Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Sunday, May 11, 2008

Sharon Barnharst: 'My Mother'

“Stealing is stealing even if it’s only a common pin,” she was told by her mother, a Norwegian from Suldal, Norway. So at Caroline’s house and with her family, this was again repeated.

To enforce this saying, this is what happened. Her son took a roll of Scotch tape from the local hardware store. He was made to take it back to the owner while she and her husband sat in the car.

She was an honest but plain and humble mother with her kids — so important. Not just the physical necessities of life but the moral side even more important.

— Sharon Barnharst, Hustler, Wis.