In truth, I sometimes wrestle with what to write for our morning chats on Tuesdays.
The TFP is filled with interesting, emotional, outrageous and joyous stories throughout the weekend. The buffet is as varied and enticing as Wally's in East Ridge.
We could discuss the great story by Rosana Hughes (with Doug Strickland's powerful photos) on the wedding dreams derailed and the family devastated by the senseless killing of a UTC student over a video game console.
Get involved
UTC is bringing StoryCorps, the NPR staple, to town. For a chance to use the StoryCorps recording studios to interview someone in your life or share a conversation with someone, go to WUTC.org to register.
We could celebrate the lifetime memories made by the Bradley Central girls' basketball team (and the awesome photos from TFP ace Robin Rudd), who won the program's first state title since 1976.
We could argue about whatever that thing that President Trump did, because, well, that's every day, I suppose.
We could even pull back the Band-Aid on what is and is not a fireable offense in the Chattanooga Police Department.
Each has its merits.
But today, I want to make sure you are aware that a week from today, you have the chance to share your story.
That's right, the immensely popular StoryCorps Mobile Booth is coming to Miller Park on March 19.
The StoryCorps folks are a National Public Radio staple. It's a treasure trove of personal recollections.
And they are coming to Chattanooga, thanks to a great idea and promotion from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Yes, WUTC-FM 88.1 and NPR are well-connected. And yes, there could be a great many of our local conversations that air on the school's radio station on either "Morning Edition" from 6-9 a.m. or "All Things Considered" from 4-7 p.m. Each program is a weekday fixture.
So, kudos to the UTC folks for bringing in this unique chance to become a storyteller in the modern era of self-told stories.
Personally, this is a year too late. My father, who I would love to take to the StoryCorps recording studio, was diagnosed with brain cancer this time last year. To ask him his favorite childhood memory, the time he was most scared, the time he was most proud or whatever story he would most like to retell would be amazing.
I missed that chance. Do not miss yours, with whomever in your life may have wisdom or humor or memories you would like to collect forever.
But this goes beyond the personal and the chance to connect with the older members of your family.
Be a diligent citizen. And a patriot. If you know a veteran you admire or a longtime historian of our town, or your locale, ask them to join you.
The stories of our past should be shared and enjoyed.
And they will be forgotten forever unless we find ways to share, retell and cherish them.
That's something StoryCorps does better than anyone.
We should all embrace that chance.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.