event honors Kaleb Anderson, the fun-loving son of Greg and Jen Anderson.

    Kaleb was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital condition in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. During his short life, he underwent three surgeries in an effort to correct the defect. On Aug. 28, 2008, at the age of three, Kaleb passed away from complications following his third surgery.


    Throughout Kaleb's medical treatments, the Anderson family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis. The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families, allowing them to remain close to hospitalized children while easing the financial and emotional burden of extended medical stays.


    This year's pancake breakfast raised $1,600, which will be used to purchase supplies for the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis.

    The memorial event also attracted another strong turnout of runners and walkers.

    "I estimate about 175 participants," Jen Anderson said. "That's pretty close to what we had last year."


    The walk itself raised approximately $10,400, surpassing last year's total of $9,500.


    A quilt raffle, featuring a handmade quilt donated by Jim and Bette Deming, added another $965 to the fundraising effort. Tim Wysocki of Cloquet was the lucky winner.

    "Both the walk and raffle proceeds will go toward the playground equipment," Jen said.


    Race Results

    Kyle Smith captured the men's 5K title with a winning time of 17:42, while Star Anderson was the top female finisher, completing the course in 19:53.

    Approximately 40 children participated in the Kids Triathlon.

    Ages 3-4

    1st: Katie Heikkila

    2nd: Phoenix Anderson

    3rd: Drew Nyberg

    Ages 5-7

    1st: Austin Orvedahl

    2nd: Payton Rosbacka

    3rd (three-way tie): Lily Kahara-Wallace, Clay Anderson, and Avery Koivisto

    Ages 8-10

    1st: Shaily Hakamaki

    2nd: Eliana Anderson

    3rd: Jayden Orvedahl


    Jen Anderson expressed her gratitude for the continued community support.

    "I was very excited and pleased with the turnout this year and the money raised," she said. "Last year the All-School Reunion brought more people to the breakfast, but the number of runners and walkers stayed about the same. I wasn't sure what kind of turnout we'd have this year, but it was fantastic. We had 39 sponsors this year, compared to 35 last year."

    The fundraising effort is focused on helping purchase new playground equipment for Cromwell, a project expected to cost approximately $130,000.


    "To date, we've raised about $30,000," Jen said. "We plan to continue holding this event every year, with next year's run scheduled for July 6, 2013—the first Saturday in July."


    With growing participation, generous sponsors, and enthusiastic community support, the Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fun Run/Walk continues to honor Kaleb's memory while helping improve the community he loved and supporting families facing the challenges of childhood illness.

  • 2011 - First Ever Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fun Run/Walk

    July 12, 2011 • Voyageur Press


    The first annual Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fun Run/Walk proved to be an overwhelming success, drawing hundreds of participants and raising more than $10,000 for a new community playground in Cromwell.


    Approximately 85 runners and 160 walkers registered for the event. An additional 34 children took part in the Kids Triathlon.

    Kyle Smith was the overall men's winner, while Star Anderson finished as the top female runner.


    The Kids Triathlon featured three age divisions.

    In the 3- to 4-year-old division, Kyra Granholm placed first, followed by Emmy Lind in second and Sienna Anderson in third.


    The 5- to 7-year-old division was won by Payton Rosbacka. Eliana Anderson and Lily Kahara tied for second place.


    Among the 8- to 10-year-olds, Shaily Hakamaki claimed first place, Taye Anderson finished second, and Jaden Orvedahl placed third.

    "We never imagined such a great turnout our first year," said Kaleb's parents, Jen and Greg Anderson. "It is deeply touching and means so much to our family."


    The Andersons had wanted to organize a fundraiser in memory of their son, Kaleb, ever since his passing nearly three years earlier.

    "When the playground equipment was removed from the pavilion, we thought it would be nice to help the city replace it," Greg said.


    The project offered an opportunity to honor Kaleb's memory while giving something meaningful back to the community. All proceeds from the event will be used to help build a new playground at the Cromwell pavilion.


    Although all donations and expenses had not yet been finalized at the time of publication, organizers expected the fundraiser to generate more than $10,000.


    Kaleb was remembered by his parents as a happy, easygoing little boy who loved life.

    "He loved to give fishy kisses," Jen and Greg recalled, "and show off his 'cheese' smile while riding his 'vroom-vroom'—his John Deere tractor."


    Kaleb was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. During his three short years of life, he underwent three major heart surgeries.


    On Aug. 28, 2008, at the age of three, Kaleb passed away from complications following his third surgery.


    Throughout Kaleb's medical treatments, the Anderson family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a "home away from home" for families with hospitalized children, allowing them to remain close to their loved ones at little or no cost.


    "Nobody truly understands how wonderful the Ronald McDonald House is until they've stayed there," Jen said. "That's why we chose to have a pancake breakfast along with the walk."

    The pancake breakfast alone raised more than $3,000.


    The Anderson family plans to return to the Ronald McDonald House where they stayed to prepare a meal for families currently living there. During their visit, they will also present a check representing the proceeds from the breakfast fundraiser.


    The community's response to both the memorial walk and the breakfast served as a powerful reminder of Kaleb's lasting impact.

    "He touched so many lives in his short time with us," Jen and Greg said. "Through this fundraiser, we've realized he touched even more lives than we ever knew."


    The inaugural Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fun Run/Walk not only celebrated the life of a remarkable little boy but also united a community in support of two causes close to the Anderson family's heart—creating a place for children to play and giving back to families facing the challenges of childhood illness.

  • 2005 - An angel named Kaleb

    One morning in heaven, God was talking with a little angel named Kaleb.

    Kaleb was very special to God, and God had an important job for him—one that would take many years to complete.

    "There are two little girls who need an angel to watch over them," God told him. "Their names are Madisyn and Eliana. They are very special to Me. They are strong and brave, but even the strongest and bravest people need someone watching over them."

    God smiled and continued.

    "The best part is that they live in the same house, so you only have to fly to one place each night. Before you came to heaven, they were your sisters, so I know you'll know exactly how to care for them."

    Then God gently reminded him, "Remember, Kaleb, they can't see you anymore, but they will always know you are there."

    "They're very smart girls," God said with a smile. "When you visit them at night, be careful not to wake them. When you hug them, wrap your wings around them so softly that they won't even feel them. And when you kiss their cheeks, don't leave a mark behind."

    God knew the girls would look in the mirror every morning and check their beds, just in case a feather had been left behind.

    Kaleb was very good at being quiet and sneaky, so God knew they would never catch him.

    Still, Madisyn and Eliana would always know he was near.

    Because brothers love their sisters forever and always—even from heaven.


    A Special Dedication

    This story was written especially for Madisyn and Eliana in loving memory of their brother, Kaleb.

    Our cousins, Greg and Jen Anderson of the Cromwell area, recently experienced the heartbreaking loss of their three-year-old son, Kaleb. His passing has deeply affected their entire family, especially his young sisters.

    It is my hope that this story brings them comfort and reminds them that the love between a brother and his sisters never ends.

    With love,

    Masasha Smith