National and regional award-winning journalist, photographer, and activist (Hanford, Spokane River, regional clean air issues, national nuclear weapons and waste policy). Former senior editor Camas Magazine, former client and communications director, Center for Justice, Spokane.
With the radio on, I was driving toward Spokane along Highway 2 in early June when an opportunity jumped out at me.
“…We really need more football officials because we cover three hundred plus youth football games each year,” the voice said.
Such was the demand for new referees, the voice continued, that it was likely applicants would actually get to work games in the coming season.
I can imagine the audience to whom this plea for help was intended. I didn’t imagine it was an invitation aimed at a widow with a daughter just out of college.
The way Helen had it figured, she was going to be there for Murray no matter what. Which is why she knew she had to speak her piece at his funeral. It’s also why she felt compelled to attend the reception afterwards, which was in a large hall south of downtown, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“I’m kinda guessin’ an older crowd,” Rick said, as he drove across the Menomonee River. Continue reading Piano→
When Helen shouted “wait!” into the still and sweetly incensed air of the cathedral, it couldn’t help but be disconcerting to her that Father James’s reaction was to flinch and rock backwards onto his heels. He didn’t ask a question but his expression begged for an answer, and she offered one.
