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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EndNotes

A week to remember

James
James "Plunky" Branch plays his soprano saxophone near the new Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial in Washington, Monday, Aug. 22, 2011. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

The week has been filled with anniversaries of historic events:  the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the last episode of M*A*S*H.

 We often ask each other: “Where were you when this important event happened?”  

When Martin Luther King, Jr was killed, I sat practicing piano in anticipation of my June recital; the recital went on that June night when Bobby Kennedy rested in a Los Angeles hospital fighting for his life.  

When M*A*S*H aired its final episode, I skipped out early on a church meeting, saying I had “family concerns at home.”  Married, living in an upstairs apartment, my husband and I watched Alan Alda and his team fold up their tents, head for home and say “GOOD-BYE,” in rock-solid fashion. Best kiss of television aired that night between Hawkeye and Hot Lips.  

Our lives are punctuated with real-life tragedy and dramatic story-telling that demonstrate truth while entertaining;  these memories continue to inspire, entertain, teach and bless.

Where were you when your life-defining events happened?

(S-R photo: James "Plunky" Branch plays his soprano saxophone near the new Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial in Washington)



Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.