Barbara Schmid: Journals evoke powerful memories

The faded blue T-shirt had been wrapped around 10 journals in the cedar chest for 32 years. This year, I brought them into the light and heard the voice of the journal writer in an empty room.

"It's not fair." This voice belonged to our daughter, Heidi Marie, born in 1962. That mantra was heard in our house often. She was not a docile little girl, and throughout 18 years she espoused causes she felt could make the world better; her "Primer for Social Justice."

All through her school years, she brought hungry kids home to feed, to help with schoolwork and befriend. Her principal called us in when Heidi ...