There was an odd quiet that night.
Mom was napping. I was playing with my Old Maid cards on the floor by the couch and my oldest brother, Roy, was setting up his militia men on the coffee table, preparing for war.
The plastic toy soldiers slid down the radiator, one after the other, gliding and melting simultaneously. Roy’s joy could not be disguised as the members of his military team oozed and morphed and flowed into each other, reaching the floor in a glorious mix of arms and armor, legs and helmets.
There was an odd quiet that night
Once you know the smell of ash and ember, you can never get it out of your system. It’s there forever, lurking, waiting to be revived.
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Read more by Reuben Maurico here.
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The value of stories — Why read them? Why write?
Reading other people’s stories can be a good way to learn about other people’s experiences and perspectives, and can also be a way to gain insight into different cultures and ways of life. Memoirs can also be very engaging and can help readers feel a personal connection with the author. Additionally, memoirs can be inspiring and offer a sense of hope or encouragement by showing how someone has overcome challenges or achieved their goals. Finally, reading memoirs can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to pass the time.
Writing a memoir– no matter how short or how long — can be a rewarding and therapeutic process. It can be a way for the writer to reflect on their life and to make sense of their experiences. Writing a memoir can also be a way for the writer to share their story with others and to connect with readers on a deeper level. In some cases, writing a memoir can be a way for the writer to leave a legacy for future generations or to document events or stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Finally, writing a memoir can be a way for the writer to work through their emotions and to gain a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Consider submitting your story to The Good Men Project here.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
 White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism |
 Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box |
 The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer |
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Photo credit: iStockPhoto.com
