For the story of a meaningful life.

I always liked to write obituaries. Other writers at newspapers often shun such an assignment. They think it's too boring. But I'd occasionally write obituaries about little known people. Not famous. But I think there's a fantastic story behind virtually everyone. If only a writer looks for it. And I found that easy. Merely by talking to someone's acquaintances. I inquire. 'Tell me something,' I say. 'Something memorable. Something funny. Something serious. Something interesting.' And that gives me the building blocks. For the story of a meaningful life. --Jim Broede