Knowing that could've been you is an intimidating feeling. That reality probably swept over Army Spc. Paul McCleskey March 27, 2009. McCleskey visited the Stephenson County All Veterans Memorial Park.
Sadness and irony was in the air. McCleskey stood among monuments to fallen soldiers after paying his respects to the late Spc. Norman Cain III. Cain and McCleskey served on the same base in Aghanistan. However, the young warriors didn't serve side by side.
Freedom has never been free. Cain became another hero who paid the price. He joins the spirits, which hover around the memorial park. As people stroll there, let them remember Cain and his fellow fallen comrades. When they gaze at the Gold Star Memorial, let them remember families of those lost in war.
A Community Cheerleader
Pretzel City will be forever synonymous with Valeria Wiegand. Attempts to add variety to my stories, Pretzel City became an apt replacement for Freeport. Doing so earned me a call from Wiegand. She was pleased the moniker was getting promoted.
Eventually, Wiegand tapped me as an honorary member of Pretzel City USA. Every community needs a cheerleader. Though Wiegand has not been the only avid supporter of Freeport, she made a siginificant impact. Wiegand even helped save the waterfall on Flagstaff Hill in Krape Park.
Valeria, when I eat a pretzel, I'll think of you.
Playing With Dolls
Boys aren't supposed to play with dolls. That "conventional wisdom" hasn't stopped them. A handmade Raggedy Andy doll is among my prized possessions. Being my Grandma's painstaking creation makes it valuable.
While my doll's history is archived in my mind (he was made when I was 3-years-old), the past of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls no longer has a home. The museum, located in Arcola, Ill., dedicated to their legacy closes in December.
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