Good morning and welcome to Summit Up, the world’s only daily column that becomes misty eyed when it comes time to say goodbye. We’ve heard it called graduation goggles, that strange sensation that accompanies the end of your time with someone, that makes you suddenly feel quite fond of them, even if you never really liked them much in the first place. We’ve experienced this several times when we’re struck by the impulse to hug our dentists at the end of the last visit and even maybe apologize for biting them that one time. It was an accident, we swear.

And if graduation goggles can make those with cavities feel a kind of affection for the unfortunate professionals who fill them, imagine what it can do when someone who you actually did like quite a lot walks out of your life. That was the sad experience of the congregation of Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church, who recently had to say goodbye to their beloved pastor Joe Holub earlier this month. So here’s a soggy, but heartfelt (there was something that looked suspiciously like tear drops on the page submitted to us) Don’t Forget to Write Alert!! Don’t Forget to Write Alert!! from the church to its departing pastor:

“On Sunday, Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church held a picnic celebration at the Eagles Nest Pavilion in Silverthorne to honor pastor Joe Holub after his last service. Approximately 250 members and guests attended the farewell.

“Pastor Joe will be missed for the way he inspired and challenged us every week, for his selfless care giving, for developing a vibrant youth program; all leading to a successful period of growth and involvement within the community,” said Henry Rissier, council president.

“The pastor and his wife, Marcia, will move permanently to their home in Buena Vista.”

Alas, the bittersweet nip of goodbye. Pastor Joe, you seem to have left your mark on the community. You will be missed!

That’s all we’ve got for you today, people. Check back in some other time for more.

We out.