Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

This was the second time in my life that the police called about a friend close to me. This time it was Harold Haapoja, dying unexpectedly, and they were seeking relatives to contact. I searched for phone numbers or tried to think of a way to contact the relatives.

I remember staring at the wall for quite a while. I could not cry but just let the sadness settle in. Harold came to me, alive as can be, and spoke to me in my thoughts, saying it would be OK.

More than 20 years ago, Harold and I started to collaborate in plays and perform in numerous events in the community. We also helped each...