Author: Ron Stempkowski
The Warrior Queen
I read a book called “Warrior Queens” in college, and attended an event hosted by the author, Lady Antonia Fraser, who discussed the topics of her book: women who defied history (and odds)... Read More
The First of the Firsts
My family has celebrated Thanksgiving early for so long, I don’t think we remember when we didn’t. It stemmed out of a long-standing tradition my parents started by taking a month before C... Read More
In the Tiny Moments
Tears caught me off guard as I drove home from a weekend visit with my mom. I was passing Carmax where I’d met her a few days before. We’d agreed to meet there so she could drive Dad‘... Read More
The Power of the Ripple
I loved Ken, as did so many. He made me laugh, made feel special, never made me feel awkward in my awkwardness. I received a letter in the mail from a name I didn’t immediately recognize. Upon r... Read More
Celebration of a Lifetime
In so many ways, my dad was larger than life. A living legend, of sorts. The undisputed patriarch of a family who adorned and respected him. Stories about him have been legend for as long as I can rem... Read More
Like Father, Like Son
When my phone rang early Wednesday morning, I saw it was my sister Shelli. “Sweet,” I thought. “She scored the weed we wanted for Dad to see if it would give him an appetite!” ... Read More
Get Thee to Starved Rock
Starved Rock State Park is often called “the Grand Canyon” of Illinois. I’d only begun hearing about five or so years ago. The name always intrigued me. It seemed like such a sullen ... Read More
Giving Back (‘Til It Hurts)
I learned something very important–surprising, even–at the 25th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon: high schoolers are still sticking gum under their desks. Lots of different colored gum.... Read More