StoryCorps
StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another's lives through listening.
StoryCorpsA Son's Premonition, And A Final Baseball Game
Dr. Gregg and Kathryn Korbon tell the story of the Brian C. Korbon Field in Charlottesville, Va., named in honor of their son. Before his ninth birthday, Brian told his parents he wouldn't make it to his "double digits." He died months later. "That's what he was trying to tell us all that time," Kathryn recalls.
StoryCorpsA Mother's Journey: Growing First, Then Loving
Mala Fernando got married in Sri Lanka on her 22nd birthday. She was an adult by then — but not in her husband's eyes. Mala discussed those days recently with her daughter, Ashanthi Gajaweera. "It was tough," Mala said. "He used to treat me like a little girl. I told him, 'I'm not your daughter. I'm your wife.'"
StoryCorpsOne Man's Dream Job: Transforming The Dead
Sam Reed loves his job so much that it almost seems like he was born to do it. He's a mortician who has always been fascinated by the way dead people are prepared to look peaceful at their funerals. But the real benefit, he says, is that it can ease a family's grief.
The Night The Martians Marched On Mississippi()
October 30, 2009 When Joe Pigott was growing up in Mississippi, he knew that his step-grandfather was an unusual man. A country doctor, "he had no sense of humor whatsoever," Pigott recalls. And then one night, the family heard a report of an invasion from Mars.
School Custodian Has Big Role — And Big Heart()
October 23, 2009 Chloe Smith, 13, recently interviewed someone she has admired since first grade: Willie Jefferson, a custodian at her school. They talked about the integral role Jefferson plays in the students' lives. "It's like the whole school, all the kids are my family," Jefferson says.
A Healthy Approach Replaces Self-Pity With Promise()
October 16, 2009 When Andrew DeVries was recovering from a serious accident in 2002, he met a physician's assistant who helped him navigate his way back to health — and who became a friend for life. With surgeons preparing him for life with one leg, the young physician's assistant asked DeVries a question: "Andy, what kind of golf ball do you play?"
Struggles As A Boy Led To Strength As A Father()
October 9, 2009 With four daughters, Michael Cahn says he has never wanted sons — his troubled boyhood made him feel like he could not raise one properly. As he prepared to walk one of his daughters down the aisle, he told her how much joy she's brought to his life.
Boy Lifts Book; Librarian Changes Boy's Life()
October 2, 2009 In 1950s Arkansas, Olly Neal didn't care much for school. Then he wandered into the library and stumbled onto a book by author Frank Yerby. The discovery changed the life of a boy who was, in Neal's memory, "a rather troubled high school senior."
A Mother's Mark: On Her Son's Head, And His Life()
September 25, 2009 Jose Cruz talks with his daughter, Grace, about his mother. He explains the deep impact his mom had on him, even though she had to leave their home in the Dominican Republic to find work in the United States. They were later reunited in New York City.
Grandfather And Grandson Struggle With Coming Out()
September 18, 2009 Tony Perri, who is openly gay, has eight grandchildren. When Jeffrey, the eldest grandson, came out at the age of 13, his family was supportive and accepting, but grandfather Tony was one of the last to know.
Firefighter Father Recalls Losing Sons On 9/11()
September 11, 2009 John Vigiano Jr. was a New York City firefighter. His younger brother, Joe, served on the police force as a detective. Both died in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Their father recalls his final conversations with the two.
'Guardians Of The Gate' Recall Thwarting Suicides()
September 4, 2009 Ironworkers Kerry Davis and Ken Hopper have climbed around on the Golden Gate Bridge for 25 years. In that time, they've met many challenges — but the most troubling have come from people wanting to commit suicide by jumping from the tall span.
Convincing An Aging Mother To Take A Hard Step()
August 28, 2009 When Pauline Green, 78, fell and broke her shoulder last year, the injury changed her life. Even after rehabilitating the shoulder, Green was not able to live on her own anymore. And that put her daughter, Fanni, in a difficult spot.
