During his motivational speaking stops around Columbia, through his work with children and adolescents from around the community, L’Damian Washington sees the impact he makes. When he goes back to Douglass High School and a student calls out to him and says he’s still wearing the sneakers Washington and former Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel […]
Ghost Grappling
For those not familiar with Donald Quist’s work, his stories are warmhearted, sensitive and unapologetically honest. Growing up, Quist was raised in two homes; he lived part time with his father in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and with his mother in Silver Spring, Maryland. From a young age, Quist knew he wanted to write. Still, it wasn’t […]
Tucked-away Thai
A flashing, red neon sign in the window of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Alley A reads, “Open now;” signaling that Big Mama Chim is back at a new location in downtown Columbia. On a chilly January night, or any night really, she can be found in the kitchen with her sleeves rolled up preparing for […]
Aging Gracefully
At some point in our lives we become primary caregivers for an aging family member. My most recent patient wasn’t a parent or a pet. It was a Pontiac. From the tow truck’s shotgun seat, looking through a shoebox-sized side mirror at my car in chains, I had time to reflect on her journey. In […]
A Touch of Texas
In a few weeks, trees throughout the Mark Twain National Forest will begin their annual transformation from the greens of summer to autumn’s deep golds, oranges and reds, and Dr. Shelley and Barry Williams have a front row seat. At their home on the edge of the timber stand, button bucks and does with their […]