Monday, February 12, 2007

A Love Story for Valentine's Day

I'm a big fan of NPR (National Public Radio), I have my alarm clock/radio set to KAKM 91.1 so I can wake up to Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne giving me Morning Edition. It's not the news but the human interest pieces. They consistently have thoughtful, engaging and poignant stories--the stuff that gets my brain going and helps me to shake off sleep.

On Friday mornings they have a series called StoryCorps where traveling recording booths tour the country and average citizens like myself can go with a friend or relative and interview one another, preserving personal stories and histories as part of our national heritage.

Sometimes the stories are funny, but most often I am touched by the depth of human experience. Last year I heard Seth Fleischauer interview his grandfather William Jacobs and relate one of the most beautiful stories of love I've ever heard. I got rather teary hearing it on the radio and again when I related it to Andrew later that day.

Here is the clip: Go to this page at npr.org where there is a synopsis of the interview. Scroll to the top and click the "listen" button. Select which media player you normally use and listen to a clip of the interview. Then come back and tell me if you cried.

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16 comments:

strauss said...

That was a truly beautiful story. I also got teary with the way Grandfather and Grandson regarded each other - what a lovely show of respect.

M said...

Great story! I have been an NPR fan for years! In a world of sound bites- they take the time to really explore their stories.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story - that love. Just beautiful.

Heather said...

I listened and I cried. How sweet is their relationship and how wonderful that that man told his Grandfather how much his life has been guided by the Grandparents' relationship! How many of us actually make it a point to tell people when they leave a mark on our lives?

Mary said...

That truly was beautiful, thank you for sharing that! If only everyone could experience true love like that.

Anonymous said...

That is a wonderful story!!!

Gina said...

Simply beautiful...Yes, Michelle, it did make me cry.

wheresmymind said...

My wife is a huge NPR (the station that David Sedaris buit) fan.

Nicole said...

Aww. That is SO sweet. Yes, I did cry, but I am emotional, so I'm sure if that counts. Ha

Anonymous said...

I like the NPR, too. If it were up to me, I'd keep the dial there while I drive the family van. But my 3-year old, who loves silly songs, would always say, "Daddy, could you change the channel now?"


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Just this morning I started to cry listening to an essay from a woman whose daughter is a heroine addict. Despite years of helping her and watching her relapse, the the woman has come to the conclusion that all she can really do is love her daughter. It was part of the "This I Believe" series if you'd like to hear it.

Thank you for sharing this loving story.

Jeni said...

i also loved this story.

i love morning edition, but even more i love this american life.

wayabetty said...

I heard about this a while back and thought it was so interesting and wanted to do that. But never got around to it. That was a great piece.

Lauri said...

I love StoryCorps too - I always try to catch it - thanks for the link if I miss one!

Catherine said...

Oooh, that was tricky! It thought it was sweet and moving, but not enough to invoke tears... UNTIL he and his grandfather exchanged I love yous right at the end. Bam! Just like that and I was tearing up!

Thanks for sharing. :)

Gabrielle said...

Ok, I cried. Just a genuinely beautiful story.