10 Stories to Celebrate 10 Years of ‘StoryCorps’

Last week, NPR celebrated StoryCorps’ 10th anniversary by replaying some of the program’s most memorable stories. First off, I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with StoryCorps or NPR. I just think they both kick ass. So in the same vain, I’ve gathered 10 stories that have stayed with me over the years. They are sweet, painful, funny, inspiring, and incredibly honest.

If you’ve got a few minutes, I suggest you listen. Just keep some tissues handy. (All headings link directly to the StoryCorps website if you’d like to learn more.)

1. Bonnie Brown and daughter, Myra Brown

Bonnie and Myra Brown have a special mother-daughter relationship. Bonnie is intellectually disabled, and the duo have learned to take care of each other. (pictured above, photo courtesy of StoryCorps) 

2. Husband and wife Danny and Annie Perasa

This is a story about true love. Danny and Annie Perasa had been married for 28 years before he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away. After hearing them speak about each other, you have to wonder: Why settle for anything less than a love like this?

3. Carrie Conley and son Jerry Johnson

After her husband left, this mother of six had to make do with already limited resources. But come Christmastime, she still managed to give Santa Claus a run for his money.

4. Father Michael Duffy

Father Michael Duffy, a Franciscan priest, talks about giving the homily at the funeral for his friend, Father Mychal Judge, chaplain to the New York City Fire Department and the first official casualty of the Sept. 11 attacks.

5. Lyle Link and granddaughter Carly Dreher

As a young man, Lyle Link defied his father and pursued a life outside of the farm. He married his soulmate, and they “made all new tracks” together for almost 70 years.

6. MJ Seide and granddaughter Glenna Alperin

MJ Seide never imagined that she would have a family because she was gay. Once she fell in love with her partner, everything changed.

7. Joe Buford and tutor Michelle Miller

After not knowing how to read for most of his life, Joe Buford decided it was time to learn. He would give it a year and see what would happen.

8. Mary Johnson and Oshea Israel

This is one incredible story of forgiveness. Somehow Mary Johnson learned to forgive Oshea Israel, the man who killed her son. Years after the tragic incident, the two have formed a strong bond. “I treat you as I would treat my son,” Mary says.

9. The Greenberg family

Carl and Laura Greenberg chat with their daughter, Rebecca. “We make a very odd couple,” Carl says. “I scared the crap out of him,” Laura says. “The first time he kissed me, he had a nose bleed all over his face, he was so nervous.”

10. Lourdes Villanueva and son Roger Villanueva

Roger Villanueva found strength and inspiration in his mother, Lourdes, who pursued her education while working in the fields. She was recognized as a “Champion of Change” by the Obama administration for her work in farmworker advocacy with the Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Florida.