This past week, I received some unfortunate news from an unlikely source.
Wanda Dolin is a Reedsville woman with whom I had a previous interview about her beloved Frank the Yardman. Frank was a "costume wearing" figure constructed out of wood, plastic foam and peanut stuffing - essentially a transplant from Erie and overall a surprise gift from her sister.
Recently, the Dolphins held a double wedding. Their son, Stephen Dolin Jr. and Frank the Yardman were married on the same day. Sure, to some people this may seem kind of strange, but to the Dolin family - this day, the entire wedding and the very moment both were to be married was essentially going to create lasting memories and countless stories that were to be told to generations to come.
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Tara Maguire
One evening at work, I received a phone call - on the other end, Wanda Dolin. Her voice was distraught and I was immediately compelled to ask her what was wrong. She proceeded to tell me that somebody had taken Franks head, and she was forced to take France - Franks wife inside as a result.
Why would somebody take Franks head? Both Dolin and I were completely unsure. But whoever committed the inconsiderate act, surely does not respect others' property.
Imagine if you, yourself or other family members took the time to decorate their front lawn with carefully placed items; tediously tended to shrubs, hung lawn lights to and fro or carefully constructed a beautiful mulch path - only to have it ruined by someone's poor choices.
As Dolin puts it, the neighborhood children who once were entertained by Frank will no longer be able to get a chuckle out his ever changing outfits at every holiday.
Everyone is guilty of making poor choices in life. I know that for a fact as I make them all the time. But as I am reminded of what my father used to tell me - that every action has a consequence. Unfortunately the outcome in this case, is that the Dolins, their family members and the children who once enjoyed Frank will no longer be able to do so.
Sentinel reporter Tara Maguire welcomes parenting advice and stories at tmaguire@lewistownsentinel.com.
