Writers see stories everywhere.

In a little boy in full pirate regalia standing under an oscillating front yard sprinkle.

In an overheard conversation at the grocery store. “It’s not his baby. I don’t care what she says!”

In a tattered “Missing Cat” flier fastened to a streetlight with pink duct tape.

These bits and pieces of everyday life call to us and beg us to fill in the blanks – to uncover the rest of the story.

One place in particular teams with tales – the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. Each year on Memorial Day weekend, after placing flowers at my father-in-law’s grave, I wander among the headstones and wonder about the people buried here.

Harold Schoessler lies here. According to his gravestone, he was “Washington State’s last horse soldier.” Born in 1918 and died in 2013, I would have loved to hear his stories.

The marker of a World War II Army private reads, “I have ways to make you laugh Blackie.” Full story. Cindy Hval, SR

Izzit just me? Or do you see stories everywhere, too?

 

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